John D. Grady

On Monday, September 28th 2020, John Dale Grady, loving man, father, grandfather, and great grandfather passed away at the age of 80.

John was born on March 1, 1940 in Milwaukee Wisconsin to William and Estelle (Gorski) Grady. On July 16, 1959 he married his first wife, Barbara (Rekowski). They raised three girls, Colleen (Doug) Perry, Patty (Dale) Wiza and Michelle Thelen. John was lucky enough to find a second “love of his life” and on November 7th, 1987 he and Sandra Budny were married. Together they raised their only child, Tara (Nick) Froemming.

John (Big Dog) loved with his full heart and taught his daughters to do the same. He was a great storyteller and loved to laugh with all his might. John was always ready to travel and rarely missed yearly golf outings with life-long friends. He traveled to Ireland with his brother and sister-in-law, his cousins, children and grandchildren twice, both trips of a lifetime. The memories he helped all of us to make on these trips will never fade.

Each of his daughters enriched his life with grandchildren and great grandchildren. His grandchildren, Fayme (Tripp) Evenson, Ian (Khou) Perry, Shaina Perry, Nicole and Jen Wiza, Stephanie and Mitchell Thelen, and Reese, Luke and Beau Froemming will miss their “funny grandpa” and his crazy sense of humor. Through lively stories and precious memories shared, his great grandchildren, Laila and Aiden Perry and Odin and Anders Evenson, will forever know their great grandpa.

After many years of hard work he started his own successful staffing business, Staff One, where he remained president until his retirement just a couple of years ago.

John is also survived by his brother and sister, William (Meredith) Grady and Noreen (Richard) Peterson. John is preceded in death by his mother and father, his second wife Sandra, and many beloved cousins, friends, and dogs. We’re sure he is finally with them now.

The Big Dog (John) really wanted those he left behind to celebrate his life as he lived it passionately and fully. We will therefore have a short visitation on Saturday, October 3rd for John at Heritage Funeral Home on 84th and Forest Home Avenue from 1:30 – 3:30. Because of Covid there is a limit of 40 people allowed in the funeral home at any one time. You may be asked to stand outside while you wait for others to leave so please dress accordingly.

Beginning at 4:00 pm on the same day we will move the celebration to Moran’s Irish Pub located at 912 Milwaukee Ave in South Milwaukee to toast the Big Dog with family and friends. We will host his farewell celebration from 4:00 – 8:00pm. All of his favorite things in life will be there… family, friends, stories, laughter, music, whiskey, and Barbiere’s pizza and garlic bread.

May you Rest In Peace John Big Dog Grady.