John J. Szemborski Jr

After a 4-year battle with esophageal cancer, John J. Szemborski, Jr., 80, of Marathon, WI, died at his home, on February 19, 2018. John is best known in recent years as the "Honey Guy" at the Farmers Market of Wausau, where he was a vendor for over 25 years and one of the first vendors of organic produce. Friends and family could always count on enjoying polka on the radio when they would visit John. Earlier in his life, he was a dairy farmer and ran a small saw mill, cutting laths for area ginseng growers. He was born in the family farmhouse in rural Marathon on July 14, 1937 to John and Isabelle (Hilber) Szemborski, Sr. In February of 1960, John married Marguerite Abt (Thanig); they divorced in 1973. John is survived by his children, Greg (Dora) Szemborski, Edgar; Doug Szemborski, Marshfield; Brenda (Mike) Roma, Schofield; Chris Szemborski, Marathon (Little Chicago); Jocelyn (Mark) Fochs, Mosinee; Virginia (John) Prosser, Weston; and Ben (Tina) Szemborski, Marathon; 14 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren, 2 sisters, Elmira (Gerhardt) Paul, Sheboygan Falls; and Carol Bothe, Waukesha. He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings, Florence (Edward) Soczka, Bernice (Paul) Mueller, Anthony (Esther) Szemborski, Irene (Leo) Mroczenski, and Martin (Rosie) Szemborski. Special thanks to Dr. Peterson, all the staff with Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services, the staff at Aspirus Cancer Center and Bruce Grau of Aspirus Pallative Care for their expertise and support. A family memorial service will be held at a future date. Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, Marathon is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com