June E. Backus

On December 14, 2021, June Elizabeth Backus left the aches and pains of her final years on Earth for the glories of Heaven!

She was born in Oshkosh, in August of 1922, to William and Elsie (Lautenschlager) Esslinger.
June attended Washington Elementary and Merrill Junior High Schools and graduated in 1940 from Oshkosh High School.

It was during the 1940s, while she was working at "Wilson's Music & Appliance Store", that she met Henry Backus. He was a traveling salesman from Kewaskum, Wisconsin. Several years passed, and the young couple married in 1948. In the decade of the 1950s they began sharing their love with four noisy and mischievous little boys, who they were proud to introduce to others when the opportunity arose.

Dad passed away in 1970, and Mom decided that she needed to embark upon a career to provide for her kids, still at home. She returned to school and graduated from Fox Valley Technical College as a Practical Nurse ... at the age of 50 ... in 1973. With her new skills, she began what would be a fulfilling career as an LPN at Mercy Medical Center. She retired when she was 75 years young!

June was a life-long member of Christ Lutheran Church. Singing in the choir, and cooking and baking for special events were opportunities that added to the happiness of her church life.

She also shared her love for singing when she participated for many years as a member of both the Oshkosh Choraliers and Musicale.

June is survived by her sister: Betty Lou Carter of Oshkosh ... by her four sons: James, Mark (Mary) and Gerald of Oshkosh; and Paul (Ann) of Knoxville, Tennessee ... by her six grandchildren: Elizabeth, Ryan (Christine), and Shawn Backus of Oshkosh; and Brett (Carla), Eric (Kathryn), and Adam Backus of Knoxville, Tennessee. Also missing Grammy are her six great-grandchildren: Natalie and Sydney Backus of Oshkosh; and Haven, Bella, Rebecca, and Elizabeth Backus of Knoxville, Tennessee.

June was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Henry, her twin sister Jane Fauk, and her sister Germaine McGraw; and two grandsons: Brandon and Nathan Backus of Oshkosh.

Our family extends its sincere thanks to the wonderful members of her Bethel Home family for the love and care they gave to Mom during her stay!

A funeral service for June will be at 11:00 am on Tuesday, December 28, 2021, at Christ and Our Saviors Lutheran Church, 1860 Wisconsin Street, Oshkosh, WI 54901 with Rev. Connie Weiss officiating. Visitation will be on Tuesday morning at the church from 9:00 am until the time of service.