JOHN P. PROCTOR of 550 Graham Ave., died Saturday, October 11, 1997 at WovenHearts in Eau Claire, after bringing joy, love and friendship to his family and friends for 86 years. He was born November 25, 1910 in Eau Claire to Benjamin G. and Mary (Coffin) Proctor. John married Catherine Bauman in Minneapolis on June 14, 1941. \r\nAfter receiving his degree from UW-Madison in 1932, he worked for NSP, New York Life Insurance Co., and the American Red Cross until he joined the U.S. Army in 1942 and served honorably in WW II until his discharge in 1945. Upon his return home he joined his father in the family business, Wisconsin Pipe and Fuel Co. until 1967. John then returned to UW-Madison where he received his Masters Degree in Library Science in June 1968. He served as Director of the Chippewa Falls Library from July 1968 to August 1973 and then Director of the Eau Claire Public Library from August 1973 to August 1979, when he retired to be with his terminally ill son, John, in LaCrosse. \r\nDuring his library directorships he spearheaded the construction of the beautiful library facilities in Chippewa Falls and Eau Claire that exist today. In 1974 he was named "Librarian of the Year" by the Wisconsin Library Assoc.\r\nIn 1980, John began employment at the Eau Claire County Courthouse where he served as a jury bailiff until 1996. From 1988, he had the pleasure of working with his nephew, Judge Benjamin D. Proctor. During this time he came to be loved and respected by all the judges, as well as countless courthouse staff, attorneys and jurors.\r\nJohn served his community in many volunteer activities including Rotary Club (president-one year and Paul Harris Fellow Award), Red Cross (president-two years), Eau Claire Civic Music Assoc., Board of Trustees-Eau Claire Public Library, Eau Claire Male Chorus, Eau Claire Playhouse Players, Area Committee-UWEC (president-one year), Chippewa Valley Museum, Chippewa Valley Historical Society and Chippewa Valley Concert Series.\r\nHe loved his church, where as a life time member of First Congregational Church, he sang in the choir for 50 years, was church historian and served on the Board of Deacons.\r\nSurvivors include his two beloved daughters, Ann L. Proctor of Eau Claire and Catherine (Charles) Proctor Goble of Eden Prairie,MN; a much loved granddaughter, Emily Goble of Eden Prairie,MN; a devoted sister, Grace Proctor Rausch of Eau Claire; a loving daughter-in-law, Kate A. Proctor of LaCrosse; his nephew and very close friend, Benjamin (Janet) Proctor of Eau Claire; many relatives and friends, including a very special friend, his nurse, Jo Schaeffer as well as all the wonderful people at WovenHearts and Northwest Wisconsin Homecare.\r\nJohn was a true gentleman who felt life was "wonderful" and radiated that feeling to all who knew and loved him. Each and every person who had contact with John is a better person for it. God bless him.\r\nMemorial Services will be at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday at First Congregational United Church of Christ with Pastor Derril Peabody officiating. Private family burial will be in Lakeview Cemetery prior to services. Friends may call 4:30 until time of services Tuesday at the church. Lenmark-Gomsrud Funeral Home is serving the family.\r\nIn lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be directed to the American Diabetes Assoc., the Senior Choir at First Congregational Church or a charity of the donor's choice

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