John E. Tilton, Sr., age 93, of Minocqua, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, March 11, 2020 at Avanti Rehab in Woodruff.
John was born on Feb. 6, 1927 in Minocqua to his parents Charles and Agnes (Walsh) Tilton. He met and married Patricia Lee Mohr on Jan. 10, 1951 in Wausau. After getting married, John and Patty moved to California near family. While he lived in Chicago for a short time, he worked on the Northwestern Railroad. John returned to Minocqua. He worked as a carpenter and as the Town Foreman for the Town of Minocqua. John was a volunteer fireman and also a deputy police officer. He also worked with Bud Knutson at the DNR, welded for Pitlick and Wick, and during evenings and weekends, he and Patty would clean the bank. Well into adulthood, John became a semi-truck driver. After not being able to drive truck anymore, he enrolled in college and earned a culinary degree from Gogebic College.
John had a love of the family farm in Houston, Mo. He loved to go camping and fishing. He enjoyed motorcycles and relaxing and swimming.
John is survived by his children – Patti (Tom) Kalaskey of Clearwater, Fla., Susan Potter of St. Germain, Anita (David) Clarke of Charlevoix, Mich., and John (Julianna) Tilton of Madison, Ala.; six grandchildren – Tiffany, Charles, Alex, Patrick, Andrew and Ross; two great grandchildren – Wrangler and Watson; and his cousin who was his best friend – John “Jack” “Bumpy” LaBonty. John is preceded in death by his parents, wife – Patty, son – David and two brothers – Russell and Charles “Babe” Tilton.
The family will be celebrating John’s life privately.
Krueger Family Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Tomahawk, is assisting the family with arrangements. You may view the full obituary and leave online condolences at www.kruegerfamilyfuneral.com.