John Albert Pepowski of Cumberland, 83, died Saturday December 29, 2018, at Cumberland Care and Rehab. Known as “Jack,” he was born May 30, 1935, in Cumberland at the old hospital site on 3rd Avenue. He lived nearly his entire life in the Cumberland area as a farmer, carpenter and longtime member of the Town of Maple Plain board. Jack also participated in and volunteered on multiple statewide boards serving the people of Wisconsin.

Jack farmed in the McKinley area for much of his life. During his late teens he lived in the Madison and Chicago areas working as a carpenter, before having to return home to the family farm to care for his mother and the farm when his father died. Jack loved people and they loved him. He made many friends during his life, whom he took care of in their times of need. Many of these friends also looked after Jack during his later years when his health was failing and he needed help living at his beloved home on the lake. Jack was a warm, sweet person who cared more for others than himself. He had an incredible sense of humor and could make fun of just about any situation and himself. His memory of past residents of the McKinley area, their adventures and lives was vast. We have lost one of the best resources of history and storytelling in the whole area.

Jack was born the son of Fabian John and Florence (Ward) Pepowski. He is survived by his nephew Thor Nielsen (Karen) of Parkville, Missouri. Many surviving cousins from the Ward family also reside in Southern Wisconsin and are too numerous to detail. Jack was preceded in death by his sister Betty (Pepowski) Nielsen in December 2011.  

A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, January 8, 2019 at 11 AM at First United Methodist Church in Cumberland with Rev. Mike Brubaker officiating.  Burial will be in Lakeside Cemetery, Cumberland.  Visitation will be for one hour prior to the service at the church.

Skinner Funeral Home of Cumberland is serving the family.

Last Update: Dec 31, 2018 3:32 pm CST