John "Jack" P. Hamilton

John “Jack” P. Hamilton, age 78, of Oakfield, WI, peacefully went home to be with the Lord on August 31, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. He was born on November 17, 1946, in Janesville, WI, to Georgianna and Frank Hamilton. He grew up on a farm near Evansville, WI, and attended Magnolia Corners country school, then Evansville High School, graduating in 1964. He went on to earn a degree in Conservation at Wisconsin State University Stevens Point and later, a Masters of Education at Marion College in Fond du Lac, WI.

In the fall of 1968, he joined the staff of the Oakfield School District, where he served for over 40 years, as teacher, coach, Athletic Director, Tech Coordinator, and Middle School Principal. He was not only an educator but also a mentor and friend, nurturing the talents of his students, helping them discover their potential. For several summers he organized a Boundary Waters canoe trip for his fellow teachers. He withdrew from one of those trips when a student on his track team qualified for State, so that he could accompany him. Such was his dedication to his students.

At their 15 year high school class reunion, he and Kathy (nee Bowen) Venden became reacquainted, and married on March 29, 1980. Their daughter Colleen joined brothers Eric and Scott in 1982 to complete their family. Their summers were filled with outdoor adventures, including annual fishing trips to Gold Pines Camp, Ontario, Canada.

Jack was a devout Christian man who loved the Lord Jesus and began each day reading God’s Word. As a member of Grace Evangelical Free Church in Fond du Lac, he faithfully served as a Deacon and leader of the Missions Team. He encouraged the church to broaden its mission field and in 2002, initiated ongoing annual mission trips to Camp of the Woods (COTW) a non-denominational Christian camp that ministers to youth and families near Dinorwic, Ontario, Canada, to provide a week of maintenance work.

Jack was at home in nature and willingly shared his knowledge and experience with others. The Necedah area was a favorite place for annual hunting and camping trips. He also fully enjoyed backpacking, canoeing, fishing, biking, golfing, and gardening. Walks on the ledge, part of the Niagara Escarpment behind his farm house, were often a daily routine. He was a practical and creative man, skilled at leatherworks, assembling and repairing golf clubs and the making of a bow and arrow with which he harvested a deer.

He was a deep thinker, a quiet man of wisdom and compassion who lived his life with love and integrity. He freely gave of himself to his family, his church, his students, the Oakfield community and so many others.

Jack Hamilton was so much more than what is written here. His legacy of living out his faith continues to touch the lives of all who had the privilege of knowing him. Though we mourn the loss of this special man, we are comforted in knowing that he is now in the presence of his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Jack is survived by his loving wife of 45 years, Kathy; daughter, Colleen (Ryan) Naidl; sons, Eric (Sandra) Venden and Scott Venden; grandchildren, Bailey, Alana, Aeden and Shannon Naidl, Michaela, Phoebe and Corban Venden; sister, Francette Hamilton; brothers, Philip (Betty), David and Darrell (Jenean) Hamilton; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Roger and Alex Hamilton; sisters-in-law, Mary and Diane Hamilton; mother and father-in-law, Virginia and James Bowen.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Grace Evangelical Free Church (Missions); Camp of the Woods, Box 24145, Chattanooga, TN 37422; Oakfield Alumni Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 83, Oakfield, WI 53065; or Wisconsin Parkinson Assn, 13400 Bishops Lane, Suite 120, Brookfield, WI 53005.

The family would like to thank all those who provided compassionate care and loving support during Jack’s journey with Parkinson’s disease, including his church family, Senior Day Center, Christian Home staff, YMCA Parkinson’s exercise class, home care aides, SSM Hospice and many other friends.

A Celebration of Jack’s Life will be held Saturday, October 25, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Grace Evangelical Free Church, 163 18th St., Fond du Lac, WI 54935. Visitation will be from 9:00 a.m. to the time of service.

Services are in the care of Uecker-Witt Funeral Home, 524 North Park Avenue, Fond du Lac, WI, 54935. Additional information and guestbook can be found at ueckerwitt.com