John David Buenker, emeritus professor of history at the University of Wisconsin-Parkside, and long time resident of Racine, died Saturday, April fourth, 2020, at his home after a short battle with cancer.John was born in Dubuque, Iowa on August 11, 1937 to Joseph and Melita (Ferring) Buenker. He graduated from Loras Academy in 1955, and from Loras College with a bachelor's degree in history and political science in 1959. After consultation with a favorite Loras College professor, Bob Brady, he accepted a Teaching Assistantship and entered graduate school at Georgetown University in Washington, D.C., from which he received both his Masters Degree, and his Ph.D. in history. While working on his doctorate there, John taught at Prince Georges Community College. In 1965, he moved with his wife Claralee, and daughter Jeanne, to Charleston, Illinois, where he spent the next five years teaching at Eastern Illinois University. Daughters Catherine and Eileen were born during his tenure there. His final move was to Racine in 1970, where his twin sons, Thomas and Joseph were born in 1971. He spent the next 33 years instructing college students at the University of Wisconsin-Parkside in a wide range of subjects; History, Ethnic Studies, and Immigration, to name but a few. His academic and professional accomplishments are, simply put, vast. His mentorship of students was genuine. His willingness to take on leadership roles was well known. It would be impossible in this short notice, to list the achievements of his illustrious career. Suffice it to say, that John Buenker was, and will continue to be, the name most associated with the history of the Progressive Era.More than any academic or professional successes, what was most important to John, was his family. By the early 1980s, he was a single father raising five children. As challenging as it was to "single parent," it was also the most blessing-filled role of his life. It was not unusual to find him playing baseball with not only his children, but those from the neighborhood as well. He helped to coach more than one Little League team, attended concerts, school events, and served as mentor, teacher counselor, and friend. He was compassionate and always knew how to listen and offer advice, but never forced his advice on anyone. John had amazing comedic timing, and always knew the right thing to say in a tough situation. He passed down his passion for politics and sports, especially his love for the New York Yankees and Chicago Cubs. His grandchildren offered a new opportunity to serve as an advisor. He always had time to support their extracurricular activities and offer his wisdom and love.In the Spring of 1991, he met his (second) wife. He and the former Beverly (Graves) Kastman were married on July 10, 1993. Theirs was a solid marriage, a good marriage. While two of Bev's sons (Ian and Tad) were grown, for the remainder of his life, John was a very beloved father to Christian Kastman. Over the span of nearly 27 years, John and Bev, and all of their families made incredible and very treasured memories together. Family…near and far, was dearest of all to John.John was preceded in death by his parents, his sister-in-law, Marilyn (Lambrecht) Buenker, grandson Matthew, and his mother-in-law, Shirley Graves. He leaves to cherish his memory wife, Beverly, daughter Jeanne (Charles) Betz, daughter Catherine (Jerry) Behling, daughter Eileen (Bruce) Sigmon, son Thomas (Deborah Bigbee) Buenker, son Joseph Buenker, and son Christian Kastman. He is further survived by grandchildren Michael Betz (Rachel Collier), John Betz, Christopher (Kaitlyn) Behling, Jessica Behling, Melissa Behling, Elizabeth Behling, Haylee Sigmon, Tyler Sigmon, Kelly Buenker, Sean Buenker, Grant Kastman, Lily Kastman, Drew Kastman, Avery Kastman, Carter Kastman, Samantha Kastman, and Kaylin Kastman. He is also survived by great-grandchildren; Keegan Betz, Addison Betz, and Benjamin Betz, Brayden Stidd-Bronk, and his ("really old," according to Avery) father-in-law, Amos Graves. He also leaves behind his brother, Robert (Maria) Buenker, nephew Michael Buenker, nephew Timothy (Andrea) Buenker, niece Annie Buenker, former wife Claralee Zell, and many other family members.In lieu of flowers, donations to the John Buenker History Scholarship via the University of Wisconsin-Parkside Foundation, or the family are suggested. Notice of the celebration of his life will be forthcoming.