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George W. John

1925 - 2014

George W. John obituary, 1925-2014, Hales Corners, WI

FUNERAL HOME

Hartson Funeral Home - Hales Corners

11111 West Janesville Road

Hales Corners, Wisconsin

George John Obituary

John, George W. Age 88. Born September 12, 1925, returned peaceably and without suffering to the vast unknown, March 27, 2014. George is survived by his daughter Maria John-Detty (Richard) of West Bend; son Peter of San Diego CA; daughter-in-law Kari (Zachow) John of Milwaukee; grandchildren, Alexander John of Phoenix, AR, Katherine John of Brookfield; Zachary John of Breckenridge, CO and Courtney John of West Bend; brothers, Herman and Robert of Milwaukee; ex-wife, Barbara (Nordstrom); four nieces, three nephews, their children and grandchildren; and his companion, and loving friend, Polly Gottfried. George was preceded in death by his parents, Erwin (1887 1970) and Margaret (Bernhard) John (1899-1974); his sister, Martha Jones (1928-2011); and two of his sons, Gregory (1957-2011), and Christopher (1960-2013). George received early acclaim as a poet by renowned author and critic, Gertrude Stein ("A rose is a rose is a rose"), with whom he left poems in Paris after WWII. A 1943 graduate of Riverside HS, George joined the American Field Service, and served with ambulance units which took him first to Italy then to France, Belgium, Holland, Germany, England and finally to India. On return, George attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison, St. John's College, and John's Hopkins University. By 1957 he had published two books of poetry. An outstanding wordsmith, George had a poet's heart, but ultimately didn't become a poet; he also had a scholar's mind, but didn't become a scholar; he did found a business, the Renaissance Bookstore, and later was associated with the Out-of-Print bookstore in Bay View, but didn't become a businessman. Instead, his love of books, music, flowers and art, especially paintings, gravitated into collecting and exchanging exceptional objects for which he became known throughout the art and antique community. His depth of knowledge and command of detail in these areas unceasingly impressed those who knew him, and brought respect, admiration and love from all who were exposed to his exquisitely tuned mind and his endlessly gentle and generous spirit. Special thanks to the staffs of Kindred Hearts and Seasons Hospice for their loving final care. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, April 2PM, at Hartson Funeral Home (11111 Janesville Rd., Hales Corners 108th Street Expressway Exit). In lieu of flowers, memorials of choice or to the family for charities later to be determined can be made.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Milwaukee Journal Sentinel on Apr. 6, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
for George John

Sponsored by Hartson Funeral Home - Hales Corners.

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Denis Cronin

August 16, 2024

A wonderful man and certainly a good friend

Candy Owen-Rev

February 3, 2019

I will never forget George.

Robert Wilson

February 7, 2015

I had the pleasure of knowing George and his family in 1963, and I worked for him in the Renaissance Book Store. I will never forget his constant kindness and how he encouraged me as an aspiring artist. And I loved his books! Pure genius. What an amazing and loving soul! - Robert Wilson, www.rrwilsonart.com

June 3, 2014

I'm so glad your passing was peaceful. I first met you when we worked together in 1959 at Bill Schroeder's Bookstore. Through the succeeding years, we'd meet accidentally at various places and talk a bit. Mutual friends would let me know how you were every now and then. From all this, and from your poetry books, I felt your constant kindness and generosity of character. You were a gift to all who had a chance to have spent time with you. Your presence among us is and will be missed.

Anne LaFond

j.d. mitchell

April 19, 2014

R.I.P. George; I have fond memories of sharing dinner and wine with you many times. I've alway felt that I learned from the best there was. " A $400. painting will always be worth just $400."-G.J. So long old pal, until we meet again some sunny day. j.d.mitchell, J.Spencer's old partner in art and crime.

Sue Kellom

April 10, 2014

Maria and family, I am so sorry for your loss. He was a good man. I was honored to have met him. You are in my heart.

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Memorial Events
for George John

Apr

12

Memorial service

12:00 p.m.

Hartson Funeral Home - Hales Corners

11111 West Janesville Road, Hales Corners, WI 53130

Funeral services provided by:

Hartson Funeral Home - Hales Corners

11111 West Janesville Road, Hales Corners, WI 53130

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