This page celebrates the life of our dear friend John. He was with us for too short of time, but will long be remembered. John was always ready with a kind word and a warm smile.
I met John when he began working at McDonald's in Eau Claire in the late 80's. We worked the closing shift together on a regular basis and I had the chance to get to know him well during those long shifts. John was a very sensitive, caring, and compassionate man with a wonderful sense of humor.
John would often take on many of my job duties in addition to his own for no reason. He had me spoiled- I never had to clean the men's bathroom when I was working with John. He just automatically did it for me-what a guy!
Working in fast food isn't always fun, but John made it fun for me. he would often do silly things to get me to laugh. I remember one day he sent a tray of cheeseburgers to me from the grill along with a towel. I asked him what the towel was for and he said you'll see. He had put extra ketchup on the cheeseburgers and he just stood there and laughed as I wrapped them. The sound of his laughter is something that I will always remember.
I lost touch with John through my job changes and my move across the state, but I never forgot him! I cared for John very much and he will aways hold a special place in my heart!
I was “assigned” to be John’s friend in the fall of 2005 and from that point forward he touched my life in many ways. Since his family was out of State John became a guest at many Holiday gatherings, he always gravitated to my grandkids and thoroughly entertained them, whether it be playing pinball with Miles or just hanging out with Chayse.
I really got to know John one Saturday when I held him hostage for about 14 hours as I took care of some customers while we traversed the State. We talked about his childhood, growing up in Wisconsin, his college years and how much he was really starting to enjoy what was happening in his life.
I, as many did, watched John become a very active part of his community, always giving back what was freely given to him. He always had a kind word or a smart comment, but always with a smile and his chuckle. John was hauled around quite a bit until he got a car and once he got that car he never quit returning the favor.
He was taken much too early in life and will truly be missed. I will always be grateful for the time that I was able to spend with him and will carry those memories with me forever.
I was 13 when John was born. Back then, hospitals wouldn't allow "kids" to go and see the newborns, I had to wait until he was brought home. I used to pretend that John and his sister Barb were my children. There I'd be walking with them and pretending, not fooling anyone, but oh my young heart loved those little kids.
I now have a fifty-four year old heart that loves them more than I would ever have thought possible. John's love of life these past three years has been such a joy to watch. Every time I talked with him, he was full of happiness for each day. He had found a purpose and he had found his place.
Thanks to all of you who have touched John's life through the years.
The memories I have of John are of his always laid back attitude and child like couriosity. John would walk into the room give a big hug to my wife and proceed to settle in and get comfortable and caht sometimes for hours. He is missed!!
My memories
Jeanne Cornell Jan 15, 2009
John would often take on many of my job duties in addition to his own for no reason. He had me spoiled- I never had to clean the men's bathroom when I was working with John. He just automatically did it for me-what a guy!
Working in fast food isn't always fun, but John made it fun for me. he would often do silly things to get me to laugh. I remember one day he sent a tray of cheeseburgers to me from the grill along with a towel. I asked him what the towel was for and he said you'll see. He had put extra ketchup on the cheeseburgers and he just stood there and laughed as I wrapped them. The sound of his laughter is something that I will always remember.
I lost touch with John through my job changes and my move across the state, but I never forgot him! I cared for John very much and he will aways hold a special place in my heart!
Jeanne Cornell
Memories
Jim Atch Aug 09, 2008
I really got to know John one Saturday when I held him hostage for about 14 hours as I took care of some customers while we traversed the State. We talked about his childhood, growing up in Wisconsin, his college years and how much he was really starting to enjoy what was happening in his life.
I, as many did, watched John become a very active part of his community, always giving back what was freely given to him. He always had a kind word or a smart comment, but always with a smile and his chuckle. John was hauled around quite a bit until he got a car and once he got that car he never quit returning the favor.
He was taken much too early in life and will truly be missed. I will always be grateful for the time that I was able to spend with him and will carry those memories with me forever.
My nephew
denden Jul 23, 2008
I now have a fifty-four year old heart that loves them more than I would ever have thought possible. John's love of life these past three years has been such a joy to watch. Every time I talked with him, he was full of happiness for each day. He had found a purpose and he had found his place.
Thanks to all of you who have touched John's life through the years.
Janice Randen
Always a Joy
Jerry Lachniet Jul 22, 2008