SMSgt John “Jack” Frederick Champeau, USAF (Ret. ), 82, of Sturgeon Bay, entered into eternal rest on Tuesday, October 9, 2018 while at the Door County Medical Center Skilled Nursing Facility. Jack was born in Sturgeon Bay on July 1, 1936 to the late Oliver Joseph and Iva “Ivy” (Bridenhagen) Champeau.
He graduated from Sturgeon Bay High School in 1954 and enlisted into the United States Air Force upon graduation. Jack served honorably for 20 years, including a one-year tour of duty in Vietnam. He retired from the Air Force as a Sr. Master Sgt.
Jack utilized his military experience and college education to acquire a position as a logistic engineer at the United States Pentagon. He also worked on a Navy contract at Marinette Marine. In his later years, he worked as a corrections officer at the Marinette County Prison.
Jack was a member of St. Joseph Parish in Sturgeon Bay. Through his military service, he was a member of the VFW earlier in life while living in Nevada and the Weber-Tess AMVETS Post 51 in Sturgeon Bay. Jack was also a strong supporter of the Wounded Warrior Project and volunteered with Meals on Wheels in Sturgeon Bay.
He was an avid outdoorsman who loved to fish and hunt. Jack also enjoyed traveling throughout all 50 states and to Panama amongst other countries. His personality was larger than life, and he would light up a room when he walked in.
Jack’s entire family has wonderful memories of his ability to tell stories that would make you feel like you were a part of his tales. He was a stern man when it came to raising his children, but soft as butter when it came to his grandchildren and great grandchildren. Jack will be deeply missed by his four children, Mark Champeau, Michael (Katrina) Champeaux, both of Las Vegas, NV, Kathy (Ken) Phillips of McDonough, GA, and Cindy (Mike) Schmieder of Newnan, GA; seven grandchildren, Heather, Jason, Greg, Josh, Brittany, Taylor, and Lexie; nine great-grandchildren, Blayne, Katylin, Jack, Bekah, Katherine, Emily, Maddie, Lauren, and Killian; his friend and companion of many years, Mary Jane Sorgel of Sturgeon Bay; one brother, Thomas Champeau of Saukville; numerous nieces and nephews; and friends.
He was preceeded in death by his parents; brother, Oliver “Buck” Champeau, and three sisters, Elizabeth “Betty” (Mark) Weidman, Mary (Clarence “Sunshine”) Soyring, and Bonnie “Toots” (Paul) Schroeder. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 12:00 noon on Saturday, October 20, 2018 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Sturgeon Bay with Fr. Robert Stegmann as celebrant.
Jack will be laid to rest in St. Joseph Cemetery with full military honors by the United States Air Force and the Weber-Tess AMVETS Post 51. Visitation for family and friends will be held at the church on Saturday, October 20, 2018 from 11:00 a.m. until 11:50 a.m. Memorials may be given in Jack’s memory for the St. Joseph Educational Endowment Trust. Huehns Funeral Home, Inc. & Door County Crematory LLC are assisting the Champeau family with arrangements.
Expressions of sympathy, memories, and photos of Jack may be shared with his family through his tribute page at www. huehnsfuneralhome.com. Donations may be made to: St. Joseph Educational Endowment Trust 526 Louisiana St., Sturgeon Bay WI 54235 Tel: 1-920-743-2062 Web: www.
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