John Niederkorn

Few people are or were as full of life in this world as John Niederkorn, who passed away on Thursday, April 24, 2025. His large stature was surpassed only by his even larger heart. His laugh could fill a room. He had a way of bringing out the best in people, leaving a trail of smiles and shaking heads everywhere he went.  

John was a plastering contractor, running Niederkorn Plastering for almost 70 years.  You couldn’t drive any direction within 80 miles without passing a house or building that he had worked on. His largest job was probably Diamond Towers on the east side of Milwaukee. One of the few plaster artists remaining, he was sought after for intricate ornamental plaster repairs. He did his last patch at age 93. Big jobs or small, his motto always was, “If you can see the patch, you don’t have to pay for it!”

John cared deeply for his family, friends and community and was always ready to volunteer his time and many talents. He loved his country and his church, and proudly served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. 

Serving veterans was especially close to his heart. John was one of the first volunteers for Port Washington’s Disabled Vets Fish Outing and served for 45 years. He was a member of the Van Ells-Schanen American Legion Post 82 for more than 70 years and took great pride serving thousands over that period during the Legion’s annual smelt fry dinners. He was an excellent cook … especially if you liked lots of salt and lots of butter! Perhaps his greatest gift to the city was his push to have Lower Lake Park renamed and dedicated as Veterans Park. 

John was a faithful member of St. John XXIII Catholic Parish for many years.

Those who knew John well recognized a fun-loving prankster. His neighbors and friends could tell countless tales of his antics, but they would always end with an affirmation of his love and exuberance towards life.

Even at age 96, John lived a full life until the end. He enjoyed breakfast with friends and time with his family. He was a fixture at The Patio weekdays at noon for cribbage with his buddies. His last tournament was on March 22, where he and his daughter took fourth place. His last motorcycle ride, on the back of his grandson Matt’s Harley, was in 2022!

John greatly missed his wife of 65 years, Charlotte “Chuck” (nee Retzer), who passed away in 2020.  He was also preceded in death by his parents Albert and Anna Niederkorn, sister Laverne Rimsnider and brothers James and Robert.  

He is survived by his daughter Wendy Rismeyer, granddaughter Emily (Jason) Luedtke, grandsons Matthew and Kyle Rismeyer and great-grandsons Augie and Ollie. He had a long list of dear friends and neighbors, but special thanks and appreciation is extended to Phil and Marc.

A Liturgy of the Word service will be held at 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, May 6, 2025, at St. John XXIII Catholic Parish, St. Mary Church, 451 N. Johnson St., Port Washington. The family will receive visitors at the church that morning from 10:30 a.m. until the service at 11:30 a.m.  

John will be laid to rest with military honors beside his wife at St. Mary Cemetery, Port Washington, following the service.

In lieu of flowers, the family appreciates donations to Disabled American Veterans (DAV).

Eernisse Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

Online condolences may be left at www.eernissefuneralhome.com.