John David Joseph Fountain Jr., 77, of Pleasant Prairie, passed away on Monday January 11, 2021 of Parkinson’s at his home surrounded by his loving family.

Dave was born November 20, 1943, in Rockwell Center, New York as the only son of the late, John David and Rose (McDermid) Fountain. Dave was raised in Port Washington where he attended St. Peter of Alcantra Catholic School and continued onto LaSalle Military Academy High School in Oakdale, New York. After graduation, Dave went to Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana. On December 21, 1968, in Indianapolis, Indiana, Dave was united in marriage with Susan Lynn Todd. They had two children.

Dave earned his B.S. in Education and his Master’s in Education from Ball State. Dave’s career in education began in the fall of 1967 in New Milford, New Jersey. After a year, he went back to his college town and accepted a position at Cowan Community School. In 1978, Dave moved his family to Kenosha, Wisconsin, where he would begin his 23 year plus journey with the Kenosha Unified School District. In 1978, he began as the Assistant Principal at Lincoln Junior High until he accepted the Principal position at Grewenow Elementary in 1984 where he remained until his retirement in 2001. Retirement could not stop him from his continued love of education. Dave went on to serve on the Kenosha School Board from 2003-2009, and he was also an Adjunct Professor for Cardinal Stritch University.

Throughout his professional career, he taught not only from textbooks but from the heart. His sense of humor, laughter and sincere kindness was always evident. He had many titles from Brother, Teacher, Vice Principal, Principal, Administrative Assistant, Athletic Director, Coach, Committee Member, School Board Member and Adjunct Professor. He taught many different classes starting out including History, and he was fondly referred to as a walking History book by his grandchildren. He was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Boy Scouts of America, the Lions Club of Greater Kenosha, and a founding father of the Kenosha Area Soccer League (KASL). Recently, he served on the Kenosha YMCA Board, Kenosha Public Museum Board, and K.U.S.D. Recognition Committee. Before the pandemic, he was a tutor with the United Way “Readers are Leaders” Tutoring Program.

Dave lived life to the fullest and was a true friend, mentor and coach to many. He was a proud member of Sigma Tau Gamma Fraternity, where his brothers have remained “family” for life with semi-annual reunions. He played Football and Lacrosse at Ball State, and he went on to coach many different sports throughout his life. He and Susie traveled the world, especially the British Isles, enjoying the cultures and time with friends. Every May for over 50 years, he would make his trek to Indianapolis to watch the Indy 500 with his group of friends and family known as the FASSMOHR racing team. He enjoyed collecting Indy car memorabilia and loved fast cars, especially his Little Green Car, a 1967 Triumph TR4A. He enjoyed attending games, theater, concerts, and absolutely everything that his grandchildren embraced. Dave LOVED being a Dad, to not only his kids but his fur-babies, especially his puppy Benji. Of all his many titles and names, his most cherished title was Papa. Dave was fully engaged in this role, and he will be missed dearly by his four grandchildren.

Dave is survived by his wife of 52 years, Susan; Son, John David/J.D. III (Caitlyn Gallo); Daughter, Elizabeth/Libby (Matthew) Troha; Grandchildren Bryce Manske, Josephina Troha, Alexander/Lex Fountain and Natalia/Peach Troha; Cousin Arthur (Donna) Castelli; lifelong friend/brother Geoffrey T. (Jane) Hatch; and his many cherished friends and professional colleagues.

The family would like to extend their thanks to Hospice Alliance, Dr. Neil Shepler and his staff, Dr. Campagna-Gibson/Liz, and his many dentists for all of the care that they have shown him.

Service Info

Regrettably, due to the Pandemic, funeral services honoring John’s life will be held privately.

A Mass of Christian Burial may be viewed via livestream at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, January 22, 2021 on the following link https://youtu.be/qiIHHFIEQ1k.

A celebration to honor John’s life will be held at a future date when we can all gather safely.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to your favorite charity in Dave’s name or to one of his favorites: Kenosha YMCA (7101 53rd Ave. 53144), Kenosha Public Museum (5500 1st Ave. 53140), Hospice Alliance (10220 Prairie Ridge Blvd. Pleasant Prairie, WI 53158) or Ball State University Foundation, Cardinal Varsity Club (2800 W. Bethel Ave., Muncie, IN 47304).