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Roberts, John
John W. Roberts, 55, of Merrill, WI found peace at home, surrounded by his wife and children on December 5, 2012, following a 20 month battle with cancer.
John was born December 2, 1957 in Evanston, IL to the late Harriet Pirie and W. Donald Roberts Jr. He graduated from New Trier West High School and later from Columbia College in Missouri. He married Rebecca Becker on January 7, 1995 in Merrill.
John spent his entire career working in media; beginning at WJMT in Merrill and over time working at WJFW in Rhinelander, and finally at WXCO in Wausau. Many people will remember John as the voice of WJMT's Auction Block, 'Klinger' from the MASH blood drive, the Little Red Wagon races, and the March of Dimes Walk for Babies. He also spent many years as a Merrill Chamber of Commerce Ambassador and member of the Merrill Evening Lion's club.
His greatest joy came from watching his four beautiful daughters grow and turn into amazing young women. He was always beloved by all of the girls' friends, considered by many to be a second dad. Being a big kid himself, he was always finding ways to create fun and laughter for any child lucky enough to spend time with him.
Anyone who knew John was quickly considered a friend for whom he would do anything to help. His infectious laugh and easy smile were like a magnet to everyone that came near him.
John was a die-hard Chicago Bears and Cubs fan, for which he took a lot of good-natured grief. His true passion was fishing; either on his boat or through the ice- the walls of his cabin are covered in his trophies. When he wasn't fishing at the cabin, he was spending time there with his family and friends. He loved taking the kids tubing and making s'mores around the campfire.
Survivors include his wife, Rebecca, Merrill; daughters, Katie (David) of Portland, OR; Ashley, Emily, and Ally, all of Merrill. Sisters, Susan Casey, Naples FL; Linda (Dwight) Dendy, Caledonia IL; Brother, Walter (Joan) Roberts, Kensington NH; Step-mother, Maureen Roberts, Keswick VA; Step-sister, Candy Reynolds, Palmyra VA; and Step-brother, Matthew Pillsbury, Chariton IA. He is also survived by his mother and father in-law, David and Kathy Becker, Merrill, Brother-in-law, Kris Becker, Merrill. Uncle John will be missed by his nephews, Brian, Kevin, Kristopher, Logan, and Lucas; and his nieces, Jennifer, Jamie, Megan, Jenna, and Jade. He was preceded in death by his mother, Harriet Pillsbury; father, W. Donald Roberts, and step-father, Bill Pillsbury.
The family would like to give their sincere thanks to all of you who gave us so much love and support during John's fight, especially our family, friends, and the wonderful nurses from Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM Monday, December 10 at Waid Funeral Home in Merrill, with the visitation from 3-8pm on Sunday, December 9, and again from 10AM until the time of service on Monday. Deacon Linda Schmidt will officiate. Online condolences may be made at www.waidfuneral.com TIP UP!!!
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
John & I went to college together in Missouri. We were great friends at school and had so much fun. We had a very tight nit group of friends while we all were away @ school.
It was so wonderful to reconnect with John on FB after so many years. Again, we were able to have a lot of laughs and speak about the good ole times as well as hear all about his lovely family. For that I am so greatful! He was truely a blessed man!
My prayers go out to his family & friends. May you all find much peace in the love that is still there and will never go away!
To John my friend. I am so greatful to have had you in my life. When I think of you I feel so blessed and still can hear your wonderful laugh.
RIP my friend! May you fly amongst the stars :)
Debbie Papish
December 10, 2012
John had the unique ability to make everyone he met feel important. His loss is the worlds loss. He was a wonderful, intelligent, thoughtful man. My deepest sympathies to all who had the pleasure of knowing him. He truly will be missed.
Mike Stiver
December 10, 2012
YOU ARE IN OUR THOUGHTS TODAY. GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY.
GUY AND SHARON HARTL
December 9, 2012
John, you were one of my first friends at Columbia College. Your smile and contagious laughter brightened the days of all who knew you. So many memories ... but there you are in most of them from those days. I will miss "seeing" you on Facebook and hearing about your ice fishing adventures. Hope to see you again one day, friend. My deepest sympathies to your family and friends.
Kim Morgan
December 9, 2012
Tip Up!
Eimy
December 8, 2012
My deepest sympathy goes out to John's family. While I have lost a lifelong best friend, I know your loss is much greater. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Through my tears, I am comforted by a flood of wonderful memories of John. You might take comfort in knowing how many lives John has touched and made better. I look back on all of the many wonderful things John got me into while we were growing up (besides trouble). He taught me how to sail, water ski, snowmobile, play football, and drag race (not so good!). One time I even got to fly an aero plane (not so good either!). I will always be grateful for John and his family's tremendous friendship, hospitality, and generosity. It has been a very positive influence in my life. Thank you!
While John is physically no longer with us, he will always live on in our memories. I was fortunate enough to have some very recent memories to cherish. We got to spend a couple of days together last year. As a result of that, I now have “triggers” that constantly remind me of John. Every time we go over a bump in my wife's car and the keys rattle, we are reminded of John. He was in the car with us and the keys were rattling. He reached over, grabbed the keys and shook them repeatedly while asking “Does this bother you?” Needless to say, this has become a ritual. We take turns shaking the keys and asking “Does this bother you?” We laugh every time. Then there was the mist on the river that night. John told us to think of him whenever there is mist on the river. We will, my friend. And, of course, there's that Blue Heron we saw that night. John got a big thrill out of that. A few days ago I came home from work, and there was the Blue Heron. It‘s unusual to see, and the way it flew off was strange. Almost straight up and then it disappeared. The next day I found a huge white “splatter” in the driveway where I had been watching the Heron from. I thought “crap, he tried to hit me!” A couple of days later I found out that John had passed – the day I saw the Heron. There's our sign! Eggbert, please stick to the keys rattling and the mist on the water, no more Herons! He still has his sense of humor!
God Bless and Peace be with you…
Oh, yeah – Tip UP!!!
Dave and Bobbie Eimers
December 8, 2012
It can be so hard to face the new year without your loved one, but the love of family and friends can carry you through.
Haile Marsh
December 8, 2012
Becky and family,
Enjoyed working with John at WJFW. He always brought a smile to those he was around. John was the youngest old guy I've ever known.:)) Our prayers are with you. He will be missed.
Jeff an Lana Whitman
December 8, 2012
all we needed was a thick sheet of ice on the lake, ice fishing gear, a four wheeler, sprees, and 7up. my most memorable times with john (and katie).
Shandi Janko
December 8, 2012
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