John Pierre Proue, beloved father, grandfather, and brother, has gone to meet his Maker. John
was a caring, helpful, compassionate, and empathetic friend to all. He was genuine, authentic,
and one of a kind — always positive, incredibly clever, and affectionately devoted to many who
loved him. His aliases were “Papa John” and “Sir Laughs a Lot,” and he listed his occupation as
“Mr. Fix It.”
A longtime instructor with the Center for Creative Learning, John guided hundreds of students
through the hard work of overcoming obstacles and rebuilding a positive future. He was a highly
valued staff member and friend and will be greatly missed by those he assisted through their
life-changing recovery.
John seemed to master everything that caught his interest, from pistol shooting and archery to
canoeing and skiing. He was a skilled, resourceful, brave, and fearless craftsman who tackled
every obstacle to create, repair, enhance, or beautify any project before him — whether it
involved automotive work, landscaping, plumbing, electrical systems, construction, or
woodworking. He served his country in the Army. And he could transport anything driving a semitruck cross country!
John would come alongside anyone in need of help to cheerfully and tirelessly tackle the task
with relentless optimism and hard work. Always a fun and reckless buddy, John was always
entertaining with a quick wit, outrageous observations, and impulsive actions. A consummate
musician, he played guitar and sang, picking up melody and memorizing lyrics as second
nature. An avid reader and researcher, he was gifted with an incredible thirst for knowledge and
was always willing to share his insightful observations.
He was tragically preceded in death recently by his beautiful daughter, Amanda; he is also
preceded in death by his parents, Richard Proue and Loretta Engen; and two brothers, Rick and
Blaine Proue.
John leaves behind his two cherished grandsons, Braylen and Cyler Wiebold of Eau Claire, his
devoted and loving partner, Nancy Chvarak, her children, Marla, Matthew and Michelle, and their families, all of Sheboygan; his two sisters, Kristine (Art) Zuleger of Eagle River and Lynnette (John) Stoneberg of Eau Claire, and his brother, Michael (Ruthann) Proue of Eau Claire; three stepchildren, Michael Cucinello and Megan and Mark Beiderwolf, all of Sheboygan; and many nephews, nieces, and friends.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be contributed to the programs at the Center for
Creative Learning through The Starfish Foundation at www.starfishfound.org.
Plans for a celebration of life are pending.
Ballhorn Chapels Funeral & Cremation Care Center is caring for John and his family. To leave an online condolence, please visit www.ballhornchapels.com
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