John David Ireland, age 81 of Shawano, passed away Thursday, July 5, 2012 at the VA Hospital in Milwaukee after having knee replacement. Born on November 5, 1930 in Bayboro, NC, he was the son of the late George and Emma (Wilkinson) Ireland. John served in the Korean War and was one of the few who made it to the Chinese border and returned. He enjoyed life to the fullest, golfing, boating and fishing after his retirement from sales and promotions. John is survived by: his wife, Diane whom he married on October 20, 1985; his daughter, Leslie Jean Newton and her children Leslie Jo and Quentin of Green Bay; his daughter, Michelle (Charles) Petty and their son Connor of Little Suamico; his son, Scott (Mary) Raymaker and their daughter Stephanie of Green Bay; sisters, Ruby Smith of PA, Shelby Bordeaux of NC, Nancy Mason of NC, Jane (Charlie) Hart of NC; sister-in-law, Debbie (David) Rasmussen of Green Bay; and many nieces and nephews. John was preceded in death by: his parents; brother, George; sister, Martha (Dewey) Dixon; and Diane's parents, Leland Ness and Marcia (Clint) Ness-Slye. A memorial service will be held at 11:00am on Monday, July 9, 2012 at the St. Jakobi Lutheran Church in the Town of Richmond with the Rev. Travis Kleinschmidt officiating. Military Rites will be conducted by the Shawano AmVets Post #10 and the Shawano DAV at the church following the service. Visitation will be held at the church on Monday after 9:00am until the time of the service. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in John's memorial to the Salvation Army or the Shawano County Humane Society. Swedberg Funeral Home in Shawano is assisting the family with the arrangements. The family would like to extend a special thank you to the Milwaukee VA Hospital and their staff for the compassion. www.swedbergfuneralhome.com