John "Jack" Paggi

John ‘Jack’ Paggi, of La Crosse, passed away peacefully on Sunday, April 2 at Gundersen Health System of La Crosse.  Jack was born June 9, 1922, to Elmer and Tressa Page in Victory, Wis.  He was baptized and confirmed at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Bad Axe, Wis.  He married Eileen B. Schroeder at St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church in Stoddard, Wis., on April 4, 1948.

Jack enlisted in the Army in 1942 and served his country proudly in WWII. On June 29, 1945, he was honorably discharged and awarded the Purple Heart. Jack was a member of the VFW, Disabled American Veterans, American Legion, and Military Order of the Purple Heart Local Chapter 521 where he served as Finance Officer. Jack was honored to be selected for the second Freedom Honor Flight in June, 2009 and traveled to Washington D.C.

Jack attended Coleman College and after holding various jobs, he found the job he loved at Culligan Water Service where he was a managing partner and fondly known as, “Hey Culligan Man”, retiring in June, 1986. He was a Wisconsin Water Quality Association member and a recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award.  He enjoyed hunting, fishing, coffee club, playing cards, and spending time with his family at his cottage. Jack was a member at First Evangelical Lutheran Church in La Crosse where he attended faithfully and served on the Church Council and ushering team.

Survivors include his loving wife of 69 years, Eileen; children, Jacqueline (Don) Meyer, Cynthia (Ron) Peterson, Michael (Mary) Paggi, Mary (Eric) Artschwager, Carol Paggi, Jeff (Teresa) Paggi; grandchildren, Jennifer (Joe) Gregas, Adriane Larson, Amy (John) Covington, Anne (Tim) Ludvigsen, John (Kelly) Hanifl, Jenna (Dave) Schoeberl, Melissa (David) Hahm, Megan (Tim) Mueller, Molly Paggi, Jamie (Josh) Schedler, and Brian Artschwager; 16 great grandchildren; 7 step grandchildren; 10 great step grandchildren; sister,  Norma Johnston; sister-in-law, Neva (Henry) Fiege; brother-in-law, Merlin Schroeder; and a very special nephew, Ron (Vicki) Delap.  Preceded in death by his infant son; sister, Kathleen Schulze; and grandchild Karl Artschwager.

The family would like to thank the staff at Benedictine Villa and Gundersen Health System, especially Dr. Momont, and Pastor Pamperin.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, April 7 ^th , at First Evangelical Lutheran Church, 400 West Ave. So., La Crosse.  Pastor Richard Pamperin will officiate.  Military Honors will take place after the service followed by a reception in the church basement.  Family and friends may call from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service on Friday at the church.  Burial will be at 3:00 p.m. at Victory Cemetery, Victory, Wis.   In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Luther High School Building Fund or First Evangelical Lutheran Grade School.

“He lives and grants me daily breath. He lives and I shall conquer death. He lives my mansion to prepare.  He lives to bring me safely there!”