Johnny "Pop Pop" D. Lago

     After 72 wonderful years, our beloved John “Johnny” D. Lago (also known as “Pop Pop”) passed away peacefully in his home in Waupaca, Wisconsin, Sunday the 28th of January. John entered his eternal life with great dignity and respect and was surrounded by the love and admiration of his family. Unfortunately, John was just recently diagnosed with an aggressive form of pancreatic cancer. 
     The treasured Son of the late Manuel and Manuela (Romero) Lago, one of seven children, was born into life on June 11, 1945 in Cueto, Cuba.  Arriving in his dream country, he came into the United States a small boy eager to earn his keep.  No stranger to hard work, John took pride in making and selling snow cones and shining shoes; unknowingly setting the groundwork for the future businessman he would later come to be.  You could find young John, age 15, meticulously sweeping floors at Capital Stampings in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.  John began to grow into quite a vivacious man with a special zest for life. Once he had his mind set, no obstacle was too great for Johnny!  He quickly sought after and married the love of his life, Carolyn Sammer, and they have since shared 51 beautiful years and two devoted daughters, Melissa Lago and Dina Gullickson (Lago).  John spent much of his time diligently working his way up the corporate ladder, learning all that he could to master his trade.  Rewarded for his efforts with knowledge and armed with ambition, he set out to start his own business, Logan Stampings, in 1983.  He continued his contributions to the metal stampings industry, taking every chance he could to mentor others - If you had a good heart and a strong work ethic, Johnny always had a place for you!  Scoops Restaurant was also one of John’s many business ventures.  He took great pride in his work and with wife Carolyn at his side, there was never a task too big or too small.  In his spare time, John enjoyed fishing, fine tuning his tractors, building chicken coops and caring for his animals.  A constant teacher, a deeply devoted husband, loving father, grandfather, brother and loyal friend, he would not hesitate to give the shirt off his back to anyone in need.  A firm believer in “The Golden Rule,” John Lago was a good man inside and out, who whole heartedly believed in treating others with compassion and respect.  Our family is so grateful to have spent this life with his love and guidance at the forefront.  We are honored to be his and will forever keep him in our hearts. 
     John is survived by his loving wife, Carolyn Lago, daughters Missy Lago and Dina (Mike) Gullickson.  His grandchildren Melanie (Dan) Safford, Jerry (Kayla Johnson) Mork, Justin (Laura) Mork and Cindya Gullickson. Great grandchildren Brendan, Mirabella, Easton, Chase, Bentlee, Kennedy, Bentley and Magnum.  Sister ChiChi (Daniel) Grundl, brother Benny (Noemi) Lago, and sister Jeannie Murray. Extended family Felicia (Paul) Bartalone, Santino Bartalone, James Kinnee, Breanna Kinnee and Cody kinnee, and many more cherished relatives, nephews, nieces and very dear friends.  John is preceded in passing by his parents Manuel and Manuela Lago, sister Milagros Demler, brother Manny Lago and sister Terri Lago.
     The Family will be holding a Celebration of Life and are happily accepting condolences at:
Maple Crest Funeral Home
N2620 Hwy. 22 
Waupaca, WI 54981
 Visitation will be held Friday the 2nd of February from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. with Celebration of Life beginning at 4 p.m.
      As an expression of sympathy, memorial contributions may be sent to:
John Lago Memorial
Community First Credit Union 
1006 Royalton Street
Waupaca, WI 54981
 

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