John R. Schanen, “Roger”, age 88, of Delafield, WI, formerly of Port Washington, WI, peacefully passed away Wednesday, March 18, 2020 at ProHealth AngelsGrace Hospice in Oconomowoc, WI.
He was born on April 24, 1931 in Port Washington, WI; son of Herman P. and Hilda Mayer Schanen. John graduated from Port Washington High School, later serving his country during the Korean War in the United States Air Force with the rank of Airman First Class from 1951 to 1955.
On October 26, 1957, John married Pauline A. “Polly” Godfrey of Detroit, MI at St. Norbert Catholic Church in Inkster, MI. They lived in Milwaukee for a few years, later moving to Grafton to raise their family.
John worked for the AO Smith Corporation in Milwaukee as a machine repairman for over 35 years and retired in 1990. He was an active member in the International Association of Machinists Local 1668 and served as treasurer for over 15 years.
While in Grafton, John was a member of St. Joseph Parish Catholic Church and actively involved in the Society of St. Vincent de Paul. Upon his retirement, John and Polly enjoyed Naples, FL for many years. He would be active with the American Red Cross, Knights of Columbus and several social groups. He also drove tram for the Bentley Retirement Community.
In 2013, he and Polly would return to Wisconsin, settling in Delafield. They became members of St. Anthony on the Lake Catholic Parish in Pewaukee.
John is survived by his wife Polly; his children Therese Lusic (special friend Richard Thurow) of Delafield, John Schanen of Sun Prairie, Mary (Christopher) Ceccato of Pewaukee, Joseph Schanen of Germantown and Kathleen (Gregory) DeKalb of Franklin; grandchildren Shannon (Nate) Wendlandt of Chicago IL and Jerry Lusic (partner Tiffani Rizzio) of Lakeville MN, great grandson Liam Lusic of Lakeville MN, his sisters Mary (Jerry) Schanen-Moore of Asheville, NC, Christine (John) Gregozeski of Port Washington, his brothers Donald (the late Annette) Schanen of the town of Saukville, Herman (Marsha) Schanen of Port Washington, Paul (Olivia) Schanen of Waukesha, Kenneth Schanen of Fort Myers, FL, Steve (Debbie) Schanen of Grafton and Glen Schanen of Belgium, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
He is preceded in death by his parents, his sister Jean and her husband Joseph Kolkema, sisters-in-law Patricia Martin and Harriet and her husband Thomas Drysdale.
A Memorial Mass will be celebrated 11 AM Tuesday, July 28, 2020 at St. Joseph Parish Catholic Church, 1619 Washington Street, Grafton, WI. Interment will take place at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Port Washington.
In lieu of flowers a donation may be made to the American Red Cross or a charity of your choice.
*** Covid-19 recommendations will be followed. Masks recommended. Practice social distancing. Thank you. ***
Polly am sorry to hear of your loss. I hope you are well. And your children and grand children. Prayers offered fo all. Ardis Gruber. Cederburg.
John, I am sorry to hear of your loss and will keep you, your dad, and family in my prayers.
Received a notice that John Rodger passed away from Paul. Our sympathy to you and your family. So happy that we were able to get together after so many years. Our thought and prayers are with you. Tom and Ila Coughlin