John L. Kristof

John “Buck” L. Kristof, 67, of Portage, formerly of Leopolis, passed away Nov. 30, 2020, at Aspirus Divine Savior Hospital. John was born Oct. 18, 1953, in Shawano to the late Allen and Jeanette (Ready) Kristof. He was raised (“born and raised” as he’d say) in Leopolis and graduated from Marion High School in 1971. John worked in the construction industry for 45 years as a concrete finisher and foreman. He met his wife, Karen, in 1979, and they were married for 41 years. They resided in Portage where they raised their two children. John was an excellent hunter and a legendary fisherman who could catch a fish on a sinker through a hole in the ice. He greatly enjoyed hunting, fishing and watching baseball with his brothers, cousins, nephews and friends. He could play a polka on the harmonica, play a tune “by ear” on a piano if needed, and could tell a tall tale with a straight face. He loved his springer spaniel, Dayze, who never left his side. John is survived by his wife, Karen Kristof; daughter, Kristy (Andy) Haas; son, Josh Kristof; grandson, Pierce Kristof; brothers, Jim (Faith) Kristof, Mike (Judy) Kristof and Frank (Bonnie) Kristof; sister, Ruth (Ben) Michonski; aunts, Carol Kristof and Rita Kristof; and many cousins, nieces, nephews and dear friends. John was preceded in death by his parents, Allen and Jeanette Kristof; and sister, Patricia Kristof. A memorial get-together and celebration of life will be planned at a later time.