Obituary for John G. DeGrace
John G. DeGrace, age 72, of Milwaukee went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, July 19, 2022. John was born on July 16, 1950 to George and Evelyn (Fruth) DeGrace. He was a graduate of Marquette University High School and earned B.A. in Business Administration from UW-Milwaukee.
John worked for Briggs and Stratton for most of his career. When he retired, he worked as a driver and warehouse associate for Image Mark, a courier for Quicksilver and the one job he loved the most, Associate Producer of the Milwaukee Christmas Parade. He had a gift for making friends with everyone he interacted with. John was an amazing softball player winning both state and national tournaments. He was also an award-winning bowler and dart ball player. John loved watching all Wisconsin sporting teams but the Green Bay Packers and the Milwaukee Brewers were among his favorites. His claim to fame came when he was offered a speaking ‘extra’ role as an Umpire in the movie, Mr. 3000 staring Bernie Mac and Angela Bassett.
John was a generous man with a quick wit and great sense of humor. The stories of his escapades with his childhood friends led to the fitting nickname, ‘Uncle Naughty,’ affectionately given to him by his nieces. John spoke often of his guardian angel and his gratitude that she was always working overtime for him. He is now able to thank her in person.
John is lovingly survived by his siblings, Kathleen (John) Neuberger, Suzanne (Jim) Spaeth, and Daniel DeGrace. He was the caring uncle of Amy (Nick) Burris, Anne (Andreas) Mueller, Eric Spaeth and his godson Brian Spaeth; and great uncle to Donovan and Isabelle Burris and Isla and Elin Mueller. John is also survived by other relatives and many friends.
John was preceded in death by his parents, George and Evelyn DeGrace; sisters, Mary Therese and Margaret “Peggy” DeGrace; brother David DeGrace and sister-in-law Karen DeGrace.
Visitation for John will take place at Hartson Funeral Home, 11111 Janesville Rd, Hales Corners, WI 53130, on Thursday, August 11th from 2:00-4:00PM. A prayer service will take place at 4:00PM following the visitation. Burial will be private.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Mercy Housing Lakefront, Milwaukee @ 2150 South 13th Street, Milwaukee, WI 53215, in John’s name.
John worked for Briggs and Stratton for most of his career. When he retired, he worked as a driver and warehouse associate for Image Mark, a courier for Quicksilver and the one job he loved the most, Associate Producer of the Milwaukee Christmas Parade. He had a gift for making friends with everyone he interacted with. John was an amazing softball player winning both state and national tournaments. He was also an award-winning bowler and dart ball player. John loved watching all Wisconsin sporting teams but the Green Bay Packers and the Milwaukee Brewers were among his favorites. His claim to fame came when he was offered a speaking ‘extra’ role as an Umpire in the movie, Mr. 3000 staring Bernie Mac and Angela Bassett.
John was a generous man with a quick wit and great sense of humor. The stories of his escapades with his childhood friends led to the fitting nickname, ‘Uncle Naughty,’ affectionately given to him by his nieces. John spoke often of his guardian angel and his gratitude that she was always working overtime for him. He is now able to thank her in person.
John is lovingly survived by his siblings, Kathleen (John) Neuberger, Suzanne (Jim) Spaeth, and Daniel DeGrace. He was the caring uncle of Amy (Nick) Burris, Anne (Andreas) Mueller, Eric Spaeth and his godson Brian Spaeth; and great uncle to Donovan and Isabelle Burris and Isla and Elin Mueller. John is also survived by other relatives and many friends.
John was preceded in death by his parents, George and Evelyn DeGrace; sisters, Mary Therese and Margaret “Peggy” DeGrace; brother David DeGrace and sister-in-law Karen DeGrace.
Visitation for John will take place at Hartson Funeral Home, 11111 Janesville Rd, Hales Corners, WI 53130, on Thursday, August 11th from 2:00-4:00PM. A prayer service will take place at 4:00PM following the visitation. Burial will be private.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Mercy Housing Lakefront, Milwaukee @ 2150 South 13th Street, Milwaukee, WI 53215, in John’s name.