John's Funeral Service Video

John "Chub" Paters, age 90 of New London, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully at home with his children on Friday, November 18, 2022.

John grew up in Manawa, Wisconsin where his father owned the Manawa Bakery and Diner. He married the love of his life, Donna Lamkins, on July 17, 1954.  She preceded him in death in 2004.  He enlisted in the US Navy during the Korean conflict, stationed in Guam where he was joined by Donna. He was honorably discharged and moved to Manawa with his wife and first daughter, Susan. John moved to New London, where he worked for Borden's company for over 20 years.  He was a proud member of the American Federation of Musicians, Knights of Columbus, American Legion, VFW, Lions Club, Disabled Veterans Association, and National Veterans Foundation.

In his 90 years, his athletic and musical talents were his passion. His musical talent included vocals and trumpet, playing in his band for years and his amazing performance at the Indianapolis Roof Big Band Ballroom.  For over 70 years, the Most Precious Blood parishioners along with many families enjoyed his magnificent voice at weddings and funerals. John was an all-around star athlete with the privilege of playing for the US Navy teams in Florida and Guam.  He loved to watch the Green Bay Packers, Wisconsin Badgers, and Milwaukee Brewers. John was an avid fisherman and enjoyed the great walleye run with his children, grandchildren, and friends.

Survivors include his four daughters, Susan (Richard) Muskevitsch, Catherine Wallace (partner Garrett Wagoner), Laura Paters, and Pamela Paters (special friend Lonnie Eick);  his one son, John Michael (Colleen) Paters; one brother Robert Paters (Mary); five grandchildren, Jeffrey Muskevitsch, Amy (Jason) Popp, Kristopher (Jodi) Paters, Nathan Paters, and Hannah Wallace (partner Cruise Smyth); five great-grandchildren, Evan and Mason Muskevitsch, Damon and Ava Popp, Tabitha Paters, and Riley Reinke, along with his Godchild, Tim Stevens and many nieces, nephews, sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law of the Paters, Lamkins, Sullivan, Stevens, Kryszak and Klepps' families.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Donna of 50 years; a daughter, Patricia; parents, Theodore and Marian Paters; brothers, Roland and Theodore Jr. Paters; sisters, Ruth Sullivan and Joan Angell, and his Navy best friend, Joe High.

The Funeral Mass for John will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, November 22, 2022 at Most Precious Blood Catholic Church in New London with Fr. John Kleinschmidt officiating.  The visitation will take place from 9:00 a.m. until the time of the service.  Burial will be in Sacred Heart Cemetery, Manawa.

Dear Dad, thank you for being the kindest soul any child could ask for. Your love and humor will live in us forever. Enjoy your reunion with your precious wife, our mother Donna, and tell her we love her.  She's longing to hear you sing, the voice she has so proudly known. Play some baseball with Joe; he's been waiting for you. And as you always say "has ta la vista".

Many thanks to the Theda Clark hospice team for their care and kindness to our dad and our family.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Association in memory of his beloved wife, our mother, Donna Paters.