[highlight_text] (1927 – 2014) [/highlight_text] E. John Gysbers, 86, of Waupun, died Thursday, January 9, 2014 at The Christian Homestead in Waupun.

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[leftcolumn] John was born July 25, 1927 in Fond du Lac, the son of Myron Clarence and Olga Lena Doering Gysbers. John graduated from Goodrich High School. He served in the U.S. Navy and then attended and graduated from Northwestern University with a music degree. He taught music in Whitewater for 3 years and then joined the family business of Gysbers Jewelry located in Waupun and Fond du Lac. He was in the business until he was 84 years old. John married Mona Ann Jones in Fond du Lac on August 29, 1953. John and Mona resided in Waupun most of their married lives and retired at Lake DeNeveu. John was a member of Waupun United Methodist Church and was the choir director for over 30 years. He enjoyed music and taught piano and organ for many years. The Gysbers’ neighborhood ice rink was known throughout the community and gave many hockey and skating memories. He dedicated countless hours of building and maintaining the rink for all to enjoy. John was also instrumental in the development of the Waupun indoor hockey rink and was active in the Waupun Hockey Association. John enjoyed the family cottage at Lake DeNeveu near Fond du Lac where family gathered regularly and looked forward to the Lake Association 4th of July Celebration. Flowers and landscaping were one of his passions, along with golfing at the Rock River Country Club. John was a wonderful father and grandfather and did anything and everything for his children and grandchildren.

John is survived by his six children; John and Anne Gysbers, Carrie and Stuart Kastein, Mary and Larry Vande Zande, Kate and Steve Bresser, Mike and Judy Gysbers, and Jenny and Ken Brown; 20 grandchildren, Grant Gysbers, Bridgette (Bryan) Gerl, Margaret (Steve) Wolfgram, Andy (Autumn) Kastein, Adam and Nathan Vande Zande, Abby (Bryson) Thompson, Carl, Maggie, Libby, Stevie, and Claire Bresser, Trevor (fiancée, Sabrina) Bethke, Taylor and Brendon Gysbers, Owen (Ashley) Vande Kolk, Jake and Mollie Vande Kolk, Morgan and Emily Brown; 4 great-grandchildren, Nolan and Lauren Gerl, Gemma Wolfgram, and Emerson Thompson; a sister, Betty (George) Bielefeld, brothers-in-law, Leonard Kohnke and Jack (Mary) Fisher; and many nieces and nephews.

John was preceded in death by his wife, Mona in 2006; his parents; an infant brother; and sisters-in-law, Betty Kohnke, Kathleen Fisher, and Carolyn (Kelly) Jones.

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[rightcolumn] [highlight_text] Visitation: [/highlight_text] Friends and relatives may call on the family on Monday at the church from 4 p.m. until the time of service.

[rightcolumn] [highlight_text] Services: [/highlight_text] Memorial services for E. John Gysbers will be held Monday, January 13, 2014 at 6 p.m. at Waupun United Methodist Church at 199 E. Jefferson St., Waupun with Rev. J.D. McCarty officiating.

[rightcolumn] [highlight_text] Memorial Contributions: [/highlight_text] In lieu of flowers please direct all memorial contributions to Waupun United Methodist Church.

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