John Albert Kober

John A. Kober, age 75, passed away on September 12, 2018, with his loving wife of 55 years by his side, after a courageous battle with Leukemia. John was born to Arthur and Ruth (Christoffersen) Kober on April 18, 1943. He grew up in Menasha, graduating from St. Mary High School in 1961. He married Mary Margaret Ciske on August 31, 1963, at St. Mary Catholic Church, Menasha.

John loved spending time with family and friends. He enjoyed the outdoors, deer hunting, and shenanigans up at the hunting cabin, as well as racing trips to Elkhart Lake, and Indy car races throughout the country with his wonderful friends. John was the chef of the household and dabbled in culinary arts, becoming famous for his hot beef sandwich and legendary sloppy joes that he made every year for the big family Christmas party. To his family, he was also the fix it man, who was always there to lend a hand or make repairs at his famous, perfectly organized, work bench. To those of us who loved him and grieve his passing, John had many titles: Husband, Father, Brother, and Grandpa, or, as he was known to many: “Peach”, “John-Bob”, or “Grand Poobah of the Bucksnort Hunting and Racing Club.” Our hearts are saddened because we loved this kind and tender guy who persevered as so many cancer patients do.

John worked at Bergstrom-PH Glatfelter Paper Mill for 38 years as a Process Engineer, and took great pride in his work. John also served as an Alderman for the Menasha City Council. He will forever be remembered as the family historian with his many stories, and fun facts. In middle school, John was encouraged by Fr. Schaefer to apply for his Novice Ham Radio license, and quickly found a passion for it, going on to secure his Extra Class license. John took great pride in being one of the very few radio operators who could translate 20 words per minute, and was a Ham Radio Operator for over 65 years.

John is survived by his wife: Mary; two daughters: Laura (Mark) Luebke, Larsen; and Suzanne (Craig) Kubiak, Menasha; two granddaughters: Jennifer and Rachel Kubiak, Menasha; a sister: Barbara Simpson, Menasha; a brother-in-law: Paul Laus, Menasha; many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters: Mary Kober and Christine Laus; and brother-in-law: William Simpson.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, September 29, 2018, at St. Mary Catholic Church, 528 Second St., Menasha, with Fr. Paul Paider officiating. Burial will be in St. Mary Cemetery, Menasha. Visitation will be on Saturday, at the church, from 9:00 am until the time of the Mass. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund is being established.

Heartfelt thanks to the very special girls on the 4th Floor Outpatient Infusion Center at ThedaCare Regional Medical Center, Neenah, Dr. Shannon Schmidt and staff at ThedaCare Cancer Center, and the wonderful staff at Cherry Meadows Hospice.

Tomorrow is promised to no one. We do not know God's plan for us, however, we can try to live our lives with purpose, love and joy. We can try to show those who are closest to us how much we care about them.

God bless you John and rest in eternal peace. (73's)