John Seiberlich, of Milwaukee and Sister Bay, passed away on January 11, 2026
. He was born on July 26, 1956. John was one of five children born to Louis Seiberlich and Elizabeth (Seiberlich nee Long) Mezera. He grew up in Brookfield, Wisconsin, where he developed an early love of music and electronics. He graduated from Catholic Memorial High School in 1974 and from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee with a degree in Business. John followed his technical interests into a successful career at IBM, which included a five-year stint with his family on an international team based in England.
John's family have been Door County locals for three generations. When he was young, his family spent their summers in Sister Bay, packing five active children onto the family boat. In 2001, John bought Top Shelf Cafe and Gourmet in Sister Bay, becoming a fixture in the local business community and over the years transitioning to full-time Door County life. John thrived on finding the tastiest tidbits and chatting up his regulars at "The Shop."
John was an intellectual who loved using his brain and sharing his ideas. He adored the New York Times crossword puzzle and usually completed the entire thing - in pen, no less. John was a big reader and particularly enjoyed learning about military history. As brainy as he was, though, John was a Wisconsin sports lover; he was a particularly die-hard Brewers fan and frequently napped while watching golf. John also travelled extensively and enjoyed finding local watering holes where he could fully absorb the culture. At the end of the day, he particularly enjoyed his kids and took special, tangible pride in all of their varied accomplishments.
John is survived by his mother, Elizabeth Mezera; his sisters Anne, Amy and Molly, and his brother Peter; his children Nicole, Jamie, Bryan, Kerry and Kate; and his eight grandchildren: Maya, Benjamin, Annika, Morgan, Krishan, Margaret, Surya and Amelia. John is also survived by his former wife of many years, Kathleen Burke. He was preceded in death by his father, Louis Seiberlich.
A wake will be held starting at 4 p.m. on Friday, January 16, 2026, at the AC Tap in Baileys Harbor, where all are invited to celebrate John's life with his family and children. A memorial service will be held at Thyme Restaurant in Sister Bay starting at 11 a.m. on Saturday January 17, 2026, with fellowship to follow.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be directed toward the Door County Community Opportunity Investment Network (COIN), 222 N. 3rd Ave, Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin, 54235 - or a glass of Dewar's for your favorite local bartender.
Arrangements have been entrusted with Casperson Funeral Home & Cremation Services in Sister Bay. Expressions of sympathy, memories, and photos of John may be shared with his family through his tribute page at CaspersonFuneralHome.com.
