John J. Boywid

John Joseph Boywid

March 4, 1945 - March 14, 2014

On Friday, John Boywid, of DePere, WI, ended his 16-year duel with Parkinson's disease. When his condition rapidly declined, John put the fight aside and left his body behind - but triumphantly kept his wit, wisdom, and dignity. Family and friends are jubilant that John's spirit is free.

John was born and raised in Chicago in a boisterous and loving Irish-American family. He lived with his parents, Charles and Mary (Cunningham), six siblings, and maternal grandmother Susan. They loved each other greatly despite the fact that all ten of them had to share the house's one bathroom.

John attended St. Benedict's High School. After serving his country in Vietnam (Army 1st Battallion, 11th Artillery) he earned a bachelor's degree at Roosevelt University. He fell hard for the Linda (Knipp) and married her in 1970. They moved to the suburbs to raise a family. John began a career with Fireman's Fund Insurance, and through hard work and study become a senior loss control consultant. In 1993, John and family moved from Bolingbrook, IL to beautiful Suamico, WI when he took a new position with Acuity Insurance. Recently he and Linda moved to De Pere.

John loved his family above all else. Other passions included running, reading, jigsaw puzzles, classic films, music, laughter, thoughtful conversation, and enjoying nature. He was a die-hard Cubs fan and loved to watch basketball, baseball and football. Always fascinated with other cultures, John and Linda traveled the world together to destinations as varied and remote as China, Alaska, Tahiti, and Prague. He liked to travel off the beaten path, seize unusual opportunities, and understand other cultures.

Preceding John in death were his brother, Mickey, brother-in-law Robert, his father, mother, father-in-law, Stanley Knipp, mother-in-law, Marcella, and brother-in-law, John Knipp.

John is survived by his incredible wife, Linda, his good-hearted son Charles Boywid of Coal City, IL, and his daughter, Bridget Doxtater, of Baraboo, WI, who was so lucky to have this amazing man as her dad. Also carrying on John's spirit are his beloved grandchildren Kevin, Katy, and Elora, daughter-in-law, Christina Tereze-Boywid, and son-in-law, Thomas Doxtater.

He will be greatly missed by his wonderful siblings and in-laws: Suzanne Schmidt, Charlene & Peter Engle, Richard Boywid, Noreen Jacome, and Betty & Robert Lattie, Gerry & Joe Tryzna, Gail Knipp; cousins/travel buddies, Ron & Anne Ratajczak; and his many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and wonderfully supportive friends.

Family and friends may call Thursday, March 20, 2014, at Newcomer Funeral Home, 340 S. Monroe Ave., Green Bay, from 3:00pm until 9:00pm with a parish prayer service at 6:30pm. Visitation will continue at the funeral home on Friday from 8:30am until 9:45am. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Ss. Edward & Isidore Catholic Church, 3667 Flintville Rd, Flintville, on Friday at 11:00am with Rev. Dave Hoffman officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery.

John and his family extend their heartfelt thanks to Dr. James Napier and Dr. Robert Stevens for many years of expert and compassionate medical care.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks you to make a donation to a charity that is close to your heart. Or, just make a personal re-commitment to being kind and considerate to others. John was a gentleman; he would like that.