On Sunday, March 16, 2025, while surrounded by his loving family, John A. Laude was called home to his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. It was there that he was reunited with his parents, his son, Dana, the love of his life, Estie, and many good friends.
John was born on May 25, 1931, in Wittenberg to the late Alvin and Clara (Lepinski) Laude. He graduated from Wittenberg High School with the class of 1950 and soon after enlisted in the United States Air Force. He proudly served his country from 1950 to 1954, and then again from 1956 until his honorable discharge in 1960. His service took him to St. John’s, Newfoundland; Thule, Greenland; Youngstown, OH; Minneapolis, MN; and Mountain Home, ID, where he worked in aircraft maintenance, as a crew chief, and later as a flight crew chief.
On October 12, 1952, John married Esther Norrbom at Wittenberg Redeemer Lutheran Church. It was a love story filled with laughter and adventure. Estie preceded him in death on December 10, 2015, but not before they built a life full of family, friendships, and beautiful memories.
After his military service, John and his family moved to Weyauwega and became a businessman, owning and operating an oil and gasoline retail and wholesale business. Later, he worked for Presto Products and Ace Manufacturing. However, his true life’s work was making people smile. He had a knack for storytelling, a joke always ready, and a sense of humor that could turn any ordinary day into something special. His common greeting was, “John’s the name, and fun’s the game!”.
John’s hobbies reflected his love of family, friends, and fun. He enjoyed fishing—especially pushing his grandson Andy into ice holes that, according to John, “weren’t big enough.” He loved making wooden signs, camping with his family, coordinating bus trips to Packers games in Milwaukee with Estie, and firing up the grill with a Manhattan (which he also called “Giggle Pops”) in hand. He and Estie took countless road trips for their anniversaries, and in retirement, they spent over 20 years wintering and later living in Arizona.
Upon his return to Wisconsin, John practically became a permanent fixture at Debbie and Terry’s house, where Debbie lovingly fed his appetite with countless meals and desserts, and kept his clothes clean. Their home became the heart of family gatherings—holidays, birthdays, and celebrations were always made brighter (and louder) with John’s presence. His bond with Terry grew exceptionally strong over the years. Terry took him to numerous doctor’s appointments, made sure he never missed a Saturday breakfast, and always included him in his plans. The two shared a father-son relationship built on mutual respect, humor, and an unspoken understanding that Terry was the one picking up the check.
John also spent many Sunday mornings with Andy and Kerry, attending church—an outing he looked forward to, not just for the service, but for what came after - breakfast. There were many days he cheerfully worked his way through more plates of biscuits and gravy than anyone could count.
One of John’s proudest moments came on April 19, 2023, when he took part in Mission 61 of the Old Glory Honor Flight with his grandson, Andy. He described it as one of the greatest days of his life.
John was never one to sit still. He was a former Boy Scout Master, past president of the Weyauwega Chamber of Commerce and the Weyauwega/Fremont Lions Club, and a dedicated volunteer with the Weyauwega Fire Department for 13 years. He drove a school bus, logged countless miles as a truck driver for Faulk’s Brothers Construction, and was an active member of numerous organizations, including the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and the Eagles Club. He also served on the board of trustees for Weyauwega Presbyterian Church and was a past member of the Weyauwega Masonic Lodge, Scottish Rite, and Shriners.
John is survived by his daughter, Debbie (Terry) Schimmel, Manitowoc; five grandchildren, Andrew (Kerry Talbert) Harrigan, Lindsay Harrigan, Alexa Schimmel, Eric Wastel, and Kyle (Noel) Laude; and four great-grandchildren, Jada, Evan, Whitaker, and Willow. He also leaves behind many other beloved relatives and friends. John would list them all by name, but, in his words, he wants to save a buck for beer.
Funeral services will be held at noon on Tuesday, March 25, 2025 at Redeemer Lutheran Church, Wittenberg. Pastor Lois Graper is officiating, with burial and military rites following at Redeemer Lutheran Cemetery. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.harriganparksidefuneralhome.com.
John’s family would like to extend their thanks and appreciation to the staffs of Sharon S. Richardson Hospice and Manitowoc Health and Rehabilitation for all of the care they provided and the smiles they shared with John. Also, very special thank you to John’s granddaughters Alexa and Lindsay for the many nights they spent with their grandpa enabling him to safely stay at home and receive the care he deserved.
In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate memorials in John’s name that will be used to benefit organizations that were important to him.
The Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home and Crematory, 628 North Water St., Manitowoc, WI 54220, is assisting with funeral arrangements.
