John B. Hauptmann, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully on December 17, 2024, at the age of 73, following a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. Born on December 20, 1950, in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, John was the youngest of six siblings born to Marcella and Lawrence Hauptmann.
John grew up in Kenosha, Wisconsin, where he attended Tremper High School, graduating with the Class of 1969. He continued his education at Gateway College and Parkside College. Right after high school, John proudly served in the United States Air Force. During his service, he had the honor of participating in veterans’ funerals, playing a key role in honoring their memories by performing on the bugle. After being honorably discharged, John returned to Kenosha and began his professional career.
He dedicated 29 years of his life to Tri Clover Corporation. After the company relocated, John found a second career at Abbott Laboratories, where he worked for 19 years before retiring. Beyond his professional life, John pursued a variety of passions. He was an avid sports enthusiast who loved volleyball, often refereeing matches at George’s Club Highview, where he also bartended for 14 years. He enjoyed playing softball, bowling, bags, and cribbage, but above all, he treasured spending time with his family.
In 1995, John married the love of his life, Pamela J. Principe. Over their 30 years of marriage, they shared a deep love of traveling, creating cherished memories during their many trips to Las Vegas, Biloxi, Mississippi, and other destinations. Together, they built a beautiful life surrounded by their children and grandchildren.
John’s family was the heart of his world. He adored spending time with his eight children, 27 grandchildren, and one great-grandchild. He is survived by his loving wife of 30 years, Pamela Hauptmann; his children, Kelly Santos and her fiance’ Julian Zapata, Kirk (Cathy) Hauptmann, Kevin Ortiz, July (Mickey) Foster, Emil (Anessa) Ortiz, Nicholas Ortiz and his fiancée Andrea Vasquez, and Ammie (Keoni) Roberson; and his siblings, Joanne, Bill, Betty and Rita.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Marcella and Lawrence Hauptmann, and his sister, Catherine.
A visitation and Mass to honor John’s life will be held on Sunday, December 22, 2024, at New Life Church, 1520 S. Green Bay Rd., Somers, Wisconsin, from 3:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
John’s memory will forever live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him. His family and friends will miss his kind spirit, his ability to strike up conversations with anyone, and the warmth of his unforgettable hugs.
