John C. Jr. Viets

John Christian Viets, Jr., a longtime area resident, passed away on December 13 at St. Vincent Hospital. He was 89. Cause was congestive heart failure. Born in Fond du Lac, WI on October 18, 1925, he received a B.A. and Masters Degree from the University of Wisconsin School of Agriculture in the field of plant pathology. After completing two years of active service in the U.S. Army in Korea in 1953, the couple moved to Green Bay, where John began his scientific career as Raw Product Director for the Larsen Co., a major canning company in Green Bay. During the next 40 years he was responsible for developing new strains of vegetables. Perhaps one of the most notable of these was “Jubilee” corn, a Larsen Co. “exclusive” which became a best seller for the company for many years, and still is a favorite of lovers of fresh corn. Always keenly interested in local civic activities, he was a member of the YMCA Men’s Club, the Allouez Planning and Zoning Committee, and the Allouez Board of Appeals. He also volunteered at the Einstein Project and conducted tours at the National Railroad Museum in Green Bay and the UW-Weidner Center. John was a lifelong Wisconsin Badger and Green Bay Packer fan, never missing games. He was devoted to his wife, Pat, for over 63 years, and they enjoyed a wonderful life. A gentle and kind man, he will be greatly missed by his wife, Pat; children: Stewart Viets, Stephen (Gina) Viets and Curt (Kathy) Viets; 6 grandchildren: Alex, Jordan, Taylor, Olivia, Alec and Jana; and many friends as he was loved by all who knew him. Family and friends may visit at Union Congregational Church, 716 S. Madison St., Green Bay, on Monday, December 29, from 10:00am until the time of service at 11:00am with Pastor L. Gail Irwin officiating. A light reception will follow the service at the church. Cotter Funeral Home, 336-8702, is assisting the family. Online condolences at www.cotterfuneralhome.com