Service Details
At this time, John’s family is honoring & celebrating his life privately.
Memorial Suggestions
In lieu of flowers, donations in John’s memory may be made to the Wisconsin Humane Society or any other animal welfare organization.
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of John Michael Bjelajac on November 18, 2025. John was well known for his loud, boisterous laugh and magnetic personality, leaving a lasting imprint on every room he entered. He fulfilled his genuine wish to practice law until his last day.
Born on February 28, 1948, in Watertown, Wisconsin, to Ruth (Berger) and Vaso Bjelajac, John and his younger brother David spent their formative years in Portage, Wisconsin. It was during this period that John developed a deeply grounded perspective and strong work ethic. He often credited time spent on their relatives nearby farm for his lifelong appreciation of the outdoors.
John became a man of great accomplishment. After completing his undergraduate degree in Philosophy in 1970, he embarked on his legal journey, graduating from UW-Madison Law School in June 1973. He began his career serving as Assistant City Attorney, Deputy City Attorney, and Deputy Corporation Counsel for the City of Racine before establishing his private practice with Judith M. Hartig-Osanka in 1979. The firm, known as Hartig & Bjelajac, grew over the years with multiple attorney partners. Most recently, John was a partner in Bjelajac & Kallenbach, LLC, following a merger with Terrance L. Kallenbach’s firm in 2005. Over the course of fifty-plus years, John built a successful practice while making significant contributions to the legal community and serving as a successful campaign manager for local and state politicians.
John’s dedication to civic service will be deeply remembered. He served for many years as a part-time Court Commissioner for the Racine County Circuit Court as well as holding numerous leadership roles to include: former President of the Police & Fire Commission for the Towns of Mount Pleasant and Caledonia; former President and Board member of the Southeastern Aquatic Swim Club; former Board member of the Racine Raiders football team; former officer and Board member of Stop Child Abuse and Neglect; former Board member of Crime Stoppers Racine County; past President and Board member of Developmental Disabilities Information Services; Board member for Racine County Opportunity Center; former Executive Secretary of the Racine County Medical Society; former City Attorney and special legal counsel for the City of Burlington; Town Attorney for the Town of Randall; former President and Board member of the Southeastern Wisconsin Shooters Association; and DNR hunter education instructor.
Throughout his life, John enjoyed numerous interests and hobbies. His fishing trips to Minocqua’s Pike Lake Chain and hunting trips in the northern woods of Tomah with his family and longtime friend, the late Dennis Kornwolf, will forever remain vibrant in the memories of his sons, Michael and Nicholas, and family friend Chad Leonard.
John was predeceased by his wife, Deborah Bjelajac; his mother, Ruth Bjelajac; his father, Vaso Bjelajac; his brother-in-law, Dr. James Aiman; and his sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Cynthia and Roger Fisher. He is survived by his sons Michael Bjelajac and Nicholas Bjelajac (Cassandra); his brother David Bjelajac (Lou); his former wife and friend Carrie Payne (Mike); and extended family members Joanne Aiman, Pat Aiman, Dan Aiman (Lisa), and Mary Ruffolo (Ben Litwin). His family is forever grateful for the numerous people who provided care, services, and support to him, especially his longtime friend and colleague Becky Jones (Ricky) and law partner Terry Kallenbach.
Let us cherish and celebrate John’s life, honoring his lasting legacy and impact on the community. As John would say, Godspeed!
In lieu of flowers, donations in John’s memory may be made to the Wisconsin Humane Society or any other animal welfare organization.
The Payne-Dennard Family says
Nick,
So sorry for your loss. Prayers are with you and your family. May God surround you with His Love. Take care my friend.
David Maack says
My condolences. John always had a smile on his face and a story to share.
Dan Thielen says
Thoughts and prayers to the entire family. He was a great man and even better father. RIP!
Mary Rother says
My heartfelt condolences Mike and Nick. While this sadness may consume you today, I hope that all of the wonderful memories you have will bring you comfort and a few smiles along the way. I will definitely remember the many years of friendship we had.
Tom & Janet (Hoff) Karkow says
From our reporting days at WRJN to hastily made retirement plans AND years after of calling him just to chat, ask how he’s doing, and thank him again for helping us, John was a friend and a guiding light. We are deeply saddened at his passing and will always remember him. Condolences to the family. RIP John.
David S Litrenta says
I am truly sorry of John’s passing….I worked with John when I was with the City of Racine
Anonymous says
So sad to hear of John’s passing. As an attorney, John was honest, ethical, and intelligent. As a friend, he was loyal and present. Sending thoughts and prayers to his family.
Ron Nohr says
I met John in Rust House at UW-Madison in the late 1960’s. We became fast friends and roommates for two years. Our friendship remained strong after we graduated and started our separate families in different parts of Wisconsin. While our interactions lessened as the years passed, I always considered John my best friend. I will keep him in my heart forever and hold his family in my thoughts.
Wendy Chrisensen says
I’m sorry to read this and will be keeping his family in my thoughts. I worked with John (and Dennis Kornwolf) while serving as Caledonia’s municipal clerk, both town and village. Lots of conversations and history along the way during that time. I will remember him fondly as a good man, always smiling and full of life!
Carrie Smukal says
I am so sorry to hear about Johns passing. John was my lawyer for many years, and I so enjoyed our talks, even to just catch up. I will really miss him. He was an incredible man. I will pray for healing.
Tom Ludwig says
Very sad to hear the news. Always enjoyed working alongside John over the last 25+ years with our good friends, the many great leaders and staff members at the Village of Caledonia. Learned a lot from John on how to professionally serve and comport oneself in all the various public meetings and interactions. All along the way it was a joy to be around him with many a great belly laugh. I still find myself repeating all his famous quotes that find their way into our staff and client conversations. May John rest in peace and my condolences to his family.