John E. Schiessl

John Ellis Schiessl, age 89, passed away at his home on Wednesday, April 19, 2023, with his wife and two daughters by his side. He was born to the late Max and Viola (Skinner) Schiessl on February 11, 1934, in Oshkosh. At age 17, John enlisted in the United States Army proudly serving his country during the Korean War where he was wounded, spending 3 1/2 months in a hospital in Japan, after which, he returned to the front lines. For his service, among other awards, John was awarded a Purple Heart, Bronze Star Medal, United Nations Service Medal, and an Honorable Discharge.

John married the love of his life, Carol Wegner, on January 28, 1956, in Oshkosh, enjoying 67 years together. John and Carol were blessed with three children: Jan, Jodie, and John. Family was John's priority, starting with his wife and children and later his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He looked forward to family gatherings and events. John worked as an Operating Engineer for C.R. Meyer & Sons, and a number of other construction companies. John's expertise was in operating cranes of all kinds, however, there was not a piece of heavy equipment that John could not master. A highlight of his career was operating the crane that set test rockets for United Technologies in California on the Gemini Program. Retirement allowed John time to create special woodworking pieces for family and friends; invent gadgets, tools, and a better mousetrap; problem solve; and help others in every way he could. John achieved a nationwide 2nd place finish for his solution in a construction/engineering contest. Leisure time was spent enjoying every Brewer game played (including replays), Packer games, golf, bowling, playing cards, fishing, devouring books, going for rides with his bride, and viewing the wildlife in their backyard. John enjoyed making and sharing his "World Famous" Chili!

John is survived by the love of his life, Carol; two daughters, Jan (Jerry) Ratchman, and Jodie Hibsch; grandchildren: Shannon (Eric Miller) Ratchman, Adam (Katie) Ratchman, and Logan (Brady Wagner) Ratchman; great-grandchildren, Franklin Ratchman, Eva Ratchman, Grayson Wagner, Michael Miller; sisters, Maxine Walters, and Ollivian (Lance) Wylde.

In addition to his parents, John is preceded in death by his son, John M. Schiessl; son-in-law, Mark Hibsch; brothers, Stanley (Ramona), Daniel (Suzanne), Max (Sally) Jr., William (Shirley), and Donald Schiessl; sister Myrtle (Arnold) Nicoliason; and brother-in-law David Walters.

A service for John will be held at Konrad-Behlman Funeral Homes-Westside (100 Lake Pointe Drive), on Thursday, April 27, 2023, at 1:00 p.m. A time of visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. until the time of service. A military burial will follow at Peace Lutheran Cemetery.

"For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life."

-John 3:16