John S. Czechorski

June 23, 1943

July 30, 2023

John was born on June 23, 1943, the first child of Siggie and Lorraine Czechorski. For the first two years of his life, they lived with his grandparents. In 1945 the family moved to their new home in the Town of Lake that soon became the City of St. Francis. John and his neighborhood friends played outside all day long, coming home only for meals and when the streetlights came on.

John attended Thompson Avenue Elementary School. Since St. Francis did not have a high school, John went to South Division High School in Milwaukee, graduating in 1961. His love for photography grew, as he became the school photographer.

After graduation, John enlisted in the United States Navy. Basic training was at the Naval Air Station in San Diego, California. He then spent two years each at the Naval Air Stations in Alameda, California and Kodiak, Alaska. While stationed at Alameda, John was chosen to be part of an honor guard for a visit by President John F. Kennedy. Once back home, John enlisted in the Air Force Reserve as part of the Air National Guard 128th Civil Engineering Flight. He worked on crash fire crews in both the Navy and the Air Force Reserve.

John loved his nephews, Colin and Mike, and niece Leanne. He took them to the movies and shows downtown. He attended and photographed their many athletic activities. Walks around the block and along the lakefront were a must. Colin, Mike and Leanne treasure the time Uncle John spent with them.

John had an Associate Degree in Photography from MATC. He worked as a freelance photographer, taking photos for hospital newborn babies and for weddings and special events. He also worked at Pabst Brewery until it closed its doors.

John loved nature and all animals, most especially his canine companions. It broke his heart to lose a pet, but in time he found another to love.

His parents, Sigmund and Lorraine Czechorski, preceded John in death. He is survived by his sisters Julie (Dan) Hughes and Helen (Ed) Rennpferd, nephews Colin (Marci) Hughes, Mike (Vy-Van) Hughes, and niece Leanne (Ron) Hughes Pritzlaff. Four grand nephews, three grand nieces, many cousins and friends, also survive John.

Graveside Service Friday, August 4, 2023 at 11AM at Chapel Hill Memorial Park, 4775 South 60th St, Greenfield.

Special thanks to the caregivers at Francis House in South Milwaukee and to the staff of Moments Hospice. Memorials, if so desired, may be made to the Wisconsin Humane Society in John's memory.