John’s early life and education were spent in Mellen, WI, where graduated from Mellen High School in 1966. During that time, he was active in football, basketball and track. After graduation, John attended the Ashland County Teachers College until enlisting in the United States Army in 1969. He served in Vietnam as a linguist within the Army Security Agency, attaining a top-secret security clearance. John earned a Bachelor of Science Degree from the University of Wisconsin- Parkside, and was employed by Johnson Wax and later Johnson Diversey until his retirement in 2004.John had a passion for music, especially Bluegrass, and was an exceptionally talented mandolin player. He enjoyed playing and recording music with his bands, Denim & Lace and Woodsong. He played an instrumental role in the organization of the Racine County Bluegrass Pickin’ Picnic in the late 1970’s to the early 80’s as an emcee, booking bands and performing. John loved to travel, watch his granddaughters’ dance recitals and spend time with family and friends. He was an entertainer and always had stories and jokes to tell to whoever would listen. Whether it was the first time, or the fiftieth time hearing his stories, each tale he told was taller and funnier than the last.
John is survived by his three daughters, Danelle (James) Schultz, Racine, WI; Stephani (Tim Thompson), Middleton, WI; and Myla (Wes Ulfig), Brooklyn, NY; his granddaughters Skylar Joy and Payton Antonia Schultz, Racine, WI; brother, James DalBesio III, Phillips, WI; six sisters; Benedetta DalBesio, Novato, CA; Paula DalBesio, Novato, CA; Claudia (Jim) Drummond, Amherst, WI; Antonia (David) Everts, West Linn, OR; Anne (Doug) Schenck, Middletown, CA; and Nicolette (Otis) Harris, Charlotte, NC. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, and very special friends that have thoroughly enjoyed his company and have been greatly influenced by his knowledge, eclectic charm, and unconditional love and generosity.
John was preceded in death by his wife Nancy; parents, James and Doris; brother, Mark and sister, Maria.
In accordance with John’s wishes, cremation will take place. A memorial service of remembrance will be held in the funeral home on Wednesday, July 23, 2008, at 6:30 p.m. There will be time to visit with John’s family in the funeral home on Wednesday from 4 - 6:30 p.m. Private inurnment, with military honors, will be held in Southern WI Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Union Grove. In lieu of flowers, memorials to the Wisconsin Veterans Home at Union Grove or to one’s favorite charity has been suggested.
John often quoted: “Live your life so that your children will tell their children that you were something wonderful!”
Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home & Crematory
4600 County Line Rd., Racine (262) 552-9000
1 comment:
Seldom in life does a person make such a profound impact on another persons life. John is one of those people for me. Coach John as I knew him was a football coach with my father (Ben K) when I played in the old-timers football league in Racine in the early 70's. Not only did John coach us in sports, he was also a positive role model and taught me some life lessons along the way. On the football field he often said, "You can't win sitting on your ass". This simple statement I have used as a personal philosphy to sucess. I have thought of John often over the years. Just like today.
His dedication as a volunteer coach inspired me to follow suit. I have have been involved in youth sports as a volunteer for the last 20+ years.
I regret that I had not tried to contact him over the years to let him know that I appreciated him. I was deeply saddened to hear of his passing. Please accept my deepest condolences.
Mike Karpinski
Seattle, WA
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