John L. Sazama passed away on Saturday, September 19, 2026, at the age of 96. John was born in Leopolis, Wisconsin to John and Emma (Paiser) Sazama on February 19, 1930.

Upon graduation from Marion High School in 1948, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and proudly served during post WWII in Europe and North Africa until 1952. In 1957, John graduated from UW Stevens Point with a Bachelor of Science degree. Because of his love of the outdoors, his dream job was to work for the Wisconsin DNR. Unfortunately, no jobs were available, so he joined the Four-Wheel Drive-in Clintonville and retired there after nearly 40 years.

He was a lifelong member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Leopolis. He was a kind, generous, and gentle man who cared for his parents and sister Grace as they aged. He loved to hunt and fish, enjoyed treasure hunting with his metal detector, going to garage sales, listening to his vast music collection, and occasionally dropping a few coins at the local casinos. He loved to take out his numerous photo albums, especially from his Navy days, and tell stories of the places he traveled around the world. He had a passion for all sports but couldn’t wait for the Packer training camp to open each summer.

Johnny is survived by his many nieces and nephews.

Johnny was preceded in death by his parents, John and Emma Sazama, his sisters, Jeanette (Al) Buenning and Grace (Harold) Hoffman.

Services will be held at 11:00 am on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Leopolis with Fr. Vincent Onyango Okumu officiating. Visitation will be held at the church on Wednesday from 10:00 am until the time of services. Military Honors conducted by the Caroline American Legion Post # 456 at the church. Burial at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery.

Rest in Peace Uncle Johnny!

A special thank you to John’s caregivers at Birch Hill Nursing Center and Compassus Hospice Care. Your kindness and care were unconditional. Also, thank you to all of John’s many lifelong friends, you meant the world to him.