JOHN FELKER

John A. Felker was born on September 27, 1923 in Oshkosh, WI and was called to Heaven from Neenah, WI on his 93rd Birthday in 2016.  He was born the son of the late Walter D. and Hazel M. (Bacon) Felker.  John proudly served his country during WWII with the U.S. Coast Guard and the U.S. Navy.  He attended Lawrence College in Appleton, WI.  On May 14, 1949 he married Waida E. Luebke at Immanuel Church in Neenah. Their marriage was blessed with 2 daughters and 67 wonderful years.  John was employed by the Appleton Post-Crescent as an Advertising Rep. for 31 years, retiring in 1985.  John was very generous with his time and talents.  He was an active member of Immanuel U.C.C.; a President and Board Member of Cerebral Palsy of United Winnebagoland; a member of Hopeful Future Club; and volunteer for Friendship Circle and Best Friends.  In 1986 John founded Performing Arts for Youth, Inc. which brought the Arts into schools in N.E. Wisconsin; public libraries in Neenah and Menasha; and senior centers.  John especially didn't want the special-needs adults and children to miss the Performing Arts.  At age 90, John generously donated to the Community Foundation to continue his mission of making the Arts accessible to all.

John will be sadly missed by his beloved wife, Waida; his daughters: Linda (Douglas) Kraus, Neenah; Mary (Mark) Bauernfeind, Neenah; grandchildren: Kristina (Jose) Valdiviezo, Las Cruces, NM; Michael (Stephanie) Jochman, Fitchburg, WI; Jennifer (Jonathan) Florin, Waunakee, WI; Zachary (Laura) Kraus, Fayetteville, AR; Ashley (Christopher) Keyes, Neenah; Mark Jr. (special friend Gretchen) Bauernfeind, Minneapolis, MN; Stephanie Kraus, Neenah; great grandchildren: Caleb Valdiviezo; Charles Jochman; Ian and Sofia Schroeder; Levi, Anna, and Julia Florin; Jacob Keyes; sister-in-law, Janice Felker, Minneapolis, MN; brother-in-law, Earl (Evelyn) Luebke, Neenah; several nieces and nephews.  In addition to his parents, John was preceded in death by his brother Robert Felker; brother-in-law William Luebke; parents-in-law, William and Linda Luebke.

The Funeral Service for John will be held on Friday, September 30, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. at Immanuel United Church of Christ (118 Oak St., Neenah) with Rev. Jennifer Czarnota officiating.  Friends will be received directly at the church from 9:00 a.m. until the hour of service.  Interment will be in Oak Hill Cemetery, Neenah.  In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund is being established for Immanuel U.C.C.