John John

John (a/k/a “JJ” and “The Big J”) found eternal peace at age 94 on the first day of a new month that gave us blue skies and bright rays of sunshine.

John is survived by his three kids Donna (Bill) Peterson, Barb Pitman, and Chris (Cathy) John.  He was a proud grandfather to Teri Pitman (Roger Villmow), Lisa (Dave) Berry, Becky Peterson (Maggie Nielsen), Tyler John (Lindsey Ciesla), and Travis John (“The Grandpa John Whisperer” who, like his brother, was also a loyal friend).  Great Grandpa to Kylie, Keira, & Broc, John also cherished being an uncle to eight wonderful nieces and nephews (and their families) – all who loved him dearly.  Son-in-law Jim Pitman survives John as well.

Beloved sisters Eleanor Silvestri and Mary John also survive John.  He talked to each of them daily until the very end.  John was preceded in death by his parents James John (“Dimitri Xhani”) and Frances John (“Froso”, nee Coka), an infant brother, and sisters Angie Hurdelbrink and Toni Hall.

John was also preceded in death by his long-time companion and second wife Mary Kotas-John, and her late son.  He is survived by Mary’s four children, along with their immediate and extended families.  Special shout out to surviving stepson Joe Kotas for his unconditional love and friendship to JJ, especially in their retired years where they enjoyed each other’s company almost daily for as long as they could.

John was a proud graduate of Milwaukee Washington High School.  He was a US Army & Korean War Veteran, having served in post-WW II Europe in “The Big Red 1”.  John also served in the US Army Reserves for six years after he returned home.  He was an employee of American Motors and then the US Post Office where he retired after 32 years.

JJ loved reading, history, and geography and frequently quizzed anyone he could on related trivia.  Growing up with his siblings as first-generation Albanian Americans, gave them and subsequent generations an appreciation of the family’s rich ethnic heritage.  John and his family were active in the Albanian community, and helped others come to the US and gain citizenship.  Over the years, John enjoyed gathering with family and friends, telling stories, playing tennis and basketball, and watching golf, tennis, basketball and football on TV.

The family would like to thank all of John’s caregivers over the years, especially the entire staff at Discovery Commons (f/k/a “Heartis”) and Accent Care hospice service.  Special mention to his most treasured primary care providers: Dee, Shania, the Sarah’s, Alley, Monay, Christian, Jennifer, Abby, Chloe, and Lois.  Their love, care and kindness will always be remembered fondly.

John’s Celebration of Life will be on Friday, March 14, 2025 at Krause Funeral Home in Brookfield, WI.  Visitation will be from 3-5pm, followed by a memorial service at 5pm.

Donations can be made to The Salvation Army in memory of John.