John S. Guenther

John Guenther of Sister Bay, WI passed away peacefully surrounded by family on July 31, 2025 at Serenity Springs at Scandia Village, Sister Bay, WI.

He was born in Detroit, Ml in 1942 and moved in 1946 with his family to Racine where he was raised. He received his education at the University of Michigan. Upon graduation he was commissioned as an officer in the Navy and served on the USS Lawrence DDG-4. After completion of active duty, he was hired by Arthur Andersen & Co., working in their Chicago, IL and Melbourne, Australia offices. In 1972, he married the former Christine M. Kowalkowski of Chicago who preceded him in death in 2015.

In 1973, he joined Ball Horticultural Co. in West Chicago as Controller from which he retired in 2005 as Senior Vice President. Before retiring he provided leadership of divisions involving advanced genetic research, publishing, and plant production in Central America. He also directed production and marketing subsidiaries in Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, and Australia.

Summer holidays were often spent at the family cottage on the shore in Fish Creek. Following his retirement, John and Chris split their time between Wilmette and their new home in Egg Harbor, traveling in Europe, South America, Asia as well as to visit family.

They resided in Wheaton, IL for 32 years where they raised their daughter and son. John is survived by his two children, Elizabeth (John) Dischner of Wilmette, IL and Andrew (Tiffany) of Manlius, NY; four grandchildren; and a brother, Paul (Ruth) Guenther of Racine.

John was a member of the Sturgeon Bay United Methodist Church, the American Institute of CPA's, The Illinois Society of CPAs, and the Financial Executive's Institute. He had served as a director of Florist Mutual Insurance (Hortica) and Ball. In retirement in Door County, he served terms on the board of directors of an art school and as a trustee of the endowment committee of a local music festival. John enjoyed the outdoors, gardening and photography and was active at the YMCA. He especially enjoyed being with family and friends. Recently he resided at The Meadows in Scandia Village.

Donations can be made to the Door County YMCA or Unity Hospice.

A private interment will be held at Blossomberg Cemetery in Peninsula State Park.

Huehns Funeral Home & Cremation Services of Sturgeon Bay is assisting the family with arrangements.

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