Racine – John Allan Willis, age 70, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded with the love of family, on Tuesday, July 25, 2017 following a brief battle with liver cancer.

A lifetime resident, John was born in Racine on September 13, 1946 to Allen and Frances (nee: Castroreale) Willis. He graduated from St. Catherine's High School in 1965. John faithfully served our country with the United States Air Force from 1967-71 and fought in the Vietnam War. He served an additional 18 years in the Reserves – retiring out of the 128 ^th Air Refueling Group.

On July 12, 1969 in Holyoke, Massachusetts he was united in marriage with the love of his life, Mary Ellen (nee: Malboeuf). A tireless and devoted worker, John was employed with the United States Postal Service for 31 years, retiring in 2001.

John was a member of the Vietnam Veterans Chapter #767, the VFW Post #1391, American Legion and the Loyal Order of Moose Lodge. Among his interests, he enjoyed snowbirding in Arizona, RV travel, building puzzles and computer gaming. In his younger years, John played the French horn in school and in the service & with the Johnson Wax Band and Racine Municipal Band.

Surviving are his loving wife of over 48 years, Mary Willis; son, Brian (Robin) Willis; mother, Frances Willis; sister-in-law, Judith (Gary) LaBrecque; brother-in-law, James (Marsha) Malboeuf; nieces, nephews, cousins and friends – including his canine companion, Cosmo. John was preceded in death by his beloved son, David Willis and father, Allen Willis.

A service to celebrate John's life will be held on Saturday, July 29, 2017 at 10:00 am in Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home. Interment, with military honors, will follow in West Lawn Memorial Park. Visitation will be in the funeral home on Saturday morning from 8:00 – 10:00 am. Memorials to St. Luke's Medical Center "Liver Transplant Program" or to the Vietnam Veterans Association #767 have been suggested.

A heartfelt note of thanks to the physicians, nurses and support staff at Aurora Healthcare; to Hospice Alliance; and to Caledonia Police & Ambulance for the compassionate care and support given in John's time of need.

Service Details

Service: Saturday, July 29, 2017 at 10 am in Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home

Visitation: in the funeral home on Saturday from 8-10 am

Memorial Suggestions

Aurora-St. Luke's Medical Center "Liver Transplant Program" or the Vietnam Veterans Association Chapter #767