John H.
Albee
John “Jack” Hiram Albee died peacefully in his sleep on August 27, 2021, with the love of his life and wife of 60 years, Dona, by his side.
Jack was born in Mt. Clemens, MI on New Year’s Day 1933. He was proud of his military service in the Army, serving during the Korean conflict. After sampling several colleges, he graduated from UW-Whitewater, taught high school for a short time, and then spent his career as an insurance salesman. He was a 50+ year resident of his beloved Wauwatosa and 40+ year member of St. Matthew’s Lutheran church. He served as Mayor of Frankenmuth, Michigan, for one day in June 1964. In later years Jack devoted himself to caring for Dona as she struggled with blindness and memory loss.
Jack’s fun-loving nature, smile, and jokes endeared him to many. He played tennis in college and spent countless hours hanging out at the Hart Park courts. He loved games of all kinds, from bridge with Dona and their many card playing partners, to sheepshead, golf, board games at their legendary Christmas Eve parties, or whatever game his grandkids (or other kids) were playing. He loved traveling, family reunions, dancing at weddings, socializing with their many groups of friends, and drives with Dona to visit relatives or just to see the countryside. He would attempt to start up a conversation with anyone he encountered. Many stories about Jack start with “you won’t believe what Jack did”… and might end with a description of a goofy phone call he made, a joke gone wrong, an incredibly impulsive decision, OR an amazingly sweet and generous action he took in reaching out to someone needing a boost.
In addition to Dona, Jack leaves behind his son, Craig, daughter Sue Hart, daughter-in-law Micki Fox, grandchildren Isabel and Brooke Hart, and Levon Albee Fox, brothers Arden and Bill Albee, god-daughter Pamela Christensen Ronca, his cat Blackjack, and many nieces, nephews, friends, and amused strangers. His last family was the loving and dedicated staff at Elaine’s Hope at the Lutheran Home. He is preceded in death by his parents, Emery and Mildred (Tool) Albee, sister Glenore Hannah, and son-in-law Dave Hart.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Jack’s name to any of the following organizations, or one of your choice: The American Heart Foundation (heart.org), the National Kidney Foundation (kidney.org), or the Alzheimers Association (alz.org).
A Celebration of Jack’s Life will be held on Sunday, September 5, at Hart Park in Wauwatosa from 3 to 5:30. We will remember Jack with a display of memories and photos starting at 3:00 and a short memorial service at 4:00 inside the Muellner building. We then will gather outside at the Oak Leaf Trail picnic area to have a beer or soda, snack, and share stories. We welcome you to join for either or both of the inside or outside gatherings. Masks are required for the indoor gathering for the safety of all, thank you. A private inurnment will take place at a later date at the Southern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Union Grove, WI.
heritagefuneral.com
What a great guy! The Ward family has known and loved Jack all of his life. He will be missed by all of us. Martin, Allison, Stu, Lauren and I enjoyed every minute of Jack & Dona’s company. When my mother, Ruthann, was in is assisted living in Menomonee Falls, I would organize frequent Friday lunch outings for her, Jack, Dona, and myself. We got all over the Milwaukee area.
How sad to lose such a lovely man. I met Jack only a few times, but he always made me smile. My heart is with Dona, Sue, Craig and the rest of the family.
Just a wonderful, wonderful man. I haven’t seen him in probably thirty years but he is just one of those folks who touches you immediately. He and his son Craig would beat my dad and I in doubles routinely but I always looked forward to seeing him. He will be missed but never forgotten.
Jack was one of kind. He was a part of our insurance family at West Suburban for many years and he always brought a smile to everyone’s face when he came through the door with that goofy grin and tales of his latest mischief! He & Dona enjoyed the ups and downs of life together… always smiling! Put thoughts & prayers are with Dona,& the family 💞
I am the grandson of Doug and Ruthanne Ward who were basically lifetime friends of Jack and Donna. A memory I have of Jack was when my grandparents and I visited Jack and Donna in Wisconsin and Jack took me to the park and went rollerblading with me, I remember this so much because he wiped out and skinned up his knee and elbow but still had a smile on his face. I think I was between the age of 10-12.
He was a good man, and a fun person to be with. He enjoyed life to the fullest. My condolences to Dona, his love of his life for sixty years.
Was incredibly lucky to have Jack in my life – truly one of the best persons around. Will miss that smile and the constant laughter he brought about dearly. The Christmas Eve parties each year will forever be some of my favorite memories, with Jack’s presence so deeply ingrained in so many stories. Sending lots of love to the whole family.
On behalf of everyone here at the Alzheimer’s Association – thank you so much for thinking of us at this time of loss to your family. Memorial donations made in John’s name will be put to immediate use serving families and supporting research. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Dave Grans, Executive Director
I was one of those who “ hung out at Hart park tennis courts “ with Jack. I can see him sauntering over to the courts and getting serious about playing well, us and him! A good friend! Warren Braun
We were sad to hear about Jack’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with Dona and family. Love, Emil and Carita Heid