JOHN F. KUMBIER

John Fredrick Kumbier, 75, died peacefully on Feb. 2, 2013, after a short illness in Naples, Fla. He was born in Marshfield on Aug. 11, 1937, and graduated from Kimberly High School in 1955.

He served in the U.S. Army and the U.S. Army Reserves.

He married Barbara Ann on Sept. 7, 1957, in Appleton, and had been a resident of Burlington for the past 39 years.

He enjoyed serving his community, was an active member of Cross Lutheran Church, having served on the church council and singing in the choir. He was an associate member of Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Naples, member of Kiwanis, past member of the Lions, Burlington Masonic Lodge and Tri-County Shrine, a 25-year member of Barbershop SPEBQSA and the founder of the Tuesday Hackers.

He loved South Florida and golfing and retired to Grey Oaks in Naples to pursue both. Fishing with family and friends, on the Gulf, the Great Lakes and in Canada gave him great joy. For years he and his wife enjoyed sailing on Lake Winnebago and boating on Browns Lake. Music held a major role in his life from playing the piano, singing in Barbershop to singing in the choir.

Survivors include his wife; son, Timothy (Margaret) Kumbier; daughters, Beth (Robert) Barkhau, Amy (Nicholas) Findlay; grandchildren, Zachary and Michael Kumbier, Philip and Evan Barkhau, Mia and Ryley Findlay; sister, Janet Nicolai; nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Selma (Bohman) Kumbier, and brothers, Leroy and Robert.

He embodied the American dream. He started his business Circle Incorporated in 1977, based on honesty, integrity, and the principle, “treat others as you want to be treated.” One of John’s motto’s which lives on in his family today is “Always shake a hand, have a smile on your face and a shine on your shoes.”

Visitation is Saturday, Feb. 9, at 9:30 a.m., with memorial services at 11 a.m., at Cross Lutheran Church in Burlington. Schuette-Daniels Funeral Home, Burlington, is serving the family.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in John’s name to the Cross Lutheran Church Endowment Fund, Burlington Wisconsin, or Emmanuel Lutheran Church Endowment Fund, Naples Fla., are suggested.

May your days be filled with music. May your path be paved with song. May the sounds of forever lift you up and keep you strong.  (Jane Southwick Cool)