Gene S. Wishau

Racine- Gene Stratton (nee: Colbo) Wishau, age 88; passed away peacefully at Wheaton Franciscan – All Saints Medical Center on Sunday, June 29, 2014. 

A lifetime resident, Gene was born in Racine on October 10, 1925 to the late George and Ella (nee: Stratton) Colbo. A 1943 graduate of Washington Park High School, she went on to attend nursing school.  On September 1, 1962 in Oshkosh, she was united in marriage with John James Wishau, Sr. Among various places Gene was employed, she retired from the Racine Police Department – Records Bureau after 10 years of service. 

With a profound Christian faith, Gene prayed at various churches of different dominations during her lifetime– most recently attending Calvary Memorial Church. She was passionate about learning and understanding her Bible….. having faithfully attended her group bible study sessions since 1971. Years ago, Gene was a devoted leader of 4-H, Girl Scouts, swim mom and was a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution. Above all, Gene loved and cherished being in the surroundings of her entire family and many circles of friends. 

Surviving are her loving husband of over 51 years, John; children, Terri (Bill) Barke, Ruth (Mike) Jansen, Joan Wishau and Peter Wishau; grandchildren, Lisa (Doug) Frampton, Marina (Steve) Miller, Sam Barke, Hannah Barke and Andrew Jansen; great-granddaughter, Lily Miller; sister, Nancy Sorensen; sisters-in-law, Patricia Colbo and Betty L. Wishau; brothers-in-law, Bill (Marilyn) Wishau and Oscar Franseen; her devoted friend & Bible Study buddy, Louise Lanphere; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends – too numerous to mention all by name. 

In addition to her parents, Gene was preceded in death by her children, John James “Jack” Wishau, Jr.; Kathreen Krumin and John George Vogel; brother, Donald Colbo; John’s parents, Arkley and Esther (nee: Kasper) Wishau; and brothers-in-law, Floyd Sorensen, Arkley Wishau, David Wishau, Amos Larsen; and sisters-in-law Elaine Wishau, Betty J. Wishau, Hazel Franseen, Betty Larsen.   

A Memorial Service celebrating Gene’s life will be held on Thursday, July 3, 2014 at 6:00 pm in the Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home with Rev. Ken Howe officiating.  Visitation will be in the funeral home on Thursday from 4 – 6 pm.  Private inurnment will take place in the Southern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery. In memory of Gene, memorials to the Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare – All Saints Foundation or to the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Eastern Wisconsin have been suggested. 

 A heartfelt note of thanks to everyone at Wheaton Franciscan – All Saints Hospital, Cardiovascular Institute, Cancer Center & Hospice for the compassionate care and support given in Gene’s time of need. May God bless all of you!