John Robert Talaska

FOND DU LAC, Wis. - John Robert Talaska, 78, of Fond du Lac, passed away on Sunday, Feb. 21, 2021, at St. Agnes Hospital in Fond du Lac.

He was born on Nov. 11, 1942, in Ironwood, Michigan, the son of Robert S. and Bertha I. Maki Talaska. John attended schools in Ironwood and graduated from Luther L. Wright High School with the class of 1960. While attending high school and college John excelled in basketball. As a soldier in the U.S. Army, John served our country for two years. On Dec. 28, 1968, John married Joanne Perry.

For seven years, John worked as a residential appraiser for a private firm. He finished his career as a manufacturing and industrial appraiser for the Wisconsin Department of Revenue. Special interests that brought John joy were sports and games, creating artistic work on screens, reading, picnics at Little Girl's Point on Lake Superior, spending time with all his family - especially Sara, Ashley and Bryce - and taking part in the life and ministry of the Lutheran Church of Our Saviour in Fond du Lac.

He is survived by his wife, Joanne Talaska of Fond du Lac; his daughter, Suzanne (Phil) Karas and their children Sara, Ashley and Bryce; his son, Greg Talaska and his husband Christopher; and sisters and brothers-in-law, Theresa Talaska, Arnold (Eunice) Perry, David (Sharlene) Perry, Elaine (Kevin) St. Vincent and Glenn (Renee) Perry. He is further survived by many cherished nieces and nephews; and special friends, Jon and Linda Bastian and family, Pastor Dewey and Connie Wisner and family, and many others.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Frances (Kenneth) Nelson; and his brother, James Talaska.

Private memorial services were held on Saturday, Feb. 27, at Kurki Funeral Chapel and Crematory. Inurnment took place at Ledgeview Memorial Park. A celebration of John's life will take place at a later date.

Memorial gifts may be shared with Church of Our Saviour, 363 S. Main St., Fond du Lac, WI 54935; Gogebic Community College Foundation, E-4946 Jackson Road, Ironwood, MI 49938; or the charity of your choice.

Kurki Funeral Chapel and Crematory of Fond du Lac is serving the family.