John Wusterbarth

John Wusterbarth, 89, Marion, IN and Oconto Falls native, peacefully passed Thursday, November 23, 2023 with his family by his side in Oscoda, MI. John, the eldest son born to Allen and Lottie (Pawlak) Wusterbarth was born August 28, 1934 in Spruce, WI. John grew up in the Oconto Falls area where he graduated from Oconto Falls High School in 1953.

On September 8, 1956 he married the love of his life Jeanette (Peterson) Wusterbarth. They were married for 65 years and they have four children Debra, Renee, Steven and Stefanie.  John and Jeanette started their family in Milwaukee, WI, Menomonee Falls, WI and later Ionia, MI. Then, they finally settled down in Marion, IN to raise their family and lived there most of their married life. John was very proud to serve his beloved country in the US Air Force. During his military service, he was stationed in Cheyenne, WY, St. Louis, MO, Washington D.C and finally Reykjavik, Iceland. He was a proud American and Veteran his entire life. He enjoyed talking about his time in the military, the Green Bay Packers and his career in the automotive industry. Especially, his involvement in the manufacturing of the Chevrolet Corvette since 1963.

John’s passions revolved around an intense love for his wife, family, and friends.  He enjoyed traveling, entertaining, talking about his military service, spending time with family and relatives, sports, politics, big bands and dancing with his wife.  He and his bride enjoyed their years of personal friendships with many of the Milwaukee Braves that started in the late 1950’s and early 1960’s. Many could see him driving his bride around town in his major source of pride, their corvette.

He was physically active in his yard, golfing, traveling, avid coin collector, playing with and mentoring his grandchildren, driving his vehicles and going out for dinner until just recently when his battle with cancer limited his mobility.

John is survived by their four children, Debra (Michael) Morrison, Crown Point, IN; Renee (Freeman “Bud”) McCullar, Marion, IN; Steven (Cathy) Wusterbarth, Oscoda, MI; Stefanie (Derek) Brown, Bokeelia, FL; 13 grandchildren; 15 great grandchildren; two brothers Robert (Lynelle) Wusterbarth and Richard Wusterbarth; two sisters Sylvia “Sally” Scott and Mary (Tom) Marquardt; brother-in-law, Vic (Bonnie) Peterson, two sisters-in-law, Joan Peterson and Shirley Peterson; numerous nieces, nephews and great friends.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 65 years Jeanette Peterson Wusterbarth, his parents Allen and Lottie (Pawlak) Wusterbarth, his in-laws Alfred and Esther Peterson, his brothers-in-law-Ronald “Swede” Peterson and Donald “Toby” Peterson; Richard “Dick” Scott; infant brother-in-law Ovie Gene Peterson, sister-in-law Judy Wusterbarth and daughter-in-law Julie Fitzgerald.

Visitation will be held from 4:00 until 8:00 PM Tuesday, November 28, 2023 at Jones Funeral Service in Oconto Falls.  Visitation will continue after 9:30 AM Wednesday, November 29, 2023 at St. Anthony Catholic Church in Oconto Falls until the time of service.  Mass of Christian Burial will be held 11:00 AM Wednesday at the church with the Rev. Fr. Walter Stumpf officiating.  Cremation will follow with burial in St. Anthony Catholic Cemetery, Oconto Falls at a later date.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, memorials may be made to the Stars and Stripes Honor Flight, Inc., PO Box 867, Menomonee Falls, WI 53052 in John’s name.