John Norman Abitz, 76, De Pere, formerly of Hortonville, passed away peacefully on Thursday February 28, 2019. He was born November 6, 1942, to the late Norman and Bernice (Tennie) Abitz. On December 21, 1963, he married the love of his life, Betty Jane Kramer. He was a business major graduate of UW Madison, which led to his managerial positions at various CO-OPs and then went on to work in the plumbing sales industry before retirement. He was a member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Hortonville before transferring to St. Mark Lutheran in De Pere. John served selflessly to anyone who needed a helping hand, as evidenced by volunteer fireman in his younger years or more recently serving in the St. Mark Food Pantry with his wife Betty. He was a very hard worker with a strong work ethic, which he instilled in his three daughters. He loved the outdoors – whether planting trees, flowers, gardens or visiting all National State Parks. Above all, his family meant the most to him, and it was the time spent with his wife, daughters and grandchildren that he cherished the most. John is survived by his daughters; Cheryl (Duke) Kuettel, Jennifer (Darren) Kuettel, and Stefanie (Jacques Grun) Abitz-Grun; grandchildren; Carson (Kari), Kala (Zachary), Derek (Lindsey), Kayle (Jacob), Mackenzie, Miles, and Maris, one great-granddaughter, Sawyer and another great-granddaughter on the way. His sister, Kathleen (Robert) Jewell, his brother, James (Kris) Abitz, sister-in-law Linda Fuller, and many nieces, nephews, and other relatives. John was preceded in death by his lovely wife Betty Jane just 9 days earlier on February 19, 2019. He has also been preceded in death by his parents and his younger brother Thomas. A visitation will be held at St. Mark Lutheran Church, 2066 Lawrence Drive, De Pere on Saturday March 9, 2019, from 12:00PM until time of service at 2:30PM with Pastor Chris Johnson officiating. Please go to www.ryanfh.com to send online condolences to the family.