John Benedict Englhardt

John was born on August 12, 1935, in Orange, NJ the only son of Benedikt and Elizabeth Englhardt, who had recently emigrated from Germany. He grew up in Nutley, NJ, where he developed a passion for sports, particularly baseball. He was an ace pitcher, often striking out the majority of batters he faced. After graduating from Nutley High School, he went on to play baseball and football at Rutgers University, where he earned a bachelor's degree in business, lettered as a four-year athlete, and was a member of Chi Psi fraternity.

After graduation, John moved to Milwaukee, WI, where he began a career in technical sales and met the love of his life, Mary Huber. They became engaged after a short courtship before John had to report to Fort Dix for basic training after being drafted into the Army. He was later stationed at Fort Lewis in Washington State and was promoted to the rank of Sergeant in recognition of his leadership abilities. After his honorable discharge from the Army, John and Mary were married in Milwaukee and then moved to New Jersey, where John began working for his father’s tool and die business, Englhardt Tool & Manufacturing.

After a short time in New Jersey, John left the family business to begin a sales career with The Powers Regulator Company in Evanston, IL. His sales success led to promotions that took them from Evanston to Menomonee Falls, WI, then Green Bay, WI (where he developed his passion for the Green Bay Packers), and ultimately to Cedarburg, WI, where he raised his family and worked for Simone Engineering as a Manufacturer’s Representative until retiring to Aiken, SC.

John was a natural leader and a gifted sales professional who remembered everyone’s name and had a talent for making sincere connections with people—from the butcher at the grocery store to the clerk at the convenience store, and, ultimately, to the caregivers and nurses during his final days. He loved competition, especially on the golf course, and always played better when there was pressure to win. He proudly holds the family’s "hole-in-one" record with three!

Above all else, John loved his family. He was a devoted son, a loving husband to Mary, and a dedicated father to his children. He always made time to attend their games, pick them up after practices, and be there whenever anyone needed a helping hand. He adored his grandchildren and cherished every visit, phone call, and update on their lives.

John lived a good life. A happy life. An optimistic life. He never shared a burden and faced each day with a smile on his face.

John is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Mary; his sons, John (Suellen), Eric (Lori), and Michael (Suzana); his daughter, Suzanne (Ken Johnson); his ten beloved grandchildren; and Otzie, his cherished four-legged companion. A private family service will be held to honor John's life.