John H. “Jack” Klopatek

John H. “Jack” Klopatek, 93, of Mercer, passed away peacefully with his family by his side on Tuesday, October 28, 2025.

John was born on May 3, 1932, in Milwaukee, the son of John F. and Veronica (Herman) Klopatek. He was a graduate of Pulaski High School in Milwaukee and proudly served his country in the U.S. Army, receiving an honorable discharge. On May 28, 1955, Jack was united in marriage with MaryAnn Swenson at St. Louis Catholic Church in Caledonia.

A devoted member of St. Isaac Jogues Catholic Church in Mercer, Jack once served as an Eucharistic minister. He began his career as a barber, later worked as a machinist, and eventually joined the family business, Klopatek Plumbing.

Known affectionately as “Pa,” John was a gifted musician who played both the six-string banjo and drums at many polka dances throughout the years. He and MaryAnn shared a love for music and dancing, even appearing together on Molly B’s Polka Party on TV.

Pa also had a deep love for the outdoors. He enjoyed bow, gun, and turkey hunting, mushroom hunting near Dalton, Wisconsin, and countless hours of fishing — especially ice fishing with MaryAnn and their group of friends.

Pa will be deeply missed by his children, Gary Klopatek of Oak Creek; Randy (Karen) Klopatek, John (Mary) Klopatek, and Scott Klopatek, all of Mercer; and Julie (Jayme) Fehr of Merrill; along with 11 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandson. He is further survived by many other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his beloved wife, MaryAnn, in 2016; daughters-in-law, Pat Klopatek and Missy Klopatek; brothers, Ralph and Robert; and sister, Rita.

A visitation for Pa will be held on Saturday, November 8, 2025, from 10 a.m. until 12 p.m. (noon) at St. Isaac Jogues Catholic Church in Mercer, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 12 p.m. (noon) with Rev. Maria Joseph Kodiganti officiating. Burial will follow at the Mercer Cemetery with military honors conducted by the Mercer American Legion Post #424 and the Mercer V.F.W. Post #9536.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Mercer’s Paw Shop or Mercer Education Foundation.

The family has chosen the McKevitt-Patrick Funeral Home in Ironwood to honor John’s legacy of life. To make an online condolence or for more information visit www.McKevittPatrickFuneralHome.com.