John “Jack” Styer, age 78, of Birchwood, passed away Friday, March 6, 2026, at his home.

Jack was born on November 13, 1947, in Eau Claire, to John and Martha (Doelle) Styer. He grew up in Menomonie and graduated from Menomonie High School. After graduating from high school, he was drafted into the United States Army and served his country in Vietnam. His service remained one of the defining chapters of his life, shaping the steady, determined man he became.

Upon returning home, he began working at Presto and in 1970 married Connie Schreiner. Together, they purchased a farm and made their home in Elk Mound, where they started a family and embraced the joys and challenges of farm life. After selling the farm, the family moved to Tainter Lake, and Jack continued his career working at John Dotseth Trucking. Life brought changes, and following a divorce, he settled in Ridgeland, where he served as the Transportation Supervisor at Prairie Farm School District until his retirement in 2008. After retirement he moved to his cabin in Birchwood.

Those who knew Jack will remember him as a man who was always tinkering—fixing, building, or inventing something just to keep his hands busy. He was happiest at his favorite fishing holes or sitting around a table with family and friends, telling stories that grew a little better with each retelling.

He is survived by his daughter, Wendy (Phil) Parsons of Springfield, Missouri; son, Joe (Jennifer) of Prairie Farm; granddaughters, Makayla (Collin Christenson) and Madyson Styer, Arwen and Amber Parsons; brothers, Don of Chetek, Louie (Colleen) of Colfax, Ken (Mary Ellen) of Weyerhaeuser, and Dale (Debby) of Birchwood; sister, Patty Hanson of Princeton, Minnesota; as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents; infant son, Scott Jonathan; brothers, Ed and Sam; and sister, Sylvia.

A visitation for Jack will be held on Saturday, March 21 from 1:00 until 4:00 p.m. at Rausch and Steel Funeral Home in Barron. A prayer service will take place at 4:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Burial will be at a later date at the Northern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Spooner.

Last Update: Mar 10, 2026 9:29 am CDT