John Pontius

VISITATION:

9-10 a.m., Saturday, August 13 at Central Lutheran Church, 28 E. Columbia Street, Chippewa Falls

MEMORIAL SERVICE:

10 a.m., Saturday, August 13 at Central Lutheran Church, 28 E. Columbia Street, Chippewa Falls

John D. Pontius, 88, of Chippewa Falls, died Tuesday, August 9, 2016 at Dove Healthcare West, Eau Claire.

He was born March 1, 1928 in Beloit, Wisconsin to Gladys (Voss) and Roscoe Pontius. He graduated from Beloit Memorial High School in 1946. John then served in the U.S. Army during from 1946 until being honorably discharged at Ft. Lewis in 1947 as a corporal/T-5.

John earned his Bachelor's Degree in Education in 1951 and his Master's Degree in Education in 1952, both from UW-Madison.

On December 27, 1953, John married Lorraine Erickson at Central Lutheran Church in Chippewa Falls. They resided in Chippewa Falls where John taught science and then was the guidance counselor at Chippewa Falls High School for over 40 years until his retirement in 1990. During his teaching career, he attended University of Illinois, Iowa State University, Drake University, St. Norbert of Green Bay, UW-Eau Claire and UW-Stout. He was a charter member of the Chippewa Falls Optimist Club and a member of Central Lutheran Church.

He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Lorraine of Chippewa Falls; two daughters, Mary (Brad) Hladish of Prescott, Linda (Rick) Mattison of Tomah; a brother, Alan Pontius of Las Vegas, Nev.; and four grandchildren, Adam (Jessica) and Joshua Hladish, Jenna and Samuel Mattison.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and a sister-in-law, Carol Pontius.

A memorial service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, August 13, at Central Lutheran Church with the Rev. Aaron Sturgis officiating. Interment with military honors by the Chippewa Falls Patriotic Council will follow at Forest Hill Cemetery, Chippewa Falls and will be officiated by Rev. John Erickson.

Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service Saturday at the church.

Memorials in John's honor are appreciated and may go to the Central Lutheran Church Education Fund or to Irvine Park.