John Patrick Piper, age 78, of Elkhart Lake, passed away at home on Tuesday, March 14, 2023.
He was born in Milwaukee on March 23, 1944, son of the late Gerald and Ella (Lavey) Piper. He lived on
W. County Rd. A in Elkhart Lake since age 3. In his youth he liked riding his horse and working with his
dad and uncles on their mink farm. John graduated from Abbot Pennings High School in De Pere, WI in
1962.
John worked at Miller’s Auto Clinic before actively serving in the US Navy from Feb. 1966-Dec. 1967. He
was stationed in the Caribbean. Following his service, he worked at Sargento Foods in Plymouth for 42
years, retiring in 2009.
John had a passion for clocks and old cars. He was an avid clock collector and enjoyed his time. His
favorite pastimes were going to antique auctions, steam engine shows, reading, Saturday morning
breakfasts at Hub City with his cousins and friends and spending time in the garage tinkering around on
his machines. In his retirement, John ended up building his own Model T. He also enjoyed watching his
Turner Classic Movies and Judge Judy.
On May 28, 1977, he was united in marriage to Patricia Kastelic. They were blessed with 4 children. He
was a man of faith and belonged to St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church. John was always available and
cared deeply for his family. His love and devotion will be the legacy we never forget.
Survivors include: His loving wife, Pat; Four children: Mary Piper (Mike Butler) of Shorewood, Jerry Piper
of Elkhart Lake, Michelle Klein (friend, Dan Ziemke) of Greenbush, and Annie Piper (Travis Balz) of
Elkhart Lake; 10 Grandchildren: Ava (special friend, Logan), Oliver, John, Gwyneth (special friend,
Geovanny), Arreana, Hailey, Lacey, Dayja, Devin, and Logan.
He is further survived by: 7 Brothers-in-law: Van Grafenstein (Mary), Mike Kasetlic (Carolyn), Tony
Kastelic (Betty), Randy Kastelic (Carol), Victor Kastelic, Todd Kastelic, and David “Surf” Kastelic (Kelly); 4
Sisters-in-law: Mona Rittenhouse (Al), Connie Kussard, Reyne Kastelic, and Mary Miller (Tim Sr); Cousins:
Raymond Piper, Donald Piper, and Jim Piper (Kay); As well as many nieces, nephews, other relatives and
friends. John was preceded in death by his parents, Gerald and Ella. His mother and fathers-in-law,
Edward and Isabel Kastelic, his sister, Rosie Grafenstein and brother-in-law, Douglas Kastelic.
Funeral Services will be held on Friday (March 24, 2023) at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church in
Elkhart Lake. Visitation will take place from 1:00-3:00pm with Mass to follow at 3:00pm. Father Philip
Reifenberg will officiate and inurnment will take place at St. Thomas Aquinas – South (St. Fridolin)
Cemetery in Greenbush in spring.
In lieu of flowers a memorial fund is being established in John’s name.
The Suchon Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Plymouth is assisting the family. For online
condolences, please visit www.suchonfh.com.
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