John D. Best, M.D. age 81, of Riverview Drive, Two Rivers, unexpectedly entered eternal rest on the afternoon of Friday, January 22, 2016. He was born February 28th, 1934 in Peoria, IL.

John graduated from Brimfield High School with the class of 1952. He spent three years attending the University of Illinois (Champaign) prior to being admitted to the Medical College of the University of Illinois in Chicago. He graduated with both his Bachelor Degree and Medical Degree in 1959.

Prior to his graduation he met and fell in love with Betty Brinkman, a nursing student at Presbyterian Hospital. They were united in marriage on June 28th, 1958 at Fourth Presbyterian Church, Chicago, Illinois. John completed his residency in internal medicine at Presbyterian Hospital, Chicago, Illinois.

Upon completion of his medical training, Dr. Best entered the United States Air Force as a Captain. He spent four years as Chief of Medicine at Lockbourne Air Force Base, Columbus, Ohio. He left the Air Force as a Major in 1967, and soon after accepted a position at The Manitowoc Clinic, 601 Reed Avenue, Manitowoc, WI. After he became Board Certified in Internal Medicine he became a full partner in the practice and went on to serve as the President of the Clinic.

Dr. Best saw patients at Holy Family and Memorial Hospitals as well as the various nursing homes on the lakeshore. He served as Chief of Staff at Holy Family Hospital and as the Director of Medical Services at the Manitowoc County Health Care Center. Throughout his career Dr. Best touched the lives of thousands of his patients until his retirement in 2004.

Dr. Best also served his community through his generous support of various local charities as an elected member and President of the Manitowoc Board of Education, and as a member of service organizations including the Lion's Club, the American Legion, and the Manitowoc Medical Society. He took pride in the growth and improvements he saw in Manitowoc and had a special fondness for the Y.M.C.A, The Manitowoc Public Library, The Wisconsin Maritime Museum and the Rahr-West Museum. Dr. Best got a great deal of joy from his weekly visits to the West of the Lake Gardens. He loved to take visitors to the area on tours there to see all the beauty through the seasons.

John Best was known by his friends and neighbors as an avid gardener and rose enthusiast as well as a passionate fan of Wisconsin's various sports teams. In his retirement he relished warm, sunny afternoons overlooking the East Twin River while listening to Bob Uecker calling a Brewers game. His quick wit, exceptional knowledge of history and ability to make anyone feel comfortable and at ease will surely be missed.

Dr. John D. Best Jr. is survived by his wife of 57 years, Betty, his four children and ten grandchildren: J. Donald Best III (Brigette), Madison, WI and children John IV and Hannah; Catherine M. Best M.D. (Russell Brandl), Howard's Grove and sons Luke and Noah; Joseph A. Best DDS, PhD (Helen) Wales, WI and children Sarah, Samantha and Adam; Andrew, Manitowoc, WI and children Solomon, Abigail and Rebecca. He is further survived by one brother: Roger (Joyce), Peoria, IL and many other beloved family members and friends.

Dr. Best is preceded in death by his parents: John D. and Phyllis H. Best (Valentine), an infant brother David Best, his much loved and missed brother Gary L. Best, as well as many other friends and relatives. John also had a loyal English Bulldog named Churchill who is still missed.

Dr. John Best will be lovingly remembered for his great sense of humor, his generous, caring heart, his honesty and loyalty and his devotion to the Lord and to the Catholic Church. His family has already gathered together to support each other through this time of both tears and laughter with a private memorial service held Sunday afternoon January 24, 2016 at the Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home followed by a dinner at the Harrigan Parkside Gathering Center. A celebration of John's life will be planned at some appropriate later date. Your thoughts and prayers are appreciated warmly. Online condolences to the family may be sent to www.harriganparksidefuneralhome.com.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Dr. Best's name may be directed to either St. Peter the Fisherman Catholic Parish, Two Rivers, WI or the Lester Public Library also found in Two Rivers.

The family wishes to thank the Emergency staff at Aurora Medical Center, Two Rivers Fire and Rescue, and the Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home, 628 North Water Street, Manitowoc, WI 54220. John would also encourage you to please vote Republican!