John "Jack" F. Pettingill, age 86, passed away on Sunday, October 13, 2019, at his home in Trego, WI.

Jack was born on August 4, 1933, in Iron River, WI, to parents Norman F. and Louise (Yeakey) Pettingill. He grew up in Superior, WI, and graduated from East End High School. Jack went on to marry Charlene "Chris" Christianson on February 25, 1955. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War and served until 1957. He was offered a position in the U.S. Navy Band, which he politely declined as it meant staying enlisted longer. During his time in the Navy he was also part of Operation Wigwam, underwater atomic test, in 1955.

Jack and family settled in Spooner, WI. He was employed by Spooner Area School District for 31 years as an art teacher and administrator, and was known by his students as "Mr. P." He will be remembered as a mentor, teacher, administrator, little league coach, freshman basketball coach, summer program swim instructor, good friend, neighbor, and all-around good guy. Jack enjoyed family and friends, hunting, fishing, the outdoors, camping, and singing around campfires with his ukulele. He also enjoyed the time he spent in theatre with friends as part of Spooner's Community Players. He did a lot of sign painting in the area and his artistic eye played into his love of photography. Jack was a very good drummer and he played in a few bands during his early adulthood. 

Jack Pettingill is survived by his beloved wife Chris, daughter Kim (James) Sundeen of Trego, WI; son Buck (Sunny) Pettingill of Trego, WI; 4 granddaughters: Danielle (Tye) Wilhelm of Georgetown, TX; Sally (James) Mattie of Trego, WI; Laina (Davy) Marx of Danbury, WI; Carly Pettingill (Ryan Verdon) of Menomonie, WI; and 5 great-grandchildren: Weston, Sascha, and Tristan of Georgetown, TX, and Lily and John of Trego, WI; one brother George "Bud" Pettingill of South Range, WI; and nieces and nephews. 

A private funeral and military burial with honors was held at the Northern WI Veterans Memorial Cemetery on Friday, October 18, 2019.

We will forever remember his smile, and we will always know how much Jack was loved. 

Arrangements were entrusted to the Spooner Funeral Home.  Online condolences may be shared with John’s family at www.bratley-nelsonchapels.com

Last Update: Oct 27, 2019 12:57 pm CDT