John Clare Wyse, Evansville, WI  (1922 - 2012)

February 17, 1922 - December 15, 2012
John Wyse, age 90, died at Nazareth House in Stoughton, WI, on Dec, 15, 2012. Born Feb. 17, 1922, on a farm near Princeton, WI, the son of Joseph and Winifred (Kearns) Wyse, he graduated from Princeton High School as valedictorian of his class. He then entered the University of WI-Madison. He enlisted in the Army Air Corps in 1943, earning his wings and commission in Jan. 1944. He piloted C-47 cargo planes in the European theater, carrying paratroopers, gliders and cargo from 1944-45. He did not know until his mission was accomplished that he delivered the first package of penicillin to doctors in liberated France. He retired from the U.S. Air Force Reserve in 1982 with the rank of Lt. Colonel.
Throughout his student days, John worked at the U.W. Memorial Union where he met his future wife, Angela Bewick. They were married May 27, 1946, just two days after each received their degrees of B.S. and M.M. respectively. He taught agriculture in Whitewater High School for three years, after which he joined his father-in-law, William M. Bewick, at Evansville Feed and Fuel Co., eventually becoming sole owner in 1955. Later he incorporated with Green Bros., forming the Farmers’ Grain Exchange. In 1975, he became a territory manager in the Nutrena Feeds division of Cargill, Inc. of Minnesota.
While in business in Evansville, John was always involved in civic affairs. He served as commander and/or chair of the American Legion, “Fourth of G.I.” celebration for several years. He served terms on the city council; president of the Evansville Board of Education; and civil defense director in 1962, during the years of fear of nuclear warfare.
The honor of turning one of the first spades full of dirt in the construction of the Evansville Manor nursing home was given to John as the president of the Evansville Betterment Corp. A year later, he and Mrs. S.S. Sorkin cut the ribbon of the grand opening of the Manor in memory of Dr. Samuel Sorkin, the first president of the Board of Directors. John was enthusiastically involved in the creation of the Evansville Golf club. Because of his business dealings with local farmers, he was in a position to examine various sites with regard to suitability as a golf course, the result being the beautiful course that exists in Evansville today.
Upon John’s retirement in 1987, he and Angela returned to the home they had sold in 1976, where they had raised their four children, Tony (Jean), Andy, Gina, and Steve (Debbie) Wyse, all of whom survive him. He is also survived by his wife of 66 years, Angela; and his six grandchildren: Heather Wyse of New York City, Leslie Wyse Hundley and Rachel Wyse Hundley, of Virginia, Cale Wyse of Grafton, and Sara and Julie Wyse of Tennessee. His sister, Ruth Grosskopf of Milwaukee, also survives him.
A celebration of John’s life will be held on Jan. 12 at the CONGREGATIONAL UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST, 112 W. Church St., in Evansville, at 11 a.m. with the Rev. Dr. Luke Bocher officiating. A visitation will be held from 10 a.m. until the time of service at the CHURCH. Lunch will be served following the inurnment at Maple Hill Cemetery.
If so inclined, memorials may be made to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, P.O. Box 4777 Grand Central Station, New York, N.Y. 10163-4777 or michaeljfox.com.
WARD FUNERAL HOME, Evansville, is assisting the family. Condolences may be expressed at Wardhurtley.com