John C. “Jack” Kloida ended his courageous battle with cancer and peacefully entered into eternal rest on August 1st, 2023, surrounded by family.
Jack was born on July 24, 1944 to parents Emil E. Kloida Jr. and Jean T. (Leist) Kloida in Manitowoc WI. He was baptized, confirmed, and went to elementary school at St. Paul’s Catholic school with his older sister Nancy and many cousins. Jack graduated from Manitowoc Lincoln High School in 1962 and worked for the Schmidtman Company until he was drafted into the United States Army in May of 1965. Jack served two years in the Artillery unit on Naha Air Force Base on the island of Okinawa as an electrician where he armed and launched the Nike Hercules missiles. He was honorably discharged in 1967. Upon his return he completed an electrician apprenticeship with Craft Electric in Manitowoc. He then worked 10 years as a construction electrician, mainly working on the nuclear power plants and wastewater treatment plants in Northeast Wisconsin. In 1978 Jack began work as an electrician for the City of Manitowoc at the wastewater treatment plant. He remained there until his retirement in 2009.
In the fall of 1963 Jack met the love of his life, Maureen “Rene” J Beth. They dated for five years and were married on September 28, 1968 at St. Paul’s Catholic church in Manitowoc. During their almost 55-year marriage they raised two daughters, built a wonderful life spending time with family, camping, and enjoying their community.
Jack was a member of the local AMVET post 99. His true passion was with the Fraternal Order of Eagles and was a long-time member of the Manitowoc Eagles Club Aerie 706. He joined the Eagles in 1962, served as the local president in 1972, and was inducted into the Wisconsin State Eagles Hall of Fame in 2010. Jack loved hunting and fishing with his brother Bob, wood crafts, biking, and camping. Watching Packer and Brewer games, attending his granddaughters’ many activities, and sitting around a campfire with family was where he was happiest. His humor, quick witted one liners, and contagious laugh will be missed by many, especially the three granddaughters that adored him.
Jack is survived by his wife Maureen J (Beth) Kloida, Manitowoc; daughter Dawn (Jonathan) Pitzen, Luxemburg WI; daughter Donna (Anthony) LeRoy, DePere WI. Three granddaughters; Hannah & Emma LeRoy; and Marisa Pitzen. Brother; Robert A. Kloida, Manitowoc, WI; nieces, nephews, other relatives, neighbors, and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; Emil & Jean Kloida; sister and brother-in-law Nancy (Kloida) & Robert Kapinos; Father and Mother-in-law; Walter & Ramona Beth; Brother and sister-in-law; Merle “Butch” & Judy Beth; sister-in-law Marilyn Jergenson.
Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, August 8, 2023, at St. Francis of Assisi, Waldo site, 1121 14th St, Manitowoc. Rev Jason Blahnik will officiate the Mass of Christian Burial. Visitation will occur on Monday, August 7, 2023, at the Pfeffer Funeral Home from 4:00 PM until 7:00 PM with an Eagles Memorial Service at 6:45 PM and a Prayer Service will be held at 7:00 PM led by Deacon Al Boeldt. Visitation will continue at Church on Tuesday morning from 9:30 AM until the time of services at 11:00 AM. Burial will take place at Evergreen Cemetery.
The Lakeshore Family Funeral Homes, Pfeffer location is assisting the family. Online condolences may be expressed by visiting: www.lakeshorefamilyfuneralhomes.com
In lieu of flowers a memorial has been established in Jack’s name by the family.