Guy James Wells

Racine – Guy J. Wells; age 90; passed away peacefully on Friday morning, September 18, 2015 at St. Luke’s Medical Center in Milwaukee.

Guy was born in Racine (above the family restaurant on Mead Street) on December 2, 1924 to the late James and Rose (nee: DeMark) Wells. He attended Lakeside School and graduated from St. Catherine’s High School in 1941. Guy faithfully served our country with the United States Army during the Korean War.

On September 17, 1960 in St. Lucy Catholic Church (when it was located on Howe Street), he was united in marriage with the love of his life, Karin Lynn (nee: Hoppe) Wells. Guy (along with his brother, Anthony) owned and operated Wells Bros. Restaurant from 1941 until they retired in 1999 – when they sold the business to Paula and Bill. Guy & Tony earned the respect and trust of our community and built the restaurant into the Racine tradition that it is today.

Proud of his Italian heritage, Guy was a longtime member of Roma Lodge. He was also a lifetime member of Racine Instinctive Bowmen. Among his other interests, Guy enjoyed hunting, cooking, traveling, tending to his impeccable yard, gardening, playing cribbage & Bocce. Guy was extremely patriotic and was so thankful to have had the opportunity to participate in the Honor Flight back in November of 2013. Above all, Guy loved spending every available moment in the surroundings of his entire family.

Surviving are his loving wife of 55 years, Karin; their children, Paula (Jim) Huck and Marsha Wells; grandchildren, Ashley (Adam) Stefka and Megan (Tim) Rachal; sister, Florence (Robert) Rivers; sister-in-law, Dorothy Wells; nieces and nephews, Maribeth (Mark) Osmundsen, Mike (Lynn) Molinaro, Jan (Lori) Molinaro, Jim Wells, Bob (Jean) Wells, Lynn Wells, Kathy Abernethy, Bill (Sammi) Rivers, Tom (Connie) Rivers, Ann (Mike) Gillis and Theresa (Kevin) Rivers-Meyer; devoted caregiver of 3 years, DeDee Ivanova; cousin & hunting partner, Rano Wells; other dear relatives and friends – including his monthly Racine Instinctive Bowmen group; all the current and former employees of whom were Guy’s second family; and by all of the customers from the restaurant. Guy truly loved all of you!

In addition to his parents, Guy was preceded in death by his brother, Anthony “Tony” Wells; sister, Carolyn (Gene) Molinaro; beloved nephew, Gary Rivers; special cousin, William Wells; and by Karin’s parents, Ernie and Vi Hoppe.

Funeral services celebrating Guy’s life will be held in the Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home on Wednesday, September 23, 2015 at 2:00 pm with Guy’s nephew, Tom Rivers, officiating. Military honors will follow. Visitation will be in the funeral home on Wednesday from 10:00 am – 2:00 pm (Roma Lodge tribute 1:30 pm). Private entombment will take place in the Mausoleum of Holy Cross Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials to the Stars & Stripes Honor Flight have been suggested.

A heartfelt note of thanks to Dr. Szymczak, St. Luke’s Medical Center and to Fresenius Dialysis Center for the many years of compassionate care and support given in Guy’s time of need. Also, special thanks to all of our family & friends for the many acts of kindness extended over the past few years. Your kindness and generosity will always be remembered!