John “Jack” Meng, 81 years old, went home to the Lord on September 11th, 2026. Born to John and Ruth (Havill) Meng on August 21, 1945 in Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin.
Jack was the beloved husband, soulmate and best friend of the late Janet Marie (Cross) Meng for over thirty-five years. They shared a special kind of love, the kind of love you inspire to have. They enjoyed camping, fishing and vacationing with Doris “Sissy” and spending time with family.
Loving, proud, Father “Pop’s, Daddy” to John “Jaye” (Randi Slomski) Meng, and Kelli (Ken Hanson) Baltz. Jack was a role model, a friend, a hero, who was always there for his children. Words cannot express the impact he has had on them and how greatly he will be missed.
Jack was a loving stepfather to Dave (Patti) Erdman, and Jeff (Jen) Erdman.
Irreplaceable brother “Buzzy” to his sister “Sissy” Doris (Darwin) Current. Their devoted sibling bond was a source of strength and joy for our entire family.
Treasured Grampa to Lance (Kristee), Johnathan (Meghan), Taylor (Cody), Alex (Hillary), Kim (Kevin), Nicholas, Jacobb, Caitlin (Ian) and preceded in death by Codi.
Precious great grampa to Aubree, Lydia, Cal, Eloise, Archie, Lilly and Willem.
#1 Uncle to Debbie (Randy), Diana (Andy) and Doug (Jennifer).
Great uncle to Monty, Matt (Kellie), Carley (Shawn), Mitchell, Erica (Tyler) and Megan (Levi).
Bonus dad to Teri “Dingy” Schlei.
Friend to Doug Baltz.
Ex-husband, but cherished friend to Valerie (nee Sheperd) and Al Pietrowiak.
Kelli had the honor to live with Jack the last three years of his life and to be there when he took his last breath. Jack was never a lover of cats, until Oliver, Naughty and Larry moved in and took over. They were his constant companions even at the end, lying with him in his hospice bed.
Jack had so many more family members and friends that he loved. He was truly blessed.
Jack served his country in the United States Air Force. He was stationed in England where he met and later married Valerie, mother of his 2 children.
After their return to Iowa, one could say he was a jack-of-all-trades. He ran a gas station in Baldwin Iowa, worked at Clinton Engines with his father and was proud to be a Union heavy equipment operator. He drove truck for many companies, but most meaningful was moving back to Wisconsin and driving for Super Steel, where he met his beautiful wife, Janet.
Jack loved fishing, hunting, playing pool and cards. He was a devoted fan of the Green Bay Packers, the best part of watching the the game was time spent texting back and forth with Jaye, GO PACK!
When Kelli asked Jack what his happiest memory was, he smiled and said, “I know I should say when you kids were born, but it was winning the championship race at the Maquoketa Iowa racetrack.” He drove many cars, but his favorite was #45.
You will be forever remembered and missed. THANK YOU JACK, for the memories so many have shared with you.
A special thank you to Dr. Yee Chung Cheng and Nurse Jo at the VA and also Aurora Hospice. Family and friends that came to the house to say goodbye or called with their support. And, to Ken Hanson for being there with Kelli when Jack passed away. His battle with cancer was long and he fought hard, rest high on that mountain, your work on earth is done.
In lieu of flowers, buy yourself something nice, or donate to the VA, or animal shelter.
Visitation will be Thursday, October 1, 2026 from 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM at Krause Funeral Home in Brown Deer, 7001 West Brown Deer Road. There will be a Memorial Service to follow at 4:00 PM.
Directly after the service, please join the family for a celebration of Jack’s life. It will take place at Buzdum’s, where Boro and Becky always made Jack feel loved, thank you.
W188 N10515 Maple Road, Germantown, WI 53022. 262-416-3131.