John White

John Gordon White, 88, of Sheboygan, died on Tuesday, July 26, 2016 at Countryside Manor. John was born on February 19, 1928 in Hoopston, IL to Curtis and Edna (Barnard) White. John proudly served in the US Army during WWII and was stationed in occupied Japan. On February 21, 1948 he was united in marriage to the love of his life Marilyn "Colleen" Cox in Peoria, IL. Marilyn preceded him in death on June 21, 2015.
John worked at the Armour Leather and Armira most of his career and was the one to turn out the lights for the last time in 1983. John played and coached rec softball and basketball for many years in Sheboygan. He was active in the community; serving as the 3rd Ward Alderman, on the District School Board, and as City Supervisor. In 1972 John also ran for Mayor of Sheboygan, losing by a few votes. His. passion was cars and he bought, sold, and traded over 2,000 in his lifetime. John and Colleen were avid dog lovers. He also had a strong faith and was a member, of St. Luke United Methodist Church in Sheboygan. John and Colleen returned to Peoria in 1992 to take care of Colleen's mother, and while in Peoria were involved in local organizations - primarily with the South Side Mission helping poor children. Upon returning to Sheboygan in 2012, John and Colleen supported several local charitable organizations. They lived life well below their means and that afforded them the opportunity to help others.
John is survived by his children; John (significant other Jodi) White of Cedarburg, Michael (Heidi) White of Elkhart Lake, and Karen (Dave) Kaja of Copperopolls, CA, by his grandchildren; Jason, Andrea, and Jeff Kaja, Ben (Katie) White, and Nathan White, by great-grandchildren; Jackson and Zoey Kaja, Lauren and Meg White. He is further survived by his nieces; Debbie Hopkins, Letha (Bob) Pollard, Linda (Brad) Thompson, Laura (Forrest) White and Cindy (Rod) Arnett, also by other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death, by his parents, wife, a grandson Nicholas White, daughter-in-law Rita White, brother Calvin White, sister-in-law Lynda Bornholdt.
A Memorial Service for both John and Colleen will be held on Thursday, August 4, 2016 at 5:00 PM at Ballhorn Chapels Funeral & Cremation Care Center 1201 N. 8th St. Sheboygan, with Pastor Cindy Thompson officiating. Relatives and friends may visit with the family on Thursday, August 4, 2016 from 3:00 PM until the time of service.
The family would like to thank the staff at Countryside Manor and Aurora at Home Hospice for the care, compassion and comfort they provided. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Salvation Army would be appreciated.