John 'Jack' Niedfeldt

John “Jack” Niedfeldt was born March 31, 1949 in La Crosse, WI, to Fred and Florence (Kopacek) Niedfeldt. Jack started working as a teen and understood the importance of hard work from a young age. He graduated from Aquinas High School in 1967. After working in a construction job, Jack voluntarily enlisted in the United States Army and was assigned to Company C, 16th Engineer Battalion, 1st Armored Division in February 1968. Jack earned the rank of Sergeant and was honorably discharged in December 1970. Jack’s service to our country included a tour of duty in Vietnam as a combat engineer from June 1969 to June 1970. The Army recognized Jack’s service with the Vietnam Service Medal with three Bronze Service Stars, the Bronze Star Medal, and the Army Commendation Medal with First Oak Leaf Cluster.

After his service, Jack attended Winona State University and worked for Niedfeldt Trucking Company Inc. in La Crosse as an over-the-road truck driver. In 1975 through his work, Jack’s brother Bob met a lovely young woman, Kathy Snapp, and he thought Jack should meet her. On a blind date at The Cerise, Kathy fell in love with Jack’s smile and they dated for three years until they were married on April 15, 1978.

In 1976 Jack and two partners purchased Niedfeldt Trucking from his father and he continued as part owner-operator for 25 years. In 2001 Jack began his next career as a salesman for La Crosse Truck Center and then River States Truck and Trailer, retiring in 2011. In 2013 Jack was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease, and he died at home on Thursday, May 9, 2019 from complications related to that disease, with his wife Kathy at his side.

Jack had many skills. He built five homes, living in four of them, including his and Kathy’s family home. He was determined—always—to get a great deal on anything he wanted to buy, which led to much family humor and a lot of Zest soap and Charmin in the closet. He was the strongest person any of us has ever met and his meaty hands could use any tool; he was truly a “Jack of All Trades” including a skilled carpenter and mechanic. An excellent amateur golfer, Jack had a single digit handicap and never missed a putt that mattered.

Most importantly, Jack was an amazing husband, father, and grandpa. He could console and snuggle any baby into bliss. He enjoyed gently teasing and getting giggles from the grandkids. He loved hugs, was giving to everyone who needed him, and was a loving family man. He was a quiet, humble leader who just got things done. Jack and Kathy treasured spending time with their friends over many years of vacations and golf memories. We are convinced that Jack is now in heaven for Men’s Night where his friends welcomed him with a Mount Royal whiskey sour after 18 holes. We will miss his smile, that twinkle in his eyes when he liked something he heard and his uproarious laughter during funny movies. Jack’s bravery and calm patience was palpable these past couple of years as life became more complicated and we know that he is now at peace.

He is survived by his wife Kathy of 41 years; his daughters Kari (John) Niedfeldt-Thomas of New Brighton, MN, Kendra (Scott) Sandy of Babbitt, MN, and Nicole (Erick) Mills of La Crosse; grandchildren Daniel and Evan Niedfeldt-Thomas, Wesley, Ryland, and Amelia Sandy, and grand-dog buddy Jordy Mills. He was preceded in death by his parents, Kathy’s parents George and Gerry Snapp, and brothers- in-law Bill Snapp, Lee Snapp, and Phil DuLac. Jack is further survived by his brother Bob and Bob’s wife Donna, sisters Pat Boehlke, Judy DuLac, and Mary Niedfeldt, sisters-in-law Mary Ann Snapp and Sue Snapp, and many nieces and nephews.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 AM on Thursday, May 16, 2019 at Roncalli Newman Center, 1732 State Street, La Crosse. Rev. Billy Dodge will officiate. Entombment with military honors provided by American Legion Post 52 will take place in the Gardens of Peace Mausoleum at Mormon Coulee Memorial Park, N1137 Bloomer Mill Road, La Crosse. Friends may call on the family Wednesday evening from 4:00 until 7:00 PM at Schumacher-Kish Funeral and Cremation Services La Crosse chapel, 200 West Ave. So. Visitation will also be held at the church on Thursday morning from 10:00 AM until the time of Mass.

Memorials may be made to Gundersen Medical Foundation, designated to Movement Disorders and Parkinson’s Disease, the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse Foundation, designated to the EXPAND program, and Roncalli Newman Catholic Parish.