John Richard Hawes, Sr.

Sturtevant – John Richard Hawes, Sr., 80, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded with the love of family, on Saturday evening, March 3, 2012 after being diagnosed with cancer five months ago.  

John was born in Rockford, IL on April 26, 1931 to the late Lawrence and Dorothy (nee: Adams) Hawes. A 1949 graduate of Washington Park High School, he went on to graduate from the University of Wisconsin – School of Banking in 1980. He faithfully served our Country with the United States Air Force from 1950-1954.  

On June 2, 1951, John was united in marriage with the love of his life, Jean Meekma. He was proud of his 40-year career with M&I Bank, retiring as Senior Vice-President in July of 1994. During retirement, he enjoyed his second career as a realtor, working alongside his daughter at Remax Newport Realty.  

With a strong Christian faith, John was a member of Atonement Lutheran Church. He was also an active life member of the Wednesday Optimist Club of Racine; treasurer of Society’s Assets, Inc.; and treasurer of Good Fellers, Inc.  

Among his interests, John loved playing the piano for family and friends; fishing with his sons; golfing with his buddies; and playing cards with his Tuesday night poker club. Above all, he cherished being in the surroundings of his entire family.  

Surviving are his loving wife of over 60 years, Jean; their children, Laurie (Greg) Lucas of Rockton, IL; Carol (Pat Vandenberg) Hawes of Racine; John “Jay” (Vicki) Hawes Jr. of Burlington; and David (Linda) Hawes of Racine; grandchildren, Jim and Ric Lucas; Bryan (Katie) and Paul (Jen) Brouwers; Jacob, Mitchell and Mason Hawes; Jennifer, Carly, Michael and Tara Hawes; great-grandchildren, Jack, Nate and Ellie Brouwers; Emma, AJ and Aubri Brouwers; Mason and McKenzie Lucas; sister, Dolores (George) Etlichter; sister-in-law, Betty Simonsen, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.  

In addition to his parents, John was preceded in death by his sister, Mary Lou (Delbert) Hudson; Jean’s parents, John and Alta Meekma, brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Robert and Sally Meekma, Jack and Eileen Meekma, Howard Simonsen and his great-granddaughter, Grayce Elizabeth Brouwers.  

 A memorial service celebrating John’s life will be held on Tuesday, March 13, 2012 at 11 am in Atonement Lutheran Church, 2915 Wright Ave., with Rev. Dr. Warren D. Williams officiating. Interment, with military honors, will follow in West Lawn Memorial Park. Visitation will be in the funeral home on Monday from 4-7 pm and in the church on Tuesday from 10-11 am. In lieu of flowers, memorials to the Wednesday Optimist Club “John Aceto Scholarship Fund”, 2020 27^th Avenue, Kenosha, WI 53140, or Atonement Lutheran Church have been suggested.  

A heartfelt note of thanks to Wheaton Franciscan Home Health & Hospice, especially Barbara Prasser, RN, for the compassionate care and support given to John, and to our family, during the past few months. May God bless all of you!