John Patrick Zenk, 68, of Sparta, WI, passed away peacefully Tuesday, September 29, 2026, at the Tomah Veterans Hospital, Tomah, WI. He ended a long journey with frontotemporal dementia. John was born August 21, 1958, in Wausau, WI, to Emil Lester and Betty Ann (Mecikalski) Zenk.
He attended Newman Catholic High School in Wausau, WI, where he was proud to be the homecoming king and on an all-star baseball team. John proudly enlisted in the Army National Guard, but a training injury ended his service early. John appreciated the time he served. He went on to earn his bachelor’s degree at UW La Crosse, obtaining a degree in teaching and physical education. John moved to Houston, Texas, where he began his teaching career. He later returned to Wisconsin, working at Peterson Health Care in Rhinelander before joining Blackwell Job Corps, Laona, WI. John spent 24 years at Blackwell, serving as a recreational specialist, GED teacher, and driver’s education instructor.
John was a total sports enthusiast- he lived for Packers, Badgers, Brewers and Buck’s games. He played all sports and was a referee for many. John seemed to have the uncanny ability to see plays before they happened and before the refs even called them! Outside of work, he enjoyed the outdoors, especially hunting and fishing. He also had a passion for collecting cars, a hobby he greatly enjoyed throughout his life. He had a strong faith, a love of animals and a great sense of humor.
John is survived by his wife Mary (Koehler) who he married May 12, 2012; his parents, Emil and Betty Zenk; sons, John Andrew Zenk and Alex (Alyssa) Zenk; daughter, Bethann (Alex) Rheas; brothers, Scott, Eric (Nancy), Jim (Patty), Clint (Denise) Zenk; grandson Luka; his step-daughters Kathie Midgette, and Lizabeth Held; along with nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
John was preceded in death by his infant brother, Gerard Zenk.
A heartfelt thanks to all his caring staff at Rolling Meadows (Strum) Bluffview, (Holmen), Agape Acres (Warrens), Gundersen Hospital (LaCrosse) and the VA Hospice unit in Tomah. Many angels were sent to care for him. Thanks to Fr. Eric Berns and Torkelson Funeral Home.
John was passionate about physical education, and his desire was to donate his body to UW Madison for research purposes. Donations can be made in memory of John to the association for frontotemporal dementia at www.theaftd.org for further research and cure.
Celebration of Life with full military honors will be held Wednesday, October 7, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at the Torkelson Funeral Home, 1132 Angelo Road, Sparta, WI. Father Eric Berns will officiate. Family and friends are invited for visitation on Wednesday from 10:30 a.m. until the time of service. Lunch will follow the service.
Those who are unable to attend John’s service are invited to watch the service via livestream on our website, www.torkelsonfuneralhome.com, or on our FB page.
Torkelson Funeral Home 1132 Angelo RD, Sparta, WI, is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be offered at www.torkelsonfuneralhome.com.
