John Peter Zwaschka, Jr. passed away suddenly & unexpectedly on February 18, 2024 at home in the company of family in Gilbert, AZ.

John was born July 30, 1948, in Marshfield, WI to Jack and Loretta Zwaschka. He graduated from Marshfield Senior High in 1966. Joining the U.S. Army during the Vietnam era in 1967, he served as a demolition expert, 25th Infantry Division - 65th Combat Engineers - Company D, and was honorably discharged in February 1970, having earned the Purple Heart medal. John was a proud veteran and often shared "soldier comradery" with friends and members of his family who also served. He recently was a participant of the "Honor Flight" with fellow Wisconsin veterans, visiting the Vietnam Memorial and other sites in Washington D.C.

John attended college at UW-Stout and UW-Stevens Point following discharge, earning a bachelor's degree in mass communication. John became a skilled carpenter working at Wisconsin Homes for over 20 years, and was active in the labor union that represented many of the employees. John rose to the union presidency as well as holding other offices, and was diligent in serving his fellow union members. John also performed carpentry services within the community and for friends and family, providing his quality work and ethic to many satisfied customers.

John married the love of his life, Jane Roecklein, in 1971. Together they raised three sons, all of whom were active in wrestling, among other sports. Wrestling became a significant passion in John's life that has lasted to this day with grandsons just beginning to wrestle and a son coaching the UW-Whitewater wrestling team. John imparted the spirit of competitiveness and sportsmanship to the boys and within the wrestling community.

John was an avid Wisconsin sports fan, enjoying many Packer, Badger and Brewer games. He was a dedicated golfer that always made time to "smack the white ball" with family and buddies, both in Wisconsin and in Arizona where he and Jane spent winters. Those who met him greatly enjoyed his company and his wise, creative observations.

John cherished moments at the family cabin on Round Lake in northern Wisconsin and enjoyed sharing his piece of paradise with others. He loved reading and solving crossword puzzles. He'll always be remembered for the love and support he provided within and outside the family.

His spouse of 53 years, Jane, his sister Mary Sterzinger (Steve), brother Tom Zwaschka, sons Samuel, Benjamin (LaShonda) and Matthew (April), grandchildren Cody, Zachary, Beau, Benjamin, Henry and Sasha, and numerous family members and friends miss him very much.

A memorial service will be held at 11am on Saturday, April 27th at Rembs Funeral Home in Marshfield. John's family will receive friends and relatives from 10am until the time of service. Committal and full military honors will follow at the Veterans Field of Honor in Hillside Cemetery. Friends are invited to continue in celebration honoring John's life at the American Legion Post 54, located at 2100 S. Maple Avenue, Marshfield.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to:

UW-Whitewater Wrestling

Williams Center 116

800 W. Main Street

Whitewater, WI 53190

Marshfield Wrestling Club

PO BOX 651

Marshfield, WI 54449