John L. Enz

John L. Enz passed away on April 21, 2026. Born in 1946 to Daniel and Lorraine Enz.

Music was the first great rhythm of his life. An accomplished singer and guitar player, he spent his high school years on stage in a band—a pursuit that led him to the greatest “win” of his life: his wife, Arlene. They wed shortly after he was drafted. While he was stationed in Korea, they welcomed their first son, beginning a family legacy that would eventually span eighteen years between his oldest and youngest children.

A dedicated electrician, John spent his career at Printpack. He put in countless hours of overtime to provide a sanctuary for his family, eventually establishing a life surrounded by the things he loved — literally. He settled his family on a point of land jutting into the water and famously purchased a nearby island simply so the family dog would have a private place to run.

He was an avid outdoorsman who found his greatest peace while camping under the stars, feeling the wind in a sail, or quietly waiting for a bite on the end of a fishing line. Whether he was rolling down the highway on his Harley Davidson, navigating the lake in a kayak, or walking the family hunting land, he was a true steward of the woods and water — which he took great pride in preserving for future generations.

In his later years, he found joy in the simple pleasures of life: the swing of an axe, the warmth of a fire he built, watching the birds, and taking slow drives along the lakeshore.

In one of his final conversations, John looked back on his journey and insisted he was the luckiest man in the world, crediting his life’s riches — his three amazing children, his many grandchildren, and a wife he claimed he “didn’t deserve” — to fortune rather than effort. He left this world wishing only to enjoy his remaining time and hoping for a long-awaited hug from his eldest son, David, on the way to wherever he was going next.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Daniel and Lorraine, and his eldest son, David.

His legacy is carried on by his devoted wife, Arlene; his son, Dan (Louisa); and his daughter, Alissa (Seth). He also leaves behind his daughter-in-law, Carrie, and a crew of grandchildren who were his pride and joy: Johnathan, Jacob, Colin, Isabelle, Nick, Eddie, Tyler, Austin, and Elliot.

John wished to be remembered in the woods and on the water; per his request, no formal service will be held.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Hildebrand Funeral Home, 715-365-4343. You may leave an online condolence at www.hildebrandrussfh.com.