John S. Pena

obit template2018-11-29T12:10:12+00:00

John S.
Pena

  • Memorial Visitation
    • Thursday, January 9th, 2025 from 12-2pm at Heritage Funeral Homes – Oak Creek (9200 S. 27th St.)
  • Memorial Service
    • Thursday, January 9th, 2025 starting at 2pm at Heritage Funeral Homes – Oak Creek (9200 S. 27th St.)

John Sixto Pena

84, of Greenfield, WI, passed away peacefully on January 1, 2025, following a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease. Born on December 21, 1940, in Stamford, TX, he was the beloved son of Cisto Pena and Frances Pena Martinez, a loving husband to Eileen Kanter Pena, and a proud family man.

Throughout his life, John was known for his humorous pranks, love for his Wisconsin sports teams and his dedication to family. He worked in the hotel industry for decades, earning the respect of colleagues and friends alike. In his personal life, he cherished time spent with family and friends, and his legacy is one of commitment to his family and his strong work ethic.

Although Alzheimer’s disease changed the way he lived in his final years, his spirit and the love he gave to those around him never wavered. He will be remembered for the strength, warmth, and wisdom he shared with all who knew him. We especially thank the St. Croix Hospice team for making his last years comfortable and dignified.

John is survived by his wife of 57 years, Eileen Kanter Pena, his brother Otto (Kay) and his six children, Michelle (Todd), John (Michelle), Debra (Rick), Jennifer (Joe), David (Melissa) and Victoria (Andy). He also leaves behind 16 grandchildren, Megan (Devan), Nicole (Ryan), Colin (Katie), Brett, Natalie (Cody), Mykayla, Logan, Jordan, Alex, Laney, Vernon Carter, Sophia, Oscar, Hudson, Molly and Finley, three great grandchildren, Emerson, Eliana and Stanley John and numerous nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents and his two sisters, Mary Fisher and Selma Tarman.

He will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Visitation and a memorial service will be held on Thursday, January 9, 2025 at Heritage Funeral Home in Oak Creek, WI. Visitation begins at Noon with the service at 2:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Victory of the Lamb Church in Franklin, WI in his memory. https://victoryofthelamb.churchcenter.com/giving

7 Comments

  1. Lynn Chabot-Long and Jerry Long January 5, 2025 at 5:51 pm - Reply

    We have had the privilege and blessing of having John and Eileen in our lives for many years. We will miss our lunches and the laughter and love that John shared over the years. We couldn’t have asked for a better friend. John will always be in our hearts and our memories..

  2. Joe Bova January 5, 2025 at 7:30 pm - Reply

    Will always remember the good and fun times John and I had, from helping him build his backyard fence to fishing, thanks for the good memories.

  3. Yvonne Dziuk Moseley January 5, 2025 at 8:05 pm - Reply

    My heart hurts for the loss, but I am joyful for the memories and opportunity to go to beach in Texas with him, Eileen and the children and spend a few other momentous occasions with them over the years. Our sympathies, condolences, prayers, and love to the whole family.

  4. Zajkowski January 6, 2025 at 10:34 pm - Reply

    He will be missed at all family gatherings

    • Donald Wassenaar January 16, 2025 at 9:29 pm - Reply

      John was and is a good man. I managed the Ramada Inn for many years and know him well.. he will be missed

  5. Angie (Becker) Burgess January 8, 2025 at 11:17 am - Reply

    Sending hugs and love to all of Mr. Peña’s family. I remember his laugh, his smile, and that he was a great dad. Blessings to all of you.

  6. John Becker, Jr. & family January 8, 2025 at 12:38 pm - Reply

    Much love and sympathy to the entire Pena family. I have very fond memories of Mr. Peña — his devotion to his family and friends, his warm smile, friendliness, his kind spirit, and his creativity. God’s grace and blessings to you all.

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