Obituary of John C. Planker

John C. Planker of Budd Lake, NJ passed away peacefully on Tuesday, July 23, 2019 at Hackettstown Medical Center surrounded by his loving family. He was 94 years old. John was born on April 21, 1925 in West New York, NJ to the late Helen (Bell) and the late John W. Planker.

John owned and operated Planker Appraisal in Budd Lake and several varied businesses before retiring. He proudly served his country in the United States Marine Corps and he was a WWII Veteran of the Pacific Theater. John was the former Mayor of Mt. Olive Township from 1962 to 1965 and he also was a longtime member of the Budd Lake Fire Department and the Budd Lake First Aid & Rescue Squad. Mr. Planker was a private pilot and a member of the Knights of Columbus #6100.  In his early years, John boxed Golden Gloves in New York City and he also enjoyed boating and coaching Little League but most importantly, John cherished his time spent with his devoted family.

John is survived by his daughters, Linda Lata (Edward), Denise Lance (Jay) and Janis Planker and his son, John R. Planker. Additional survivors include his cherished grandchildren; Denise (Lou), Eddie (Colleen), Michael (Kim), Jay Jr. (Bonnie), Danny, Christine, Christopher, Gloria and Mason and his great-grandchildren; Makensie, Quinncie, Kelsie, Gracie, Everett, Gage, Ellie and Kris. He was pre-deceased by his beloved wife, Gloria in 1970, his daughter, Robin in 1966 and his grandson, Joshua 1986 and his brothers, Warren and Robert.

John's Life Celebration will include visitation on Friday, July 26th from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Leber-Lakeside Funeral Home, 150 Landing Road, Landing, NJ. There will be a Catholic Prayer Service offered on Saturday morning, July 27th at 9:30 am also at the funeral home. John will be laid to rest with Military Honors at the Stanhope Union Cemetery in Mt. Olive Twp., NJ immediately following the Prayer Service. All services are entrusted to the Leber-Lakeside Funeral Home of Landing, NJ.