John Karl Stuth

John Karl Stuth, devoted father, son, grandfather, friend, and veteran passed away peacefully on November 4th, 2024. He was 75. John was born in Sturgeon Bay, WI on March 9th, 1949, the second of three children born to Karl Henry Stuth and Doris (Graf) Stuth.
John attended Cherry School and Sturgeon Bay High School graduating in 1968. He went on to attend Madison Area Technical School before enlisting to serve his country in the United States Army in 1968. He attended basic training in Fort Rucker AL followed by advanced training in aviation. During the height of the Vietnam conflict, John proudly served as a 'Huey' helicopter pilot. His dedication, bravery, and camaraderie were evident during his service and two tours of duty, based in Chu Lai. He was proud of his military service and achieved the rank of Chief Warrant Officer-2. These life lessons and experiences shaped his adaptability, his endless drive for all that was possible, and his unwavering faith.
John returned to Sturgeon Bay to his beloved wife Jennifer, and the first of their four children. Teen adventures that began at the Door County Fair led to stints by the young couple and a growing family in Hurley, WI; Colorado Springs, CO; Omaha, NE and notably Green Bay, WI before their return to family, friends, and the community that was always home - on the water, along Bayshore Drive, and in Sturgeon Bay.
John was a driven and entrepreneurial man and the hardest worker in any room. A delivery driver, store manager, and self-described "peddler," he founded John Stuth Associates in 1981. The sporting goods manufacturers' representative agency later became Excel Marketing. His company expanded from Green Bay to Minneapolis and Chicago with business relationships that took him across the globe and created lasting friendships. Amidst these achievements, John remained humble, lived his belief in surrounding himself with people smarter than him, and deeply respected his office family. He lived by the principle that no task was too big or too small and was never deterred by a challenge or learning something new. He demanded high standards and thrived on expectations – especially exceeded his own. He later served as president and CEO of a publicly held company, a role that reflected his dedication, intelligence and leadership.
An avid outdoorsman, John's love for the outdoors and wildlife was central to work and play. He loved hunting in the woods that surrounded Waldo's cabin in Saxon, WI with his uncle, his father, his son, and the many family and friends whose camaraderie he treasured. He was content fishing off the dock, at the rock pile, or in an ice shanty with family. Ever in pursuit of big adventures, he traveled widely, with memorable trips to British Columbia, Honduras, the West Indies, and Florida's Atlantic Coast. Whether chartering sailboats to exotic places or returning to a favorite beach home – he treasured time with family and friends. Known for his keen sense of humor and a good story, gatherings to share meals, stories, and Manhattans were frequent and often impromptu.
Faith was a central part of John's life, instilled in him by parents and the community of St. Peter's Lutheran Church in Sturgeon Bay. He was present for all four of his children's baptisms, his parents' funerals, and his daughter's wedding. Sadly, in 1995 while attending a Sunday service, John suffered a debilitating heart attack. Complications would compromise his memories and abilities for the next 29 years.
Despite the challenges that ensued for John, and for all those who loved him, life continued to bring new and brighter chapters. New daughters-in-law and sons-in-law, six grandchildren, friends, and caregivers continued to join his side to offer love and support. All appreciated that John remained quick to smile and that his laughter still boomed. The gifts he continued to offer – most notably, beaded necklaces, showed the patience that he always practiced for tangled fishing lines and endless baiting of hooks. His warmth, wisdom, and laughter will be missed by many.
Family and faith were at the center of life for John. As his care needs changed and became more significant over decades, many contributed to skilled and loving support. The family wishes to honor and thank the professional and personal caregiving provided to John. Most recently, the family of Scand Skilled Nursing staff who provided excellent care for the past 8 years until his passing.
John is survived by Jennifer Stuth, for whom his love never faded - never; his four children, Tiffany (Stuth) O'Day, Tricia Stuth (Ted Shelton), Todd (Carin) Stuth, and Tate (Natalie) Stuth; and six grandchildren, Riley O'Day, Isabella O'Day, Finn Stuth, Trygg Stuth, Gunnar Stuth, and Turner Shelton; his sister Margaret (Keith) Richard and brother Richard Stuth; and many special nieces and nephews; his in-laws, Valerie Jursnick, Cynthia Boudwin (Steve), Hilary Stauber (John), Jeffrey May (Tracy), and Timothy May (Debbie), and their children and grandchildren.
John was preceded in death by his parents, Karl and Doris Stuth, his parents-in-law, Leon and Elsie May, and his brother-in-law Robert Jursnick.
Friends and family can join us to celebrate his life, appropriately so, on Veteran's Day, Monday, November 11, 2024, at St. Peter's Lutheran Church. Visitation from 11:00 am – 1:00 pm will be followed by a funeral service at 1:00 pm. Interment will follow at Bayside Cemetery in Sturgeon Bay with full military honors. In lieu of flowers, all contributions in John's memory will be made to provide resources to local Veteran organizations, St. Peter's Lutheran Church, and the Miller Art Center.
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