John Pirkl, 95, Racine, Wis.
John Francis Pirkl, age 95, passed away Saturday, Sept. 27, 2025, at Aurora St. Luke’s Medical Center, Milwaukee.
He was born in Owatonna, March 30, 1930, son of the late John Bonaventure Pirkl and Frances Emilia Wondra. He graduated from Blooming Prairie High School with the Class of 1948.
He proudly served his country in the U. S. Army in Korea and as a musician, playing the trombone in the 24th Division Army Band.
On July 18, 1959, John was united in marriage to Dannette Schneller.
One of his proudest moments was when he was elected to “Tau Beta Pi,” a foremost Honorary Engineering Society in America upon graduating from Michigan Tech University.
John was employed as an engineer at S.C. Johnson and Sons, Inc., for 33 years until his retirement in 1995, during which time he was licensed as a Professional Engineering (PE).
He will forever be remembered for his loyalty, integrity, adherence to perfection, self-sacrifice for love of family, sense of humor and love of Dixieland music.
He was loved dearly and will be sadly missed by his wife, Dannette of 66 years; children, Denise (Henry) Feider, Kathleen (Steve) Tague, John (Julie) Pirkl, Michael (Jane) Pirkl, Brian (Keiko) Pirkl; 12 grandchildren, five great grandchildren; his sister, Sr. Franchon OSF, other relatives and dear friends.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Sr. Margaret Pirkl OSF.
A Memorial Service celebrating John’s life will be held at 1:30 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 11, 2025, at the funeral home. Interment will follow at Caledonia Memorial Park. Relatives and friends are welcome to meet with the family for visitation, Saturday at 11:30 a.m. until time of service. A Celebration of Life will be held at Infusino’s, 3225 Rapids Dr., Racine, at 5:30 p.m. on Saturday for all guests attending the Memorial Service.
Memorials can be made to John F. Pirkl Memorial Fund. Please make checks out to “Dannette Pirkl.”
Arrangements are being handled by Maresh-Meredith & Acklam Funeral Home in Racine, Wis.