Our mission at JEK Foundation embodies the vision of our founder, John E Kuenzl. His passion and dedication for the well-being of communities continue to inspire us to this day. With a structure that addresses the unique challenges and opportunities present across the state of Wisconsin, we remain committed to upholding John’s exceptional legacy and fulfilling our role as responsible guardians of his vision for the foundation’s perpetuity.
John E Kuenzl’s unwavering commitment to empowering individuals and communities underscores the foundation’s investment philosophy. He recognized the value of investing in people, and we stand by that belief today, more so than ever. With the understanding that Good Lives Here, JEK Foundation continues its mission to support and elevate the lives of individuals across Wisconsin.
History of the John E. Kuenzl Foundation
The John E. Kuenzl Foundation (JEK Foundation, Inc.) was established in 2000 to continue the legacy of a prominent businessman and philanthropist from Oshkosh, Wisconsin. The foundation was created to continue John Kuenzl’s legacy of giving back to the community and supporting charitable causes.
John Kuenzl was born in 1925 in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. After serving in the U.S. Navy during World War II, he returned to Oshkosh to work with his father in the family-owned gas station and trucking business. Over the years, John Kuenzl expanded the family business, eventually co-founding a successful trucking company, Kuenzl Corporation.
Throughout his career, John Kuenzl was committed to giving back to the Oshkosh community. He was known for his generosity and support of various charitable causes, including education, healthcare, and youth programs. He believed in the power of philanthropy to make a positive difference in people’s lives.
In 1995, John Kuenzl established the JEK Foundation as a way to ensure that his philanthropic legacy would continue for generations to come. The foundation’s mission is to support charitable organizations and causes that promote education, healthcare, and youth development in the Oshkosh area.
Since its establishment, the JEK Foundation has provided millions of dollars in grants to various organizations and initiatives in the community. Some of the foundation’s notable contributions include:
Supporting the Oshkosh Boy’s and Girls Club of Oshkosh expansion, providing a beautiful collaborative space for students and community members to enjoy.
Funding scholarships and educational programs at local schools and universities, providing opportunities for students to achieve their goals and pursue their dreams.
Supporting healthcare initiatives, including the expansion and renovation of Mercy Medical Center and the establishment of the John E. Kuenzl Nursing Scholarship Fund to support aspiring nurses.
Providing funding for youth programs, including the Boys & Girls Club of Oshkosh and the Oshkosh YMCA, to help young people build character, develop skills, and reach their full potential.
Today, the JEK Foundation continues to honor John Kuenzl’s legacy and make a positive impact in the Oshkosh community. Through its support of education, healthcare, and youth development initiatives, the foundation helps to improve the lives of countless individuals and strengthen the community as a whole.