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.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Service Details

At this time, John's family is honoring & celebrating his life privately.