John Edward Kacmarynski

It is with profound love and sadness that we announce the passing of John Edward Kacmarynski, who entered eternal rest on August 19, 2025, at the age of 85.

Born on June 1, 1940, in Mallard, Iowa, John grew up on the family farm, where he learned the values of hard work, perseverance, and faith. He graduated from Mallard High School and attended Iowa State University, carrying his deep Iowa roots throughout his life.

On July 6, 1963, John married the love of his life, Mary Jeanne (McNally), in Emmetsburg, Iowa. Together, they built a beautiful life filled with love, family, and adventure.

John is survived by his beloved wife of 62 years, Mary Jeanne; and their four children, Jeanne Brauns (Jeff), Pamela Kacmarynski, John Kacmarynski (Colleen Nickolette), and David Kacmarynski (Jenn). He was a proud and loving grandfather to Heather Paul (John), Tyler Karnopp (Amanda), Lauren and Zachary Brauns (Kate), Caden, Ella, and Reid Kacmarynski; and a doting great-grandfather to Patrick Paul and Silas Karnopp.

He is also survived by his sister, Patricia Twait (Tom); and his cherished in-laws, Patricia and Robert Grace of Des Moines, IA, Charlie, Paul, Sheila, John and Peg McNally of Emmetsburg, IA, Kris McNally of New Holstein, WI, and Larry Bangart of Chilton, WI. John is further survived by numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends who will deeply miss him.

John was preceded in death by his parents, John and Mary Kacmarynski; his siblings, Bernard Kacmarynski, Philip Kacmarynski, Veronica Schmitt, Isabelle Smith, and MaryAnn Wagner.

John began his career with Twin Draulic and ARPS before joining Marine Travelift in 1981 as Vice President of Marine Travelift. For 26 years, he traveled the world selling yacht-handling equipment, forging lasting friendships across the globe and building a reputation for his warmth, humor, and dedication. He retired in 2007 after an extraordinary career, leaving behind a legacy of professionalism and connection.

After retirement, John devoted himself to helping others. He especially treasured his time volunteering with Door Tran, where he provided transportation for the elderly, veterans, and individuals with disabilities. His compassionate spirit touched countless lives, and he finally "retired" a second time from volunteer service in 2022.

Outside of work and volunteering, John embraced life's adventures. He loved snowmobiling, beginning with his very first RUPP snowmobile, and over the years, he and Mary Jeanne traveled together, visiting 35 of the 50 states with family and friends. John also enjoyed prairie dog hunting and made countless trips out to the Dakotas pursuing this passion. Despite his travels, he never lost touch with his farming roots, returning to Iowa well into his 70's to help harvest crops alongside family and friends.

John had a special gift for connecting with people. Whether he was flipping through a phone book to find other Kacmarynskis to call and confirm a family connection, swapping stories during his travels, or sharing laughs with friends, he never met a stranger.

Perhaps most memorably, John was a master storyteller. His family, friends, and even the staff at his assisted living community were often entertained by his endless supply of tales - told with wit, warmth, and charm. His stories kept memories alive and made everyone around him feel connected.

A man of deep faith, John was a devoted member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, where he found comfort and strength throughout his life.

John will be remembered for his kindness, adventurous spirit, and the joy he brought into every room. His legacy lives on through the countless stories he shared, the lives he touched, and the love he gave so freely.

A Mass of Christian Burial will prayed at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, September 5, 2025 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Sturgeon Bay with Fr. Matthew Rappl as celebrant and Dcn. Mark Bortle assisting. John will be laid to rest in the columbarium at St. Joseph Cemetery in the Town of Sevastopol.

Visitation for family and friends will be held from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 4, 2025 at Huehns Funeral Home in Sturgeon Bay with a parish wake service to conclude the evening at 7:00 p.m., led by Dcn. Mark Bortle. Visitation will continue at the church on Friday, September 5, 2025 from 9:30 a.m. until 10:45 a.m. when eulogies will be shared.

Memorials may be given in John's name for DOOR CANcer, Inc. (P.O. Box 423, Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235; www.doorcancer.com/donate).

Expressions of sympathy, memories, and photos of John may be shared with his family through his tribute page at www.HuehnsFuneralHome.com.

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