John L. Kannenberg

John L. Kannenberg 88, Wausau, died Monday, March 17, 2008 at Wausau Manor, following a brief illness. He was born December 16, 1919 in the town of Texas, son of the late Ernest and Rose (Fischer) Kannenberg. On September 23, 1939, he married Ella Rose Parent in Merrill. She survives. John was a loving husband, father and grandfather. As his family and friends mourn his passing, we remember his full life and many accomplishments. John was a life long resident of Wisconsin. He was an avid outdoorsman and loved hunting and fishing, especially trout fishing. At the age of 60 he took up golf and enjoyed competing on the links with his sons. He was a fan of the Braves and Brewers and owned Packer season tickets for many years. He served the City of Wausau for 34 years, 10 as a city council member and 24 as mayor. During that time he never missed a council meeting, 575 consecutive meetings of perfect attendance of which he was very proud. He loved the city of Wausau and dedicated those 34 years trying to make it a better place to live. He served the state of Wisconsin as a president of the Wisconsin League of municipalities and on boards and commissions under four governors. He received national awards from the U.S. Conference of Mayors, and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Survivors include, his wife, Ella Rose Kannenberg, Wausau; three sons, Loren (Karri Kline) Kannenberg, LaCrosse, Lloyd Kannenberg, St. Louis, Mo. and Anthony (Katherine Hoveland) Kannenberg, Madison; nine grandchildren, Dean (Julie) Kannenberg, Wausau, Paul Kannenberg, Wausau, Eric (Jennifer) Kannenberg, Wausau, Patrick (Kathy) Kannenberg, St. Louis, Mo., Michelle (Allen) Schneider, St. Louis, Mo., Trisha (Charles) Abney, St. Louis, Mo., Brian (Betsy) Kannenberg, San Diego, Cal., Raymond Kannenberg, St. Louis, Mo. and Briana Spicer, LaCrosse; and 11 great grandchildren. Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by one son, Raymond Kannenberg; and 11 brothers and sisters. Funeral services will be at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, March 20, 2008 at Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, 1302 Sixth Street, Wausau. Rev. William Grevatch will officiate. Entombment will be in the Memorial Chapel Mausoleum, Restlawn Memorial Park, Wausau. Friends may call Wednesday from 4:00 until 8:00 p.m. and again Thursday from 10:00 a.m. until time of services, all at the Sixth Street funeral home. Online condolences at www.petersonkraemer.com