John Castillo,

Mr. John Castillo Jr., (49), of Presque Isle, WI, died December 11, 2012 at his home due to complications of being a quadriplegic. John Jr. was born on April 13, 1963 in Woodruff, WI, the son of the late John Sr. and Frances Castillo. Graduating early from Lakeland Union High School in 1979, John learned the field of engine repair and business management while assisting in the daily operation of Dietz Service Station in Manitowish Waters, WI. After several years, John further advanced his knowledge in small engine and marine motor repair while working in the service department at Greer's Pier in Manitowish Waters, WI. Where he earned several marine mechanic certifications and acquired valuable experience in the field of small engine repair, which provided the platform for him to start his own business, Presque Isle Lawn and Sport Marine, Inc in 1995. As owner and operator of Presque Isle Lawn and Sport Marine, John had the opportunity to touch the lives of all that he interacted with on a daily basis. Over the years, John expanded his business operation from the basement of his home to a new office/shop located within walking distance of his residence. His efforts to provide a full-range of services to his clients, spurred his determination to relocate and erect several existing and new storage facilities. John's vitality and charisma, not only provided the foundation for his drive and determination to build his business, but also fused his identity into the community. Whether he was serving cocktails at the many establishments that he worked at over the years, volunteering as a local fire fighter, grooming snowmobile trails, plowing driveways for friends, family, and customers, installing and removing docks and boat lifts, or bending wrenches to get someone's boat motor or snowmobile ready for their vacation, John left a very unique and endearing mark to those he came in contact with. John's whirlwind lifestyle came to an abrupt halt when he was involved in a tragic accident in July 2005 that left him bound to a wheel chair and struggling for his life at times. After several years of intensive rehabilitation, John finally returned to his home in Presque Isle under the care of his long-time partner, Pati Moberg of Winchester, WI who he later married on October 28, 2012. Along with Pati and her two children, Kelsey and Amanda (Molly), John faced each struggle of his new condition with the will and determination of warrior conquering and persevering amazing medical challenges until he finally surrendered to his condition while he slept. John is survived by his wife, Pati of Presque Isle, WI; two step daughters, Kelsey Backlund of Presque Isle, WI, and Amanda (Molly) Backlund of Minocqua, WI; his four siblings, Brenda (Randall) Baldauf of Chino Valley, AZ, Donald Castillo of Ironwood, MI, Ronald Castillo Sr. of Ironwood, MI, Jennifer Babcock of Gordon, WI; and eight nieces and five nephews. John is preceded in death his parents, John Sr. and Frances Castillo of Winchester, WI, his grandparents, Antonio and Jenny Castillo of Winchester, WI, and Arnold and Rachel Strebe of Winchester, WI. Visitation will be from 1:00 to 2:00 pm, memorial services at 2:00 pm with a coffee/cookie fellowship to follow on Saturday, December 15, 2012, at the Manitowish Waters Community Presbyterian Church on US Highway 51 in Manitowish Waters, WI. The funeral services will be presided over by Reverend Chips Paulson. Bolger Funeral and Cremation Services of Minocqua, WI will handle all other funeral arrangements. Internment details to be announced in the spring of 2013 for the Winchester Memorial Cemetery. The family of the deceased asks that any monetary donations be sent to the Comprehensive In-Patient Rehabilitation at the Miller Dwan Foundation at 502 East 2nd Street, Duluth, MN 55805. Floral arrangements may be sent directly to the Manitowish Waters Community Presbyterian Church at US Highway 51, Manitowish Waters, WI 54545. A heart felt thanks to the following that have provided amazing care and guidance through the last leg of John's journey. The wonderful in-home health care nurses including Julie Bukovich, Lisa Busch, and Sue Wallace, the staff of Ministry Home and Hospice Care of Arbor Vitae, WI, and all of the doctors and staff at Miller Dwan Medical Center and Rehabilitation located in Duluth, MN.

John Castillo,

April 13, 1963 - December 11, 2012