John J. Baginski

John J. Baginski, age 80, of Antigo died Monday, August 9, 2021 at Aspirus Langlade Hospital. He was born December 16, 1940 in Antigo to the late Ted and Kathryn (Teal) Baginski. On October 21, 1961 John was united in marriage to Kathie Spreng at St. Hyacinth's Catholic Church. John was a graduate of Antigo High School class of 1959. He loved the sport of baseball and played throughout his school years and continued in county league. John was a lifelong potato grower, beginning his career as a boy working alongside his father and family on the Ted Baginski and Sons Potato Farm. He was active in his community as a member of Saints Mary & Hyacinth's Catholic Church where he ushered, as well as a member of Benevolent Order of Elks Lodge #662 of Antigo. He was a man of great faith in God and in his country - he knelt daily for the cross and stood for the flag. The family that he and Kathie raised was his greatest joy. He loved "his girls" and was so proud of each of them and their families. As a devoted family man, John thoroughly enjoyed his family traditions which included holiday gatherings, travel, and friendly competition. He had a genuinely kind heart and always had a friendly wave for everyone. John was always willing to do things for others. Survivors in addition to his wife Kathie include four daughters: Janice (Ron) Hoerman of Antigo, Jodie (Paul) Fermanich of Deerbrook, Lynda (Jay) Baginski-Ozanne of Goodyear, AZ, Gina (Chris) Hastreiter of Verona, WI, two brothers: Ted, Jr. (Sue) of Deerbrook, Florian (Monica) of Antigo, a brother-in-law Dan (Connie) Spreng of Bonita Springs, FL, 8 grandchildren: Chad Hoerman, Garred (Audrey) Hoerman, Ellie (Michael) Krahling, Justin (Lauren) Fermanich, Cali Hastreiter, Jack Hastreiter, Wil Hastreiter, Gracie Hastreiter, three great grandchildren: Amelia and Leo Fermanich, Owen Krahling, and a great granddaughter to be welcomed in September. In addition to his parents, John was preceded in death by his mother-in-law and father-in-law Marge and Ernie Spreng and a son-in-law Jay Ozanne. A memorial mass will be held on Friday, August 13 at 1:00 PM at Saints Mary & Hyacinth's Catholic Church. Father Joel Sember will officiate. Visitation will be at the church from 10:00 AM until the mass. Entombment will be in the Queen of Peace Columbarium. In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to Antigo Elks Club or All Saints Catholic School. Strasser-Roller funeral Home is assisting the family.