John C. Williamson

Williamson, John C. It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of our beloved husband, Dad and Papa. He passed away with simple and quiet dignity. He left us on the 21st of July, 2014 at 8:52pm under hospice care at Burlington Memorial Hospital. If only we could face death so bravely. John will be greatly missed by his wife of 48 years, Claudia (nee Czech), daughters Peggy (Ken Rowe) of Port Edwards, WI, and Amy (Todd Hebein) of Eagle, WI, his "buddy" Hunter John Hebein, his four legged pal Eva and his five furry grandpets. John was born January 9, 1940 to Carlton and Claudine (nee Heacox) Williamson in Milwaukee. He attended school in the Bay View area. He was a self taught drummer, having started at a very young age drumming on the kitchen chairs. He was a member of a band called the Red Coats, who played mostly for weddings, so to the very end, polkas were John's favorite music to listen to. After they disbanded he played with several different bands until DJs took over the wedding music scene. When John lived in Greenfield, he was a volunteer firefighter and emergency medical technician. He retired from the 128th Air Refueling Group in 1995. His favorite pastime was playing cards, with Sheepshead being his game of choice. He was a member of a card club and played every Friday in the Town of Norway. In the last few years, he became an avid reader and started taking art classes, both of which he really enjoyed.. John enjoyed watching the Brewers and Packers but above all else spending time with the light of his life, his buddy Hunter. He would tell Hunter stories of the "old days", make projects in the basement workshop and taught Hunter how to play the drums. Hunter would always say to Papa; "Papa, do you have any words of wisdom" to which John always came up with something. Hunter has picked up where John left off by offering us these words of wisdom upon John's passing "THIS SUCKS". John is preceded in death by his parents, brothers Roland and Myron, sisters Mildred Schulz and Betty Cavender and brother-in-law Richard Schulz. John is survived by his sister Doris (Frank) Moretti, Brother Jerry (Rosie), brother-in-law Gary Cavender, nieces, nephews, other relatives and a multitude of many dear friends. A very special thank you to the second floor staff at Burlington Memorial Hospital and the VNA Hospice Team. Per John's wishes, a private family service will be held. "Thanks for the memories"