John served as a Navy Corpsman and was an Atomic veteran. He then attended and graduated from the University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire and received his Master's degree from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. On September 14, 1963, he was united in marriage to Jacqueline M. (Nee: Reif) Phelan who preceded him in death on November 14, 2008. John was employed by Racine Unified School District for twenty-six years and taught fifth grade at Trautwein Elementary and Drivers’ Education at Park High School. Such was John’s dedication to education that, after retirement, he and his wife devoted their own time to home school their grandchildren for nine years. John was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church. An avid sports fan, accomplished grill master, dedicated teacher, excellent storyteller and listener, he loved helping people. Above all he devoted his life to his family and was a loving husband, father, and grandfather who will be dearly missed.Survivors include his children, Amanda (Bill) Heidenreich of Racine, Edward Phelan of Miami, FL, Vincent (Marissa) Phelan of St. Charles, IL, Rev. Matthew H. Phelan, O. de M. of Philadelphia, PA; his six grandchildren, Kristin, Erica, Allison, and Nicholas Heidenreich, Joshua and Rachel Phelan; sisters, Alice (Mike) Hickey, Mary (Gary) Rients, all of Bemidji, MN; sister-in-law, Virginia Phelan of Sister Bay, WI; brother-in-law, Joel (Rochelle) Reif of Canton, OH; nieces, nephews, other relatives and many dear friends. In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by his brother, James Phelan.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 1533 Erie St., on Monday, February 2, at 10 a.m. with John’s son, Rev. Matthew Phelan, O. de M. and his religious confreres concelebrating. Entombment will follow at Holy Cross Garden Mausoleum, Hwy 32. Relatives and friends may meet with the family at the funeral home on Sunday, February 1, from 1 to 3 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations to CNEWA (1011 First Avenue, New York, NY 10022-4195), to support the children John has been sponsoring or an act of kindness that is pleasing in God’s eyes for the repose of the soul of John Phelan have been suggested.
MARESH-MEREDITH & ACKLAM FUNERAL HOME
803 Main St., Racine (262) 634-7888
2 comments:
John was my grandfather whom I miss and love a lot!!! He will never be forgotten by anyone who knew him and neither will anyone forget his wife Jakie.
From,
Rachel Phelan
John was my grandfather whom i miss a lot!!!
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