John P. Dwyer
John Philip Dwyer, 83, passed away peacefully May 25, 2015, after a brief illness, with his family at his side.
He was born Dec. 7, 1931, to Mae and Philip Dwyer in Sparta; the second of five boys, he was raised in Kendall on a dairy farm. When he turned 18, he enlisted in the Army. He served 18 months at Fort Carson in Colorado Springs, Colo.
He married Janice Pauline Crnkovich on June 25, 1955. They raised four children, Kathleen, Patricia, John and Michael. He worked in retail as a store manager for W.T. Grant for 17 years. In 1968, they moved to Salem, Ohio, where he owned his own store, Western Auto. After closing the store, he worked as the service director for the City of Salem and for Gordon Brothers on their sales team. In 1987, Phil and Jan embarked on their biggest adventure — to run the Madeline Island Motel. This was their “retirement,” and they both loved it. His recreational retirement began in 2005.
Phil lived life to the fullest. He impacted many lives, giving of his generous spirit and showing us how to live in the present. He recognized the power of being positive and sharing the joy of laughter with those around him. He was so grateful for his life. While raising his family, Phil and Jan took their kids on many motor-home road trips to explore the eastern United States. After Jan died in 2003, he continued their tradition, being an active and engaged grandparent to his 10 grandchildren, spending his time traveling between his four children’s homes to share in each of their family’s lives.
In addition, he cherished his time with each of his brothers and their families, with cribbage, football pools and annual gatherings trips to Door County filling their hours. His passions in life were golfing with family and his friends in Wisconsin and Oklahoma, fishing across North America, traveling the world, World War II history, reading and eating ice cream. All of this was started daily with his cup of Eight O’ Clock coffee. Phil enjoyed driving and had a knack, or a “radar,” for finding the closest McDonald’s for a senior coffee.
Phil is survived by his children: Kathleen and her daughters, Katrina and Kelsey; Patricia (Dr. Richard) Horecki and their children, Michael (fiancée Mary Jane) and Emily; John (Lisa) and their children, Andrew, Cameron, Alex and Ian; and Michael (Annette) and their children, Thomas and Michael. Phil is also survived by his brothers, Peter (Donna), David (Mary) and Michael (Bea). In addition, Phil leaves behind countless friends all over the country.
Phil is reunited with his wife, his parents, and his brother, Thomas (Lorraine).
A Celebration of Life Mass was celebrated by Fr. David Olson on Thursday, May 28, at Newman Center, the Roman Catholic Parish at the Ecumenical Religious Center, 110 Garfield Ave., in Eau Claire.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to either of the following:
• Hickory Hills Youth Golf Program, E4080 Hickory Road, Eau Claire, WI 54701
• Fishing workshop for youth held annually in Eau Claire. Send check to Eau Claire Parks and Recreation, 915 Menomonie St., Eau Claire, WI 54703. Please put the designated program in the check memo.
Phil will rest beside his wife on their beloved Madeline Island. Interment will be at a later date.
Chippewa Valley Cremation Services served the family.
