Video of Funeral Mass for John St. Peter
John Emery St. Peter, age 80, who many will remember as the manager of the former popular Port Washington Country Club died Thursday, July 30, 2020 at Lawlis Family Hospice in Mequon, WI. John, formerly of Belgium, WI for many years, had recently resided in Glendale.
As a young boy, John would be seen with a golf club in hand, hitting balls daily. His insatiable love for the game of golf progressively increased as indicated in areas of leadership management, friendships and accolades throughout his life.
John played in junior Wisconsin state golf tournaments and Wisconsin’s father-son state tournament with his late father Clarence. During high school, John played on the Port Washington golf team for four years where he was honored to have played at the state level. He participated in the Wisconsin State Open, state amateur tournaments and the Cherryland Open in Sturgeon Bay.
While majoring in History at Lakeland College, John pursued his passion for golf as a four year member of the college golf team and served as its captain. Coaching the junior varsity basketball team at Lakeland was an honor as well.
After the tragic death of his father Clarence, John managed the Port Washington Country Club along with his mother Maxine. Shortly thereafter, John became a PGA professional and held the office of chairman of the Wisconsin Junior Golf program. These endeavors continued as he coached the Northern Ozaukee High School golf team for eight years accomplishing sectional honors and four conference championships.
The junior golf program at the Port Washington Country Club was initiated and enjoyed by John as it flourished for many years. During the winter season, John taught the basics of golf to many under the directorship of the Port Washington Recreation Department. The love of the game and the competitive passion led him to receive club championship honors for four years at the country club.
After the sale of the Port Country Club, John embarked on purchasing and managing a sporting goods business, Sportex, for six years. He then pursued a career in insurance sales, working as a vice president of the Equitable Stevens Group. He later worked as a sales manager for Prudential Insurance Company.
John enjoyed hunting, fishing and golfing with his sons and good friends. Many weekends were spent at off-road race tracks watching his son Jeff race.
Born on November 22, 1939 in Milwaukee, WI, he was the son of Clarence and Maxine Emery St. Peter. He married Sandra Hoeft at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Saukville, WI on October 6, 1962.
He is a member of St. John XXIII Parish-St. Peter of Alcantara Church and the Port Washington Rotary Club. He served for eighteen years on the Northern Ozaukee school board, helped found the Snow Runners Snowmobile Club and served as their president. John held the position of vice president of Superior Off-road Drivers Association (SODA) and represented the village of Belgium on their planning commission.
John is survived by his three sons Jeff (Mary) St. Peter of Port Washington, Jay St. Peter of West Bend and Scott (Debora) St. Peter of Cedarburg; grandchildren Drew (Ana), Ashley (fiance Jason), Lauren, Justin (fiance Sam), Savannah and Trevor St. Peter; his sister Barbara Casper of Phoenix, Arizona, as well as numerous cherished friends.
He is preceded in death by his wife Sandy on October 5, 2009, his daughter-in-law Tammy, grandparents Clement and May Emery and Fred and Sarah St. Peter, his parents Clarence and Maxine St. Peter, his in-laws Norman and Edna Hoeft, his sister Anne Paradise and his brother Frederick St. Peter.
As seen in his infectious smile and happy nature, it was quite apparent that John’s love for his family and friends, especially his grandchildren were the uppermost throughout his life.
A celebration of John’s life will take place with a mass at 2PM Friday, August 14, 2020 at St. John XXIII Parish-St. Peter of Alcantara Church, 1802 N. Wisconsin Street, Port Washington, WI. Reverend Patrick Wendt will be the celebrant. Interment will take place at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Port Washington.
Memorials to the American Cancer society appreciated.
The family wishes a heartfelt special thanks to all John’s caregivers, nurses and doctors over the past few years for their compassionate care. Thank you.
*** COVID-19 recommendations will be followed. Masks must be worn. Exercise social distancing. Thank you.
Our sympathy to Scott, Jeff, Jay and their families. John advised me on approach shot techniques on the golf course, and it worked. A pitch and run was easiest for a beginner like myself. Thanks John.
My sympathy to the families of Jeff, Jay and Scott. When cousins got together, I remember how much fun we had. He had a wonderful smile. I got to see him at Aurora Clinic by chance and he was his smiley self. Remember the fun times.
John was a lifelong friend, having met in first or second grade. In our late pre-teen years, I would occasionally spend overnights at the Country Club, with the opportunity to have one of the great steaks they cooked. John had to be up early to get “his” chores done and then we would play golf. Over the years his tips on how I could be a better golfer never really sank in, so I remain a duffer to this day.
John honored our early friendship by including me as one of his groomsmen in his wedding.
John played football in high school and I recall after our senior season, at the annual football banquet, we had a motivational speaker who ask a question: How could the football team lose a game with St. Peter on the team? Hit them straight my friend and some day we will meet on the First Tee with those green pastures.
John was a great man and friend. He will be long remembered. God rest his soul.