John “Hans” Bisswurm

It is with great sadness we announce the passing of Hans/John Bisswurm who left us peacefully on October 18, 2024, surrounded by the support of his loving wife of 65 years Sandy (Graf) and all 15 of their children: John (Sally), Patty (Tom) Cattani, Mike, Teri, Paul (Sue), Tim (Debbie), Cathy (Greg) Vogel, Anne (Jim) Miller, Heidi (Larry) Semann, Matt (Katrin), Robbie (Erin), Jenny (Will) Hayes, Tommy (Lauren), Elizabeth, and Nick (Andrea).

Hans was welcomed into heaven by his grandson Angel Sam and parents Andreas (Opa) and Magdalena (Oma) and many others who have reconnected with those twinkling eyes and hearty laugh.

His legacy lives on in the lives of his 30 grandchildren who were blessed to have the best Gramps/Opa: Katie, Joe, Amanda, Jordan, Kaitlyn, Maggie, Angel Sam, Natalie, Jacob, Luke, Mike, Joe, Ryan, Jack, Grace, Emily, Danny, Max, Claire, Cooper, Liam, Cedar, AJ, Gabe, Lena, Rowan, Ben, Lucy, Charli, and Norah; and two great-grandchildren, Marcus and Ellie.

Hans’ life began in 1939 when he was born on his generational family farm in Gödre, Hungary. In 1946, on his 7th birthday, his family was relocated to Germany where he learned his trade in carpentry and developed his love of soccer. He later used these carpentry skills to obtain employment after emigrating by boat at the age of 17 to the United States in 1957.
Shortly after arriving, through mutual friends he met Sandy, a sweet and charismatic Milwaukee born gal. The two were married, and their shared journey began. They created a beautiful family together and a welcoming home for family and friends.

He never forgot where he came from and the hardships his family endured during World War II; always acting in kindness and generosity toward others. It was here in America that he embodied these principles through building a successful business (Pre-Con and later ICP) where he created jobs for others and bestowed upon his children old world values of hard work, integrity, and staying together in business and in life. He loved America and was eternally grateful for the opportunities it presented him. He paid that gratitude forward by dedicating his life to his family, serving as a mentor and coach to many soccer players, and instilling strength and generosity of spirit.

He embodied his love of soccer through his involvement with the Bavarian Soccer Club where he served as a player, coach, mentor/father figure to many players, and club president.
His formative roots in Germany often called to him, leading to many visits there to connect with family and friends, often with his wife and children at his side. During these travels, he provided opportunities for his soccer teams to play soccer in the same country where he developed his skill and love for the game.

It came as no surprise to anyone who knew him that his business title later in life was Goodwill Ambassador. His steady and calm presence were drawn upon in providing advice, guidance, and life lessons to all those he met on his path. The way he lived his life and memories he created led him to say, “We have had the best life.” All of us touched by his spark of love and goodwill know he played a large role in the best moments of our lives, which we now carry with us and will share with generations to come.

Our family would like to thank Lakewood Memory Care and Brighton Hospice for their loving care during John’s illness.

Visitation to be held 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM, followed by a service at 5:00 PM, at St. Agnes Catholic Church, 12801 West Fairmount Avenue, Butler, Wisconsin on Friday, December 6, 2024. Reception to follow the service.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made out to the Sam Memorial Fund.