John M. Stapleton, 67, of Rib Lake, passed away on Monday, April 27, 2026 at Rib Lake Health Services while under the care of Hope Hospice.

 

He was born May 24, 1958 in Stevens Point to Cecil and Dolly (Finley) Stapleton.  He grew up in Bruce and graduated from Bruce High School in 1976. 

 

John served in the U.S. Army National Guard from 1977-1984.

 

On September 30, 1989, John married Donna Neubauer and together had a daughter, Shannon.  The couple later divorced but remained good friends.

 

Most of John’s working career was driving truck.  He started with hauling milk, then drove for McCormick, Prochnow and most recently, Kolbe & Kolbe, retiring in 2021.  In retirement, he enjoyed working at Ed’s IGA in Rib Lake until the store closed.

 

John’s greatest moments were spent with his family.  He loved spending time with his daughter, son-in-law, his beloved grandchildren and his siblings.  They will remember his great sense of humor and will miss his jokes, even the bad ones.  He also enjoyed watching NASCAR, playing cribbage, fishing, flower gardening, and watching the deer and hummingbirds from his deck.

 

He will be dearly missed by his daughter Shannon (Justin) Kowalewski of Rib Lake; siblings, Jean Stapleton of Conrath, Laura Stapleton of Ladysmith, Mary (Mark) Krombholz of Merrill, Doug Stapleton of Tomahawk, John (Jennifer) Holm Jr. of Winter; sister-in-law, Donna Stapleton of Merrill; former wife, Donna Neubauer of Medford; three precious grandchildren, Aiden Stapleton, Madison and Colton Kowalewski; and nieces and nephews.

 

He was preceded in death by his parents; siblings, Tina (John) Jennerman, his twin sister, Susan Stapleton, LaMar Stapleton, and Lawrence “Butch” Hazelton.

 

A Celebration of John’s life will be held at a later date and will be announced.