John L. Schanhofer, 80, of Sparta, died Tuesday, July 25, 2006 at Wm S. Middleton Memorial Veterans Hospital, Madison, WI. He was born on September 4, 1925 in Sparta to Herman and Alice (Carr) Schanhofer. He grew up in Farmer’s Valley.

     John served in the US Navy from 1943 to 1945 and was stationed in the South Pacific. He participated in the invasions of Marshall Islands, Saipan, Peleliu, and Iwo Jima. After the service he moved back to Sparta.

     He married Frances Creviston on October 21, 1946. John and Fran purchased the family farm where they raised their family and he retired from the VA Medical Center in Tomah, WI in 1981. He was a lifetime member of the VFW Post 2112 in Sparta. He enjoyed cooking.

     He is survived by his wife, Fran of Sparta; his children, Jerry (JoAn) Schanhofer of Sparta, Susan (Ron) Nauman of Sparta, Pauline (Jerry) Jones of Marshfield, MO, Janet (Bruce) Randall of Sparta, John J. Schanhofer of Sparta, and Janice (Dan) Weber of Cashton; his grandchildren, Tammy Nauman, Tim and Andrea Jones, Amber Moon, Amanda Bush, Matt and Brett Randall, Alex Schanhofer, Cameron Hetrick, Bo John Boldon, Kelly and Kalen Lower, Josh, Lindsay, Emily, and Chris Weber; 7 great grandchildren; a brother, Mike (Bonnie) Schanhofer of Luxemburg, WI, sisters, Sally Surrerier of Sparta, Marilyn (Bob Bruns) Randolph of Tomah, Jeanette (Roger Hutson) Andringa of Sparta, Margery Jo Winscher of Sparta, Anita (Sherwin) Giraud of Sparta; and a sister-in-law, Joan Schanhofer.

     He was preceded in death by his parents; a son, Joseph Michael Schanhofer; a daughter, Jean Ann Lower; 4 brothers, Paul Robert, James Patrick, Ted, and Donald; and 2 brothers-in-law, Loren Andringa and Ray Winscher.

     Memorial services will be Saturday at 2 p.m. at the Lanham-Miller Funeral Home, Sparta, with Father James Leary OFM Cap officiating.

     Family and friends are invited to call at the funeral home on Saturday from 12 noon until time of services.

     The Lanham-Miller Funeral Home, Sparta, is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be offered at www.lanham-miller.com