John David Schmanski, 85, of Kenosha, WI, passed away peacefully on Friday, September 25, 2026, at Brookside Care Center.
Born on November 27, 1940, in Owatonna, MN, he was the son of the late Isidore F. and Mae Peterson (Wiuff) Schmanski. He attended local schools and graduated from Owatonna High School.
On December 9, 1962, he married Sandra L. Boe in Owatonna, MN.
John was employed as a manager for JC Penny for 35 years until he retired. After retirement, he was employed as a realtor for Colleen Realty for 10 years.
He read three newspapers every day and was truly a walking encyclopedia. He enjoyed traveling to Florida and Hawaii, sightseeing, and taking walks with his dog. He loved spending time watching football, but most of all, he cherished time with his family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
John will be fondly remembered for his wonderful sense of humor and his playful, goofy side, which the kids always brought out in him. He and his wife also loved taking trips to Chicago, where they enjoyed exploring different restaurants and trying a variety of ethnic cuisines. One of their favorite stops was the Billy Goat Tavern, where John insisted that everyone should try their foot-long hot dog at least once.
He was a great conversationalist who could strike up a conversation with just about anyone. He rarely sat still, and whenever he wasn’t working on the weekend, he and his wife were usually off somewhere together, making memories and enjoying life. His curiosity, humor, love of family, and zest for life will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all who knew him.
John is survived by his loving wife, Sandra Schmanski; three children, Stacy Sarich, Chris (Lauren) Schmanski, and Scott (Cathy) Schmanski; eight grandchildren, Sarah (Daniel Heredia) Sarich, Nicole (Manny) Gumina, Lauren Sarich, Christopher Schmanski, Mathew Schmanski, Brittney Schmanski, Ian Gates, Jennifer (Zach) Barrington; seven great-grandchildren, Frank, Lettie, and Florence Gumina, Arielle and Adrianna Speed, and Jaxson and Aria Barrington; one sister, Nancy (Chuck) Newgard; and special friends, Carol and Wally Miller.
He was preceded in death by his parents, and his sister, Shirley Miller.
A memorial gathering will be held on Monday, October 5, 2026, at Proko Funeral Home from 11:00 a.m. until the time of memorial service at 1:00 p.m. Interment in Sunset Ridge Memorial Park will follow.