E. John Gysbers
E. John Gysbers,
86, of Waupun, died Thursday, January 9, 2014 at The Christian Homestead in
Waupun.
John was born
July 25, 1927 in Fond du Lac, the son of Myron Clarence and Olga Lena Doering
Gysbers. John graduated from Goodrich High School. He served in the U.S. Navy
and then attended and graduated from Northwestern University with a music
degree. He taught music in Whitewater for 3 years and then joined the family
business of Gysbers Jewelry located in Waupun and Fond du Lac. He was in the
business until he was 84 years old. John married Mona Ann Jones in Fond du Lac
on August 29, 1953. John and Mona resided in Waupun most of their married lives
and retired at Lake DeNeveu. John was a member of Waupun United Methodist
Church and was the choir director for over 30 years. He enjoyed music and
taught piano and organ for many years. The Gysbers’ neighborhood ice rink was
known throughout the community and gave many hockey and skating memories. He
dedicated countless hours of building and maintaining the rink for all to
enjoy. John was also instrumental in the development of the Waupun indoor
hockey rink and was active in the Waupun Hockey Association. John enjoyed the
family cottage at Lake DeNeveu near Fond du Lac where family gathered regularly
and looked forward to the Lake Association 4th of July Celebration.
Flowers and landscaping were one of his passions, along with golfing at the
Rock River Country Club. John was a wonderful father and grandfather and did
anything and everything for his children and grandchildren.
John is survived
by his six children; John and Anne Gysbers, Carrie and Stuart Kastein, Mary and
Larry Vande Zande, Kate and Steve Bresser, Mike and Judy Gysbers, and Jenny and
Ken Brown; 20 grandchildren, Grant Gysbers, Bridgette (Bryan) Gerl, Margaret
(Steve) Wolfgram, Andy (Autumn) Kastein, Adam and Nathan Vande Zande, Abby
(Bryson) Thompson, Carl, Maggie, Libby, Stevie, and Claire Bresser, Trevor
(fiancée, Sabrina) Bethke, Taylor and Brendon Gysbers, Owen (Ashley) Vande
Kolk, Jake and Mollie Vande Kolk, Morgan and Emily Brown; 4
great-grandchildren, Nolan and Lauren Gerl, Gemma Wolfgram, and Emerson
Thompson; a sister, Betty (George) Bielefeld, brothers-in-law, Leonard Kohnke
and Jack (Mary) Fisher; and many nieces and nephews.
John was preceded
in death by his wife, Mona in 2006; his parents; an infant brother; and
sisters-in-law, Betty Kohnke, Kathleen Fisher, and Carolyn (Kelly) Jones.
Memorial services
for E. John Gysbers will be held Monday, January 13, 2014 at 6 p.m. at Waupun
United Methodist Church at 199 E. Jefferson St., Waupun with Rev. J.D. McCarty
officiating. Friends and relatives may call on the family on Monday at the
church from 4 p.m. until the time of
service.
In lieu of flowers please direct all memorial contributions to Waupun
United Methodist Church.
Werner-Harmsen Funeral Home of Waupun and staff are serving the family. Please visit our website at
www.wernerharmsenfuneralhome.com for further information and to send
condolences.