Racine- John James Wishau, age 90; passed away peacefully at the Union Grove Wisconsin Veterans Home – Boland Hall on Monday, November 21, 2016.

A lifetime resident, John was born in Racine on September 5, 1926, to the late Arkley E. and Esther R. (nee: Kasper) Wishau. A graduate of William Horlick High School, he went on to faithfully serve our country with the Merchant Marines in WWII and the United States Army during the Korean War. On September 1, 1962 in Oshkosh, he was united in marriage with Gene Stratton Colbo.

John's lifetime passion was farming which he did tirelessly for many years on the Wishau family farm in Wind Point and his farms in Caledonia and Pleasant Prairie. He also co-owned and operated Wishau's Pugh Service Station (corner of Main St. and 3 Mile Rd) for a number of years with his cousin Les Wishau. John was an avid ice fisherman, enjoyed rooting for the Chicago Cubs & Green Bay Packers and enjoyed watching his children, nephews and nieces participate in sports.  John loved and cherished being in the surroundings of the entire extended Wishau & Kasper families.

Surviving are his children, Terri (Bill) Barke, Ruth (Mike) Jansen, Joan Wishau and Peter Wishau; grandchildren, Lisa (Doug) Frampton, Marina (Steve) Miller, Sam Barke, Hannah Barke and Andrew Jansen; great-granddaughter, Lily Miller; brother, Bill (Marilyn) Wishau; sisters-in-law, Nancy Sorensen, Patricia Colbo and Betty L. Wishau; brother-in-law, Oscar Franseen; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends – too numerous to mention all by name.

In addition to his parents, John was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Gene Wishau; children, John James "Jack" Wishau, Jr.; Kathreen Krumin and John George Vogel; brothers, Arkley "Buddy" Wishau and David Wishau; sisters Elaine Wishau, Elizabeth "Betty" Larsen and Hazel Franseen; Gene's parents, George and Ella (nee: Stratton) Colbo; brothers-in-law, Emil "Amos" Larsen, Donald Colbo and Floyd Sorensen; sister-in-law, Betty J. Wishau.

A Memorial Service celebrating John's life will be held on Saturday, December 3, 2016 at 11:00 am in the Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home with Rev. Holly Anderle officiating. Visitation will be in the funeral home on Saturday from 9:30 – 11:00 am.  Private inurnment will take place in the Southern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery. In memory of John, memorials to First Baptist Church or to the Racine Veterans Outreach Program have been suggested.

A heartfelt note of thanks to everyone at Wisconsin Veterans Home – Boland Hall for the compassionate care and support given in John's time of need. May God bless all of you!

Service Details

Memorial Service: Saturday, December 3, 2016 at 11:00 am in the Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home

Visitation: Saturday in the funeral home from 9:30 – 11:00 am

Memorial Suggestions

First Baptist Church or the Racine Veterans Outreach Center

Order Flowers from Family Selected Florists