John N. Arger

November 23, 1948 - August 28, 2020

John Arger, age 71, of Beaver Dam, Wisconsin, formerly of Menominee, Michigan, passed away peacefully with his wife by his side on August 28, 2020 after a seven year battle with Parkinson’s Disease. He was born on November 23,1948 in Grand Rapids, Michigan and was the son of Rose and Nick Arger. He grew up in Marquette, Michigan, and married Janice Lenorud in 1984 when they made their home in Menominee, Michigan. John attended Marquette Senior High School, and graduated from Northern Michigan University with a bachelor’s degree in history and a master’s degree in secondary education. John was an active member of the NMU alumni association and was recognized for his loyal and valued service with the Alumni of the Year Award in 1994. He continued to support his “Harvard of the North” for the remainder of his life. His life’s work was teaching young people about the workings of the government. He taught high school for many years inspiring and educating hundreds of students through his years at Marinette High School. John was a progressive member of the Democratic Party and worked tirelessly on various campaigns, knocking on doors, sending out flyers, and attending hundreds of political events. He was happiest when engaging in political conversation – trying to convince others to vote…Democrat. John enjoyed times with friends and traveling the world with his wife above all else. He looked forward to 5:00 on Fridays and Sunday morning brunches with friends. He loved his trips with Janice to Greece, Africa, and St. Lucia among many others. John loved theater, opera, and music. He had been known to break out into song on many occasions, and his retirement goal was to be a backup singer for the Four Tops. He enjoyed fall Saturdays and Sundays watching his favorite teams, the Green Bay Packers and Michigan Wolverines. Go Blue! John loved life and embraced his friends and family during the good and bad times. He will be greatly missed. John is survived by his wife, Janice; his father-in-law, Walter Lenorud; his sisters in law and brother in law, Ann Hutton, Denise Householder, Connie (Alan) Schroeder, David (Shelley) Lenorud; many beloved cousins, nieces and nephews, and many special friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Rose and Nick, his mother-in-law, Dorothy Lenorud and special family member, Gert Johnson.A small private memorial will be held at Koepsell Funeral Home, Beaver Dam due to Covid 19. A celebration of John’s life will be held at a later date. Our family would like to thank Marquardt Hospice, especially Sean, Shari, Roxanne, Barb, and Cami for their kind, compassionate care. In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made to Joe Biden’s Presidential campaign or a local Democratic candidate of your choice in your community.

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Hi Jan,

John was a good friend and fellow teacher. He was passionate about life, and I was fortunate to know him.

Best wishes to you, Jan.

John Arger was a fantastic teacher, mentor, and friend to many students at MHS. Though some folks dreaded his class because of his passion for civics, he worked to make sure nobody felt excluded in his classroom if they put in the work, too. My life and many others were changed for the better by Mr. Arger's tutelage.

With sympathy,

John was truly a committed citizen who worked to see a better country through positive political action. It was an honor to know John. My condolences to John's loved ones.

Dear Jan,

Condolences from Johnny's old neighborhood kids. He was one of the gang around the Ohio St Park. Always ready to join in a game of kickball in the vacant lot behind his house, or kick the can, or Ollie Ollie Oxen Free. He was a warm and joyful playmate. When the street lights went on, one by one we all drifted home. Amen.

Dear Jan, My deepest sympathy to you on John's passing. Keeping you in my thoughts n prayers.

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

My deepest condolences to the family. I had the privilege of having Mr. Arger as a teacher and his knowledge and passion for teaching left an indelible impression on me and so many others. He will be deeply missed.

Dear Jan,
Thinking of you and praying that God's peace and the comfort of friends and family will see you through this difficult time.

Mr. Arger was one of my favorite teachers and influenced, down the road, my decision to pursue my degree in history and political science. Reading his story, I'm wishing I had known him better! I'm sure he will be missed, and my prayers and thoughts are with the family today. You bet I will be making a contribution in his memory!

We are saddened to learn that John has passed and send our most sincere sympathy to Jan and family. John was a classmate in both high school and college, as well as a fraternity brother. He will certainly be missed, and will be in our prayers.

Dear Jan, I'm sorry to read about losing John. I think of you often and when I read about your wonderful trip you took together, I remembered your stories about butter & all the delicious goodies you got to enjoy on those travels. I still miss you at W.W. (my Dorito sister). Sending you hugs! Sincerely, Marilynn Schneider

Jan: Although we do not know one another, please accept my deepest condolences. I am aware of how special a person you are and how devoted you were to John. He and I marched next to one another at our 1970 NMU commencement ceremony. We'd known one another for years as our parents were good friends. Our interest in history and government, our teaching careers, our view of public affairs, and our love for Rose and Gert mirrored one another. I send my warmest and most sincere sympathy and I hope to meet you one day in happier times.

Jan, we are sincerely sorry to hear of John's passing. He was truly a good man who has touched many lives including ours. He will be missed by many.

Extending to you and your family this heartfelt assurance of deep sympathy, Marquette Area Public Schools Board of Education and Employees

Jan, my thoughts and prayers are with you at such a sad time. I hope the wonderful memories of your life with John can be a source of strength in the days and weeks ahead. My condolences to you.

I enjoy my many "table talks" with John and will remember him fondly.
I miss both of your smiles Jan!

I/we are blessed to have been a part of John's and your lives. One of the things that stand out for me are the conversations John and I had about politics and history. I like to think I had a good understanding of the issues but it was not unusual to have John offer a perspective I had not thought of. Jan - John made some great decisions in his life but none better than the decision to marry you. I'll/we will keep you and John in our hearts

Oh, Jan. We read John's obituary with such sadness. There are so many memories, from Menominee and MHS. Please know we're sending prayers and good wishes your way.

I'm so sorry to hear of Mr. Arger's passing. He was one of my very favorite teachers from Marinette High. We always had spirit filled discussions in his class about history, government, politics and current events. He will be greatly missed. Michelle (Hoffman) Mansfield Class of '79

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.