John M. Posewitz, 89, of Sheboygan, passed away at Sheboygan Senior Community on Thursday, December 15, 2022. John was born in Sheboygan to the late John and Marie (Yekenevicz) Posewitz on July 28, 1933. He attended Sheboygan Central High School and graduated from UW-Stout with a Bachelor’s Degree in Industrial Education. He honorably served our country in the Army from 1956-1958 in Korea.
John was united in marriage to Mary Behring on April 8th of 1961 at St. John’s Evangelist Catholic Church in Kohler. Mary preceded John in death on November 21, 2022. He worked for Gilson Brothers Company as an Advertising Manager and at Thomas Industries as a Technical Sales Representative. His greatest joys in life were his kids and grandkids with many hobbies including painting, carving, sketching, writing, woodworking and, at times, becoming a self-proclaimed food critic. John was also the Lead Elf at the Sheboygan Historical Museum restoring Christmas displays. He enjoyed traveling around the world and loved sharing stories of past experiences and family memories. You could often find him admiring the beauty of nature as he walked and drove through Terry Andrae State Park or watching the eagles in his neighborhood.
John loved to share his many talents and stories with his children and grandchildren, through his artwork, carvings, writings, and the book he wrote. He taught all of us to appreciate the journey, rather than focusing on the destination.
John’s true love was his late wife, Mary, who passed 24 days prior, leaving him with a heavy heart. He took on the role of being her caregiver, in which he took much joy. Survivors include his four children, Julie (Mark) Van Lieshout, Jack (Diana) Posewitz, Mike (Jill) Posewitz, and Rob Posewitz; 13 grandchildren, Matt (Kayla), Jaslyn, Ben, Alex (Ashley), Brandon (Kendal), Camber, Nathan, Katy, Joe, Blake, Sam, Abbey, and Elise.
John was preceded in death by his wife Mary, parents, brother Jim Posewitz and brothers-in-law, Jim and Bill Behring.
A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, December 21, 2022 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 1305 Humboldt Ave., Sheboygan, with visitation from 2:30 p.m. until the time of Mass at 4:30 p.m. Private burial will take place at Immaculate Conception Cemetery at a later date. Condolences may be expressed online at www.reinboldfh.com and a memorial fund is being established in his name.
The family would like to thank the Staff of Sheboygan Senior Community for all their loving care, Sara Fritz from Optimum Health for being their guardian angel, Sharon Richardson Hospice for outstanding care for John and walking beside and guiding the family through his final days. A special thanks to the Army Veteran and Camo Quilt Project of Plymouth, WI for his Army recognition and final salute.
“It is through our spirit and not our things that we will live on. Our time on this earth is one fantastic adventure. Be sure to open every door.” – John Posewitz
I was honored to have John as my Godfather. I always enjoyed visits with John and Mary and listening to John's stories. Whether it was Sheboygan basketball history, nature, politics, or anything in-between...there was never a dull moment, and it was always an entertaining visit! He will be missed. It is comforting knowing that he is now with Mary once again. Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire Posewitz family.
Jim and Cheryl Winkowski
Dear Posewitz Family,
So sorry for your loss of both Mary and John in such a short time and at the holidays. They were such a sweet and dear couple!
I always enjoyed running into them Jackson or at church at Immaculate Conception. Cherish your beautiful memories and know that they are together again in Heaven.
Sincerely,
Pat Grams
Jack and the whole Posewitz family, please know that all of you are in my thoughts after your fathers passing.
Scott Seiberling
So sorry for your loss Mike, Jill and family. Cherish the memories of your parents at this difficult time.
I so enjoyed working with John on the publication of the
the History of the Immaculate Conception Church (N. 9th and Erie Ave.) 100th Anniversary...1903-2003.
To the Posewitz Family,
My sincere sympathy in the loss of your mom and dad. What a great couple they were, raising a lovely family. What wonderful memories you must have…..Wishing you many blessings in the new year. Pat Jumes
John always had a story to entertain us, a joke to make us laugh, a painting or project for us to wonder at. He was full of life and shared its joy with everyone. We were so lucky to have John and Mary as our cousins, and we will love them always.
John will be greatly missed by all of us at the Sheboygan County Historical Museum, his touch on Holiday Memories will last for a long time. I personally will miss seeing John and Mary each year during December, John would always give his approval of the work being done. His Lead Elf position was hard to fill. We are glad to know that John will be remembered each Holiday Memories through all of the items he built for the exhibit. I will also never forget the time he was interviewed by CNN about the Sheboygan Redskins basketball team, he was proud to share his knowledge with the world about our "bush league" team from Sheboygan.
Travis Gross
Executive Director
SCHS
Rest in Peace Uncle John.
John lived down the hall from my mom at SSC. He was always very warm and kind. John enjoyed talking to us about his carvings, his paintings, and his writings. We could tell from his stories how much he loved his family and his wife. I am glad to have had the honor of meeting him.
I am so sorry for the loss of your Father. May it give you comfort to know the Mom and Dad are together again. Both of your parents were very special people, I was so very lucky to have known them for so many years. Please take care Love Susan
Sending our thoughts and prayers to all
