John A. Bemis' Obituary
We are saddened to share that a great man, John Anthony Bemis, lost his battle with cancer and passed away on December 1, 2023 at the age of 64. John was born September 8, 1959 in Sturgeon Bay, WI. He was the seventh of eight children of Elizabeth (Betty) and Floyd Bemis. He was often lovingly referred to as John Boy or Bemo to those closest to him.
John was described by many as quick witted, kind, hilarious, and patient. From his earliest days he enjoyed playing sports, especially baseball, basketball, and football. John was an excellent athlete, receiving multiple letters in three varsity sports at Waupaca High School. He continued his passion for sports through coaching, viewing, and playing with friends and family. John also had a passion for the arts. He loved to read, create pottery, but most of all he loved to listen to and share music. John attended countless concerts throughout his life, and his family and friends often spoke about how influenced they were by John’s taste in music. He loved Van Morrison, John Hartford, Jonathan Edwards, John Prine and many more amazing artists. He made heartfelt mixed CDs that he would cater to your specific music taste. John was happiest in nature and near beautiful lakes, often taking his kids camping and adventuring all over the US. As a father, John was always kind and quick to make a horrible dad joke. He was an expert chocolate malt maker, and storyteller. John was a great father, brother, friend, and teacher to many and will be sorely missed by all who knew him. John graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater with his master’s degree in Science of Education in 1987. During John’s over 30-year career of being an educator he ran various programs for at-risk youth, influencing colleagues and students at everyone. John wrote two curriculum books on his knowledge for at-risk youth. He was especially connected with River Cities High School in Wisconsin Rapids, where he impacted many young lives during his time there. We’ve heard from many of his students and coworkers what an amazing man and teacher he was. John is survived by his children, Emma (Spencer) Houghton, Johanna (Mitch) Douglas, Seth Bemis, Maya Bemis, his step son Lucas Gause, and grandchildren Miles Douglas and Ember Houghton. He is also survived by his brothers and sisters, Patricia (John) Ross, Peg (Doug) Demond, Janet (Mitch) Bergen, Jeffrey (Diane) Bemis, Peter (Debbie) Bemis, Timothy (Jill) Bemis, Michael (Shauna) Bemis, as well as his many nieces and nephews. John is preceded in death by his parents, Floyd and Elizabeth (Betty) Bemis. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests monetary donations be made to the family to fund a college scholarship for a student at River Cities High School in John’s name. John’s memorial service will be held on January 6, 2024 in the Waupaca Country Club located at 1330 Ware St, Waupaca, WI 54981. Visitation with the family will start at 10:30 and a service following at 11:30.
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