Wesley H. Navis
Wesley H. Navis, 82, of Waupun, passed away peacefully into the arms of Jesus on Saturday, November 16, 2013 at The Christian Home and Rehabilitation Center in Waupun following a brave battle with brain cancer.
Wes was born October 14, 1931 in Hartley, IA the son of Edward and Effie Elgersma Navis. Following his birth the family moved to the Waupun area. On November 9, 1956 he married the love of his life, Rachel Van Buren, at Alto Reformed Church. The couple resided in the Waupun area all their married lives. In 1955, Wes founded his own business, Navis Trucking, currently W&D Navis, Inc., which was formed in 1982. He was a member of Bethel Christian Reformed Church in Waupun where he was a very active member. He was also active with Central Wisconsin Christian School, instrumental in organizing Bargains Galore, as well as the windmill at Heritage Park and the fountain at Harris Park. He was a member of Gideon’s International. Wes was a seven year veteran of Wisconsin Army National Guard. In 1981, he and Rachel purchased a mini storage facility in Waupun which they ran until 2006. Wes and Rachel loved to travel and spent several winters in Arizona.
Wes is survived by his wife of 57 years, Rachel Navis of Waupun; their five children; Julie (Ron) Los of Delavan, WI, Dennis (Linda) Navis of Waupun, Patricia (Thomas) Jonker of Brandon, Gail (Kurt) Neevel of Waupun, and Jean (Eric) Lerum of Waupun; 17 grandchildren, Jillian and Jenna Los, Rebecca (Dave) Phillips, Jeffrey (Jennifer) Navis, Stacey (Dan) Lavelle, Matthew Navis, Rachel, Anna, Laura, Luke and Elizabeth Jonker, Jennifer (Adam) Nisler, Derek (Stephanie) Neevel, Jessica Neevel, Brayden, Natalie and Samuel Lerum; eight great- grandchildren; brothers-in-law and sisters in-law, Agnes (Ron) Wells of Elm Grove, WI, Joyce Van Buren of Brandon, Paul (Fay) Van Buren of Mesa, AZ, Nelda (Kurt) Schreiber of Nashville, Donna (Jim) Schmuhl of Brandon; and many nieces and nephews, along with other relatives and friends.
Wes was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Gerrit Navis; three sisters, Wilma Van Kleef, Marie Visser, and Jeanette TeBeest.
Funeral services for Wes Navis will be held Wednesday, November 20, 2013 at 11 a.m. at Bethel Christian Reformed Church in Waupun with Rev. Jeff Brower officiating. Burial will follow at Alto Cemetery. Friends and Relatives of Wes Navis may call on the family on Tuesday at the Werner-Harmsen Funeral Home in Waupun from 4-7:30 and on Wednesday at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of service.
The family suggests memorials be directed to Central Wisconsin Christian School or Gideon’s International.
Werner-Harmsen Funeral Home of Waupun and staff are serving the family. Please visit our website at www.wernerharmsenfuneralhome.com for address, further information to post your condolences.