John Patrick Wais
John Wais passed away peacefully April 29, 2019, with his wife and children by his side at the age of 66 years.
John was born on June 25, 1952, in La Crosse, Wisconsin, son of James Wais and Helen Nowak Wais. He was a member of the Sigma Tau Gamma fraternity and graduated from UW-La Crosse in 1974 with a bachelor’s degree in physical education. In September of 1975, he married Kimberly Olsen in La Crosse. Their marriage was blessed with three lovely children. The family moved to Cedarburg in 1986, where John spent most of his working life in food sales.
John was known to drop everything to help someone out. He will be remembered by family and friends for his love of the Packers, Brewers, pizza, Coca Cola and a good cigar. He was the “claw and the tickle monster” to his grandchildren.
In addition to his wife Kim of Cedarburg, John is survived by his three children: Andrew (Kaity) Olsen-Wais Belgium, Troy (Jessica) Olsen-Wais Appleton, and Tina Olsen-Wais of Cedarburg. He is further survived by his mother Helen of La Crosse, grandchildren Tristan, Kellen both of Belgium, and Caleb of Cedarburg, parents-in-law Frederick and Virginia Olsen of Elcho, Siblings Peter (the late Nancy) Wais of Winnetka, IL, Kathleen (the late John) Marth of Jackson, Edward (Kay) Wais of The Villages, FL, Theresa (Scott) Schmidt of Clarksville, TN, and Michael (Lori) Wais of Caledonia, siblings-in-law Frederick Olsen III of Madison, Kristen (Drew) Palumbo of Palatine, IL, Nels (Elisabeth) Olsen of Cedarburg, Erik (Camille) Olsen of Beavercreek, OH and Kaare Olsen of Whitefish Bay, countless nieces and nephews, other relatives and many, many friends.
He was preceded in death by his father James, brother-in-law Thomas Schell, sisters-in-law Cynthia Schell and Marylani Olsen and niece Erin Bushek.
A celebration of John’s life will be held at the Eernisse Funeral Home, 1167 Washington Ave., Cedarburg, on Thursday, May 16th, from 4 – 7 pm. A private memorial mass for the family will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are appreciated to Michelle’s Lodge located on the Moccasin Trail in Elcho Wisconsin, where John and Kim had planned to retire by the lake. Memorials can be brought to the celebration of life or mailed to Elcho X-C Ski Club Inc., P.O. Box 291 Elcho, WI 54428.
The Eernisse Funeral Home, Cedarburg, is honored to serve the family. Online condolences may be left at www.eernissefuneralhome.com
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