John “Jack” C. Huston, age 78, of Tomahawk, went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, Jan. 23, 2022, at his home surrounded by his family. Jack was born in Tomahawk on Oct. 26, 1943, to the late Charles and Dorothy Huston. He graduated from Tomahawk High School in 1961 and married his beloved wife, Kathryn N. Teal, on July 18, 1964. John and Kathy have four children, eight grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.
A lifelong resident of Tomahawk, Jack owned and operated Huey’s Drive-In for several years and enjoyed hiring and mentoring local high school students. He also found time to be a school bus driver for several years and loved interacting with Tomahawk students of all ages. Jack retired from Packaging Corporation of America in Tomahawk after 53 years of service. He also greatly enjoyed his time serving as the Chairman of the Town of Bradley for ten years.
Jack was known for his gregarious personality, his storytelling abilities, and his never-ending willingness to help friends and strangers in need. He loved watching Wisconsin sports and was an avid fan of the Badgers, Bucks, Brewers, and Packers. He also enjoyed traveling to various Wisconsin casinos. But what he loved most was spending time with his family and friends. He was always surrounded by loved ones at his home on Lake Mohawksin, which he purchased and began transforming at just 18 years old. He and Kathy devoted themselves to their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, and he often commented that they were a great source of pride and joy for him. He was always ready to tell a joke or give much-needed (and often humorous) advice to the younger generations. He was and always will be an irreplaceable member of his family.
Surviving are his wife, Kathryn; four children, Jim (Susan) Huston, Eau Claire; Jacalyn (Bill) Amant, Middleton; Chris Huston, Tomahawk; and Jesse (Rachel) Huston, Merrill; two sisters, Darlene (Ivan) Jenkins, Tomahawk; and Donna (John) Gunther, Antigo; eight adoring grandchildren, Haleigh (Matt) Saunders, Jordan, Emmaleigh, Logan, Alisyn, Max, Jase, and Chloe; and his great-grandchildren, Samuel and Lily. Jack adored and is survived by his son-in law, Bill, and his daughters-in-law, Susan and Rachel, as well as his grandson by marriage, Matt. He welcomed each of them into his family with open arms and saw them as his own. He is also survived by many wonderful extended family members and friends.
Jack was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Dorothy; and his brother, James Huston.
Jack courageously battled diabetes for many years, and in 2006, received the life-saving donation of a kidney from a very special family friend, Tanya Wilburn. This selfless act and amazing gift added many joyful years to his life.
A private celebration of his life will take place. A public celebration of his life will take place at a later date during the summer of 2022. Donations can be made in Jack’s name to the American Diabetes Association.
Generations Funeral Home & Crematory is assisting the family. You may view Jack’s obituary and leave online condolences at www.generationsfuneral.com.