John K. Signer, 51, of 524 Highland Terrace, Sheboygan, died at his home Saturday evening, May 1, 2010.
John was born December 1, 1958 in Ironton, Missouri to John and Betty (Thompson) Signer. Following graduation from Arcadia Valley High School, Class of 1977, John continued his education at the University of Missouri in Columbia. After graduation while residing in Arcadia, John managed the family hardware store, an experience he found to be challenging and rewarding.
On July 10, 1982 John was united in marriage to Lori Thomas in North Kansas City, Missouri. In 1986 the couple left his home town of Arcadia, Missouri moving to Kansas City where John gained his foundation for his career in human resources at Christopher and Long. In 1991 the couple moved to Sheboygan where John became employed at Heritage Insurance, now Acuity Insurance. He held progressively responsible positions and in June, 2001, he was named Vice President – Human Resources. John held the PHR (Professional in Human Resources) designation from the Human Resource Certification Institute.
John’s contributions to ACUITY will be missed greatly as he was not only responsible for their successful recruiting and staffing efforts, but also instrumental in bringing new and innovative staff training programs to the company.
John was also ACUITY’s biggest cheerleader. He was at the forefront of changes to the benefits and corporate culture that helped the company transform itself into a top employer in the nation. He promoted ACUITY on campus, in the community, and in the industry, and the pride that he took in the company’s annual recognition by many organizations as a great place to work was both earned and well-deserved. John embraced the challenges of his work and enjoyed every day he could be there.
He was an avid golfer and fisherman taking the opportunity to enjoy both activities with friends and family as often as possible.
John was a member of First Congregational Church, United Church of Christ, in Sheboygan.
In addition to his wife, Lori, John is survived by three daughters, Melanie, Rachel and Jill; a sister, Jan (Mike) Signer Rawson of Tulsa, OK; Lori’s parents, Charles and Mary Jane Thomas of Kansas City, MO; Lori’s brother Michael (Cathy) Thomas and sister Karen Thomas also of Kansas City. His parents preceded him in death.
A memorial service will be held Thursday, May 6 at First Congregational Church, United Church of Christ. Pastors Jim & Julia Hollister will officiate. A time of visitation and support will be held at the church on Thursday from 2:00 until the time of service which will begin at 4:00.
A memorial fund has been established in his name for the American Cancer Society.
..