John Shefchik named recipient of 2025 L-C Distinguished Alumni Award

LUXEMBURG – John Shefchik, a 1962 graduate of Luxemburg High School, is the recipient of the 2025 Luxemburg-Casco School District Distinguished Alumni Award. He has been a committed pillar of the local business and athletic communities for more than half a decade.

The Luxemburg-Casco School District annually recognizes a past graduate at its graduation ceremony. Among the criteria in selection of the Distinguished Alumni Award are achievements in high school or beyond, community service and the ability to serve as an inspiration to L-C students. The 2025 commencement will be held May 21.

“John is a great illustration to our graduates of the power of commitment,” said Principal Tyson Tlachac. “He was a very successful businessman in our community for more than 40 years, helping his employer to tremendous growth. He also was a highly visible member of the area wrestling community, first as a state-qualifying wrestler and later as a long-time wrestling official and officiating coordinator.”

After trying a few jobs following graduation — none of which he could see himself making a long-term commitment to — Shefchik was introduced to Louie Konop in 1965, owner of a family business which would become the Konop Companies. Within a short time, he says he knew that he could dedicate himself to his work at Konop.

Starting with vending machines, with Shefchik’s assistance Konop grew into a full-scale food and beverage service company serving all of Northeast Wisconsin, becoming one of the largest independently owned vendors in the state. Shefchik ultimately worked there for more than 42 years, and when Konop was sold last year, wrapping up 77 years of business, he could say that he worked there for more than half of its existence.

Growing up as the fourth-oldest of 14 children of Anna Mae and Joseph Shefchik of Luxemburg, he participated in football, track, wrestling and agriculture, in addition to his academic courses, as a Luxemburg High School student. Shefchik’s agriculture commitment included field trips to area farms and farm-related businesses.

As a varsity wrestler, Shefchik was a three-time qualifier for the state tournament in 1960, ’61 and ’62. He later started as a wrestling official in 1969, and began coordinating officials in 1977.

Through his professional work and his time around the wrestling community, Shefchik has learned the importance of commitment. “I have always felt that once you make a commitment, you need to be passionate and enjoy what you are doing,” he said. “I guess you could say the years I have dedicated to the sport of wrestling is the living out of that commitment, as well as all of the other things that are important to me — as a husband, father, brother and friend.”

Shefchik and his wife Mariann, who he met in 1963, recently celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary. He is a father of eight children, grandfather of 24 and great-grandfather of eight.

While raising his children, Shefchik enjoyed camping, fishing and traveling with family. As the kids grew, his interests switched to attending their events and supporting them. He continues to enjoy the sport of wrestling as both a referee and fan, along with playing cards with fellow retirees.

Laura Andre, a 1996 Luxemburg-Casco graduate, was the 2024 winner of the Distinguished Alumni Award.