John H.
Drilling
- Visitation: Monday, July 3rd, from 11 AM – 1 PM, at Heritage Funeral Homes (4800 S. 84th St. Greenfield, WI)
- Funeral Service: Monday, July 3rd, 1 PM, at Heritage Funeral Homes (4800 S. 84th St. Greenfield, WI)
- Interment: Mount Olivet Cemetery
John H. Drilling
Died at the age of 86 in his home, surrounded by family on June 25th.
Born and raised in Minneapolis, John Drilling served in the Minnesota National Guard and attended the University of Minnesota and the Brown Institute of Broadcasting and Engineering.
He landed his first broadcasting job in Grafton, North Dakota in 1958. His combined duties included being an announcer, disc jockey and newscaster.
After gaining television experience at other Midwest stations, John set down roots at WITI-TV6 in 1968. He became one of Milwaukee’s best known reporters and anchors.
John was inducted into the Milwaukee Press Club Hall of Fame in 1998 and was honored by the Chicago/Midwest Chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences, receiving a Silver Circle Award in 2011.
He was a physical fitness enthusiast and kept in good physical condition by lifting weights, walking and bicycling. He was an avid baseball fan. He was interested in cars and auto racing and could be seen driving his 1966 Pontiac GTO convertible around town and at many local car shows. After retiring, John and his wife Connie spent winters in Gold Canyon, Arizona.
John is survived by his beloved wife of 63 years Connie, his sons John and Mike, his grandchildren Joe and Allison, great grandsons Cash, Desi and Auggie, brothers Bill and Dan and sister Jane.
John was known by many as a kind, thoughtful, generous and caring friend. His charming personality endeared him to all who knew him. Those who love him will miss him dearly.
Visitation will be held on Monday, July 3rd, from 11 AM – 1 PM, at Heritage Funeral Homes (4800 S. 84th St. Greenfield, WI). Funeral Service will follow at 1 PM. Interment at Mount Olivet Cemetery.
Connie and Family:
My deepest sympathies to you and to all who loved this legendary broadcaster. I was so lucky to have worked with John and I like so many others, simply revered him.
John was an authentic and honest and decent man. He was a mentor to so many in the newsroom. Goodspeed my friend. Until we meet again.
“Mikey”
Attachment
I am unable to attend Monday, but wanted to extend my condolences to the Drilling family. I was fortunate to work on news stories for radio when John was also there for TV 6. Always a friend and colleague. I miss talking car racing with you.
Drop 🎤 my friend. Time to rest.
I just loved him. He was a serious straightforward journalist, a union man, honest as the day is long.
I regret I am traveling and cannot be with John’s family and friends for his service. Sending love and respect.
My condolences to the Drilling family in this difficult time, Many years ago John took a genuine interest in an old Pontiac Chieftain I bought, so much so he took the time to jot down the production data and all technical information of my 1951 Pontiac! I still have that small note paper with all the data that John took the time to provide me with…I cherished that little piece of paper all these years ago, and will continue to in his memory! John put the top down, enjoy the ride in your GTO and see you when I get there!
I saw Mr. Drilling “in person” a few years back. I so wanted to tell him how much a part of my growing up he was, but I didn’t want to invade his privacy. Now I wish I had told him. Great, trustworthy man. My sympathies to his family and friends.