John Ralph Landis, Sr was born October 18, 1931 in Appleton, Wisconsin to Dr Ralph V and Pearl Landis (née Bauer) and passed away peacefully on Thursday, December 10, 2020 at the age of 89 of complications due to prostate cancer. Except for a brief period during World War II, when his family relocated to Chanute Field (Rantoul, Illinois) where his father Ralph served as chief of surgery, John spent his entire young life in Appleton, attending the Appleton Public Schools and graduating from Appleton Senior High School in 1949. He went on to study mathematics and physics at Lawrence University in Appleton.

After graduating in 1953 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Mathematics, with a minor in physics, John pursued a career in education, teaching mathematics in the Brillion, Wisconsin and Appleton, Wisconsin Public Schools. He also coached both wrestling and football, and during his time in Appleton, had the opportunity to serve as the offensive coordinator for the Appleton Senior High football team, working with his brother Bob, who was then the quarterback, and his father Dr Ralph, who was the team's physician.

In 1957, he met Molly M Swanson of Mosinee, WI, an elementary school teacher, and they married in the summer of 1958. In 1959, the couple moved to Roseville, MN, where Molly taught in the public schools, and John pursued graduate studies in mathematics and astronomy at the University of Minnesota, earning a Master's Degree in Mathematics in 1961. Upon completion of John's graduate studies, the couple returned to Appleton where John resumed his teaching at Appleton Senior High and also served as a math instructor at the University of Wisconsin Extension and Lawrence University. Shortly thereafter, he was offered and accepted the opportunity to join the staff of Kimberly-Clark Corporation as a mathematician, specializing in logistics and distribution. He continued to work for Kimberly-Clark for the rest of his professional career, becoming an expert in efficiency models.He retired in 1996.

John had a wonderful sense of humor and was a fantastic storyteller, often sharing stories about his childhood, many of which focused on memories of hunting trips with his father, experiences at Chanute Field with his siblings, and adventures with his many childhood pets. He loved the outdoors and was an enthusiastic observer of the migration of ducks, geese, swans and cranes. He had a special gift with animals of all kinds, but especially with dogs, and was a dog owner and enthusiast throughout his life. He was an avid golfer, enjoying a 60-year membership at Riverview Country Club (where he served as Secretary for many years). He was also a devoted Packer fan for his entire life and a loyal season ticket holder for over 60 years.

John was a quiet philanthropist, supporting dozens of national and local organizations, including Appleton's A Better Chance program, for which he served as a host parent and fundraiser for many years. He loved mysteries, musical theater, card games, jigsaw puzzles and sudoku and often could be found passing the time solving challenging math problems for fun. He was fond of gardening, working in his yard, and tending to his bird feeders. He had a life-long interest in airplanes and American history and loved exploring our national parks. He was also fascinated with space and had an expert knowledge of stars, planets, constellations and comets. He had an inspiring work ethic, an amazing intellect, a generous spirit, and a quiet and steady strength, and his family will miss him dearly.

John was preceded in death by his parents, Ralph and Pearl, and his siblings, Ralph, Marjorie, Ruth and Marguerite (Peggy). He is survived by his wife Molly and their three children: John (Michelle), Sally, and Sandra (Peter); his brother, Robert (Bob) Landis; four grandchildren (Gunnar, Gustaf, Grace, and Peter); one great grandchild (Jaxon); extended family; and many dear friends.

His family wishes to thank the staffs of Theda Clark Medical Center, Neenah, and Cherry Meadows Hospice in Appleton for the expert care, kindness and compassion they extended to John and his family in his final days. They would also like to thank Julie and Tim Pitsch and their family for their ongoing support of both John and Molly over the last nine years.

A service honoring John's life will take place at a later date.

Memorials are suggested to Appleton's A Better Chance program or the Fox Valley Humane Society.