John Thomas Stanek, 55, beloved son of George and Geraldine Stanek of Hillsboro, passed away at his home in Onalaska July 22, 2024, as the result of a heart attack.
Born February 1, 1969, John attended elementary school and high school in Hillsboro where he enjoyed competing in sports, including three years of wrestling, plus track and football. While in high school, John participated in forensics his freshman year and was a member of Swing Choir as a sophomore. He was voted Best Actor his senior year for his performance in “See How They Run”. He tied with his close friend Sean Moe for the same award the year prior for “Arsenic and Old Lace”.
Gifted artistically from an early age, John was a member of the school’s Art Club. While on the staff of Tiger Tales, the school newspaper, he was named Editor one year and Art Director another. Some of John’s talent has been displayed at the Hillsboro Museum and the Korner Klub, the city’s former teen center. As an adult, he was once commissioned to create a mural for the Popcorn Tavern in La Crosse. A photograph of the mural has been published in the book “Tavern League - Portraits of Wisconsin Bars”.
A long-time employee of Metallics Inc. of Onalaska, he was well-liked by his co-workers and considered a hard worker. John, who loved to ride his bicycle, rode the six miles to work and six miles back each day. He also took long rides on area trails on the weekends.
John was blessed with some wonderful friends in Onalaska, who loved his great sense of humor and his generous nature. They often shared camping trips together and took part in other activities, livened up by John’s quick wit and clever observations.
John enjoyed reading about a seemingly endless variety of subjects, often using the knowledge gained to enhance his art work. He was nearly as comprehensive in his musical tastes, listening to albums ranging from Classical to his favorite Rock band, “Yes”.
Another artistic pursuit involved purchasing action figures from his favorite science fiction movies, using them to make elaborate dioramas depicting specific scenes from those shows. Some figurines he gave to friends, and others, such as Tinkerbell and Disney princesses, he left along trails, where he used blossoms and anything else available from nature to create lovely settings for children to find them in.
John is survived by six brothers and sisters, including Patricia Stanek, Richland Center; Steven Stanek, Hillsboro; Alan Stanek, Hillsboro; Greg (Linda) Stanek, Reedsburg; Stanley (Claire) Stanek, La Crescent, MN; and Jeanette (David) Uden, Blaine, MN. Uncle Leonard (Sherry) Harpold, Ridgeway; Aunt Angela (Stanek) Marshall, Reedsburg; Aunt and Uncle Mary Ellen (Stanek) and James Bahen, Phoenix, AZ; Aunt Monica (Stanek) Nevins, Reedsburg. Nephews and Nieces, Jerry (Annette) Buchal; Tina (Kelly) Buchal; Cole (Vanessa) Stanek; Nick (Carrie) Stanek; April (Josh) Kouba; Samantha Stanek; Aaron (Amanda) Stanek; Allison (Jared) Andrashko; Michael Uden; and Daniel (Hannah) Uden. John is also survived by a number of Great Nieces and Nephews and many friends.
John was preceded in death by his parents George and Geraldine Stanek, and by his Grandparents Stanley and Mary Stanek, and Richard and Irene Harpold.
Visitation will be held on Saturday October 5, 2024 from 2:00-4:00 at the Picha Funeral Home in Hillsboro, with Thomas Hotek conducting a brief memorial service at 4:00. Graveside services will take place at St. John’s Cemetery in Dilly at 5:30 that afternoon, with Father Donald Bauer of St. Aloysius Church officiating.
The Picha Funeral Home in Hillsboro is assisting, for online information go to www.pichafuneralhomes.com
