John Edward Gobis, age 66, passed away peacefully at home in Brookfield, Wisconsin on January 23, 2025 surrounded by family. John is survived by Tracy, beloved wife of 40 beautiful years; his sons, Dan (McKenzie), Michael, and Joe (Ami). Loving grandfather to Olivia, Alexander, Charlie, Eddie and Graham. Further survived by his sister Linda and other relatives, dear friends and colleagues.
John led a hard-fought battle with his Stage IV Bladder Cancer of eighteen months. He was incredibly brave, courageous, strong and yet remained remarkably positive. He did everything he could with love and grace for the sake of his family and friends.
John grew up in Menomonee Falls. He was a proud graduate of the University of Wisconsin – Madison earning both his undergraduate degree in 1980 and his medical degree in 1984. He did his Anesthesia Residency at University Hospitals in Cleveland and was Chief Resident in 1987. He started at St Joseph Hospital in Milwaukee, in 1987 with a group of 12 Anesthesiologists. He pursued additional certification in Cardiothoracic Anesthesiology. He became the Chief of the Department in 1990. The group evolved to Summit Anesthesiology and sold their practice to Aurora in 2009. John continued as President of AMG – Anesthesia Division for 5 years. He worked for 8 more years and retired in 2022. He had an exceptional career.
John loved to spend time with his cherished family and friends. Traveling was a favorite past time. He went on many wonderful trips from skiing the Alps and North America to the beaches of the Caribbean and Hawaii. He adored his grandchildren and delighted in playing with them. Our Disney trip last year was a highlight. He loved to fish in Canada with his sons and longtime, loyal fishing buddies from college. He caught many trophy fish. John was an avid runner and loved music. We were so fortunate to complete our lake home and shared many wonderful memories there. It was John’s happy place.
John was an enthusiastic Wisconsin Badger and Packers fan and so enjoyed attending games throughout the years. Camp Randall, the Kohl Center and Lambeau Field were very special to him. In May, 2019 John was a Guardian and Physician on a Stars and Stripes Honor Flight. He was so thankful to experience the patriotic trip to Washington DC. It was an incredibly moving and wonderful experience. John was a long-time member at Western Racquet Club playing both tennis and pickleball. He recently took up golf at Blue Mound Golf and Country Club and was forever working on improving his slice.
John Edward Gobis will be deeply missed by his family, friends and colleagues. His love, compassion, kindness and loyalty will always be remembered.
“It’s not goodbye, but see you later.”
Visitation will be held on Saturday, March 1, 2025 at Unity Lutheran Church, Cross of Life Campus, 20700 West North Avenue, Brookfield, Wisconsin from 10:00 AM – 11:45 AM. Celebration of John’s Life to follow at noon.
In lieu of flowers please send any donations in John’s memory to Vince Lombardi Cancer Foundation or Stars and Stripes Honor Flight Wisconsin.