John D. Birnbaum IV

John D. Birnbaum IV, known to many as J.D., passed away unexpectedly on September 3, 2024, at the age of 51. He was born on January 7, 1973, to John III and Terri Birnbaum, in Stevens Point, Wisconsin.

John’s greatest joy in life were his sons, John D. Birnbaum VI and Jaxsen Birnbaum. He was immensely proud of the young men they have become, and he cherished every moment spent with them. John loved his boys more than anything in this world, and he never failed to show them that. John would say that he “felt complete” when he was with both of them. His kind heart and genuine interest in others left a lasting impression on everyone he met. With a contagious laugh, and a gift for making people feel seen and heard, John had a special gift for connecting with others. 

John had many passions in life, particularly cars, racing, fashion, and cheering on the Iowa Hawkeyes. John was always the best dressed with full confidence in his style. John was a devoted fan of IndyCar and Formula One. He and the boys spent this past weekend at the Milwaukee Mile enjoying the IndyCar race. John had a deep affection for music. When listening to something lyrically powerful, John would feel something he described as frisson throughout his whole body and spirit. Finding this feeling through Christian music sparked his faith over 5 years ago. John’s faith only grew stronger from there. He was an avid viewer and donor to the Indycar Ministry. He was also determined to fully learn about the gospel and continue to grow his faith. Each and every day, John read the bible and dedicated himself to the teaching of Jesus. Everyone that interacted with John in the recent years would say that his outlook on life was bright and optimistic due to his belief in the lord.

John is survived by his beloved sons, John D. Birnbaum VI, Jaxsen Birnbaum and their mother Jodie Schillinger, his parents, John III and Terri Birnbaum, and his sister and brother-in-law, Andrea & Philip Stankard. He was preceded in death by his wife, Staci Birnbaum, their unborn son, John D. Birnbaum V, and his grandparents, Jane Kramer, Frank and Elsie Kramer, and John D. II and Ruth Birnbaum. Also mourning his loss is his extended family including his aunts and uncles, Linda & Sid Wingfield, Jill Wittemore, Tina & Dave Styf, Kay & Rick Martin.

A private family service will be held to honor John’s memory. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in his memory to IndyCar Ministry, an organization that was close to his heart.

John ended every phone call with the words “I Love you, Dad/Son/Mom” and so we close this tribute with: We will miss you forever and we love you with all our hearts, Dad, son, brother, and friend. Love you.