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BORN
1923
DIED
2016
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John Felker Obituary
John A. Felker was born on September 27, 1923 in Oshkosh, WI and was called to Heaven from Neenah, WI on his 93rd Birthday in 2016. He was born the son of the late Walter D. and Hazel M. (Bacon) Felker. John proudly served his country during WWII with the U.S. Coast Guard and the U.S. Navy. He attended Lawrence College in Appleton, WI. On May 14, 1949 he married Waida E. Luebke at Immanuel Church in Neenah. Their marriage was blessed with 2 daughters and 67 wonderful years. John was employed by the Appleton Post-Crescent as an Advertising Rep. for 31 years, retiring in 1985. John was very generous with his time and talents. He was an active member of Immanuel U.C.C.; a President and Board Member of Cerebral Palsy of United Winnebagoland; a member of Hopeful Future Club; and volunteer for Friendship Circle and Best Friends. In 1986 John founded Performing Arts for Youth, Inc. which brought the Arts into schools in N.E. Wisconsin; public libraries in Neenah and Menasha; and senior centers. John especially didn't want the special-needs adults and children to miss the Performing Arts. At age 90, John generously donated to the Community Foundation to continue his mission of making the Arts accessible to all.
John will be sadly missed by his beloved wife, Waida; his daughters: Linda (Douglas) Kraus, Neenah; Mary (Mark) Bauernfeind, Neenah; grandchildren: Kristina (Jose) Valdiviezo, Las Cruces, NM; Michael (Stephanie) Jochman, Fitchburg, WI; Jennifer (Jonathan) Florin, Waunakee, WI; Zachary (Laura) Kraus, Fayetteville, AR; Ashley (Christopher) Keyes, Neenah; Mark Jr. (special friend Gretchen) Bauernfeind, Minneapolis, MN; Stephanie Kraus, Neenah; great grandchildren: Caleb Valdiviezo; Charles Jochman; Ian and Sofia Schroeder; Levi, Anna, and Julia Florin; Jacob Keyes; sister-in-law, Janice Felker, Minneapolis, MN; brother-in-law, Earl (Evelyn) Luebke, Neenah; several nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, John was preceded in death by his brother Robert Felker; brother-in-law William Luebke; parents-in-law, William and Linda Luebke.
The Funeral Service for John will be held on Friday, September 30, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. at Immanuel United Church of Christ (118 Oak St., Neenah) with Rev. Jennifer Czarnota officiating. Friends will be received directly at the church from 9:00 a.m. until the hour of service. Interment will be in Oak Hill Cemetery, Neenah. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund is being established for Immanuel U.C.C.
Westgor Funeral Home
205 W. Doty Ave.
Neenah 722-7151
Online Condolences
www.westgorfuneralhomes.com
With sincere gratitude, John's family would like to thank the staffs at Valley VNA and ThedaCare at Home Hospice for all of your care and compassion.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John Felker
Sponsored by Westgor Funeral Home - Neenah.
Char Steenis
November 5, 2016
When my children were in the Neenah Schools I remember all the wonderful programs he made available to the schools. He left a great legacy and provided so many opportunities for the arts to the area young people. God Bless! Well done, good and faithful servant!
Diane Porsch
October 2, 2016
To The John Felker Family,
I'm so sorry to learn of John's passing. I worked as an Advertising Sales Rep. at the Post-Crescent in the early 80s and always admired John - a true gentleman.
Diane (Derfus) Porsch
East Amherst, NY
Patti Updike-Huber
October 1, 2016
So sorry Mary and Linda for your loss! I remember your father as being a very kind man! You and your family are in my prayers!
Mary Harp-Jirschele
September 29, 2016
The Arts world lost a good man in John Felker. He was dedicated to sharing his passion for the arts with everyone, but especially children. In every interaction I had with him, he was SO energetic and excited - he just KNEW that what he was doing made a difference...and it doesn't get much better than that in life. He will be missed here on earth, but Heaven gained an angel.
Diane Galow
September 28, 2016
John was an outstanding asset to the Neenah Joint School District. As a school administrator, I worked with John for many years as he brought cultural arts and musical events to our young learners. The lives he touched were many. His legacy will live on as he ignited a passion for the arts in so many children. My thoughts and prayers are with his family at this difficult time.
Julie Fries
September 28, 2016
Dear Waida, Mary and family of John-I am so sorry to have learned about the loss of this wonderful soul on his birthday! If you ask me, it takes a special person to be able to time their return to our Heavenly Father as perfectly as the day we entered this world. I will miss the talks John and I had both on the phone and in his home. His generosity to his community will not be forgotten. Take Care and prayers for peace and hugs go out to all of you.
September 28, 2016
Thank you for your service to our country. Semper Paratus! May your rest in peace.
Sue Heling
September 27, 2016
Sending my deepest sympathy to Waida and her family. Rest in peace for a life well lived.
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