John J. Taskay Sr., age 87, of Tomahawk, passed away on Friday, May 27, 2022, at Tomahawk Health Services. John was born in Joliet, Ill., to the late John and Emily (Benco) Taskay on July 17, 1934. He was married to Diane Kaminski on Oct. 5, 1957; she survives.
John grew up in Joliet, Ill., and later moved to Lockport, Ill., attending school in both cities. After high school, John proudly served his country in the United States Army, 1954-1956. John was the first paid full-time firefighter of the Lockport Fire Department, where he served as the Local 1544 President for some time. In 1974, he was named “Firefighter of the Year,” and continued in the field for over 32 years. John was a member of the (IAFF) International Association of Firefighters, the Loyal Order of Moose Lodge, Lockport, and the American Legion Post 93, Tomahawk. Anyone that knew John will miss and remember him for his storytelling and the love he had for socializing with people. He enjoyed sharing his military stories and had an interest in WWII history. A highlight in John’s life was participating in the “Never Forgotten Honor Flight” in 2015, touring the Washington, D.C., memorials with fellow veterans. Some of his favorite pastimes were taking care of his yard, fishing, and deer hunting. John loved spending time with his family and enjoyed the outdoors.
Survivors include his wife of over 64 years, Diane Taskay; his children, Sandra (Michael) Ratkovich, John (Kristin) Taskay Jr., Laurene (Matthew) Sherman, and Steven (Dawn) Taskay. He is further survived by 15 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.
John was preceded in death by his parents, John and Emily; and his sisters, Rose Walker, Anne Sartori, Lillian Pesavento, Elsie Kure, Geraldine Pytlewski and Patricia Heaton.
Memorial services for John Taskay Sr., will be held on Friday, June 17, 2022, at 1 p.m., at St. Mary’s Catholic Church. Rev. Louis Maram Reddy will officiate. The family will receive friends for visitation from 11 a.m. until the time of services at 1 p.m. Inurnment will be held at the St. Cyril Catholic Cemetery in Lemont, Ill. Donations are appreciated to the Never Forgotten Honor Flight of Central Wisconsin. Generations Funeral Home & Crematory, Tomahawk, is assisting the family. You may view John’s obituary and leave online condolences at www.generationsfuneral.com.