Reverend Doctor John Poffinbarger

1938 - 2021

Reverend Doctor John Poffinbarger

Stevens Point - The Reverend Doctor John Noel Poffinbarger, of Stevens Point, passed away from natural causes on February 5th, 2021. "Pastor John" was born on September 2nd, 1938 in Princeton, Illinois, the son of Ralph and Leona (Nelson) Poffinbarger.

John grew up in Princeton, Illinois and was an industrious child. He had his own lawn mowing and hay baling businesses and also worked in a local restaurant. He attended the First Lutheran Church in Princeton, Illinois. First Lutheran sponsored John during his seminary studies. John worked at a grocery store and on construction crews to pay his way through college.

After graduating from Princeton High School in 1956, John married Carol Jean Perry at First Baptist Church in Princeton Illinois on August 31st, 1957.

John attended Augustana College and graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Philosophy in the spring of 1960, he went on to the Augustana Seminary and graduated with a Masters in Theology in 1964. John received a Doctorate of Ministry degree from The Lutheran School of Theology in Chicago Illinois in 1992.

Reverend Poffinbarger served as a Pastor in the Augustana, Lutheran Church in America, and Evangelical Lutheran Church in America synods. He began a new mission, St. Luke's Lutheran Church, in Moline, Illinois. His next parish was Mount Moriah Lutheran Church in Anna Illinois. His first church in Wisconsin was Holy Communion Lutheran Church in Racine, he also served as Pastor for Christ the Victor Lutheran Church in New Berlin, First English Lutheran Church in Wisconsin Rapids, and worked as Associate to the Bishop in the Milwaukee LCA Synod office. He then served as Pastor for Ascension Lutheran Church in Green Bay, and Peace Lutheran Church in Oshkosh. Pastor John retired but came back to serve Faith and North New Hope Lutheran Churches in Rosholt and North New Hope Wisconsin.

Pastor John, as he was generally and affectionately known, had only one real interest in life. He lived to help, minister, and serve God, his church, his community, and his family. One of his many contributions was the creation of WINR a charity that rehabilitated and gave cars to the working poor and those looking for work, while he was in Oshkosh. Another labor of love was the creation and establishment of Drive Your Tractor to Church Sunday while he served Faith and North New Hope Lutheran Churches in Rosholt and North New Hope. He also loved to sing and was a fan of the Packers, Brewers, and Bucks.

John is survived by his wife, Carol; his sister, Carol Preston (Bob); oldest son, David (Christy); daughter, Lori Poffinbarger - Baldzikowski (Michael); youngest son, Mark Poffinbarger (Becky); granddaughters, Kendra Cychosz (Scott), Charys Hess (Tim), and Emily Poffinbarger; grandsons, Dominic Baldzikowski, Samuel Baldzikowski, and Jacob Poffinbarger; great grandchildren, Xander, Odyn, Elyse, Arlo, and Rylan.

He was preceded in death by his father, Ralph; mother, Leona; brother, Jim; and great granddaughter, Ariyanna Solyce.

A memorial service will be held when it is safe to gather again. Donations in the name of the Reverend Doctor John N. Poffinbarger can be made to Redeemer Lutheran Church (part of the Beloved Community), 900 Brilowski Rd., Stevens Point, WI 54482. (715)341-3233.

Online condolences may be made at bostonfuneralhome.net.