John T.
Isaacson
Born Jan. 21st, 1954, to parents Eunice and Tom Isaacson. Passed away Dec. 20th, 2023, at St. Lukes Medical Center in Milwaukee, Wi.
John attended West Allis schools and graduated from West Allis Central in 1972. He held various jobs out of school such as car wash attendant and ushering at Brewers games. He wound up working for and retiring from Milwaukee County with over 26 years of employment, lastly in housekeeping at Mental Health South on the county grounds.
John was a lifetime member of First Lutheran in West Allis, and was involved in numerous activities, including baseball, basketball, and dartball teams. He was also was a member of the property committee, but what he was most proud of was all the years he was in the choir….the guy had a beautiful voice….and enjoyed singing with his fellow choir members, and their yearly picnics..
John enjoyed his leisure time…..sports fanatic is the word for it. He had season tickets to the Packers games when in Milwaukee, but also followed the Brewers, Bucks, Badgers, and Marquette. He made many road trips to follow his teams, but also got down to the Indianapolis 500 on occasion, along with the Kentucky Derby, and also enjoyed the game of golf. One of John’s favorite things was vacation time at Diamond Lake in Bayfield county where he would meet some of his dad’s relatives and go fishing. He also got out to his dad’s family farm in North Dakota, Mount Rushmore in South Dakota, and Winnipeg, Canada. He did get around.
John also volunteered for many West Allis Charity events. Among them Monogram club, Old Timers Baseball, and Jaycees.
Although John had a pretty decent life he struggled with health issues, but he made the most of the hand that he was dealt with. After retirement his health really started to decline, and the last 5 years he was pretty much bed ridden. You would figure a guy lying flat on his back would have a lot to complain about, but that was not Big John. He was a caring person with a big heart, always asking how his friends, and old neighbors were doing, and wishing them well. One thing that kept him going all these years was his favorite TV show…Wheel of Fortune…with Vanna White. Rest in peace, Big John. Your reward is in Heaven.
A memorial service for John will be held at First Lutheran Church, 7400 W. Lapham St., West Allis, on Friday, Jan. 19th, at 12:30 p.m.
Rest in Peace my old neighbor.
Blessings to Big John on his journey to be with his Mom again. As childhood friends I didn’t know then what he was teaching me but I know now. Thank you John
Lots of great memories with you. Whether it was playing basketball at my house or playing baseball at WAC Field. Life wasn’t easy for you, but you made the mist of it. RIP John.
I just saw this notice. My “baby” brother, Brian Kirsch, was good friends with Big John. I remember a lot of us going to Brewer games, and having various get-togethers at my brother’s house. Lots of good memories.
Big John was just one heck of a nice guy. So kind and good-hearted. RIP Big John…
Many fond memories working with big John. He was a very kind person.
I had a lot of fun playing golf with Big John. It was great getting together with him at the Hrovat/Schumann Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas gatherings. He had a good sense of humor, a kind heart, a caring attitude and always wanted to know how everyone was doing. We greatly appreciated John Hrovat giving him rides so he could join us and being a great friend by visiting and supporting Big John during these last few years. Big John will be greatly missed.
I was a next door neighbor to John many years ago
I fondly remember him throwing a baseball to my son and how proud he was when he came home with his new car( I believe it was a brand new 442)
We lived there only for about 5 years but he always stopped to chat whenever we saw him and his mom Eunice also
Godspeed to you Big John
Big John, we were good friends when we first met that first Lutheran Church in early years good friends in high school had a great time playing basketball on the church league together. In a way the person you were inspired me to be good to people Big John rest in peace
We became acquainted w John at First Lutheran. Dale played baseball and basketball w him and I sang in the choir w him. He was a regular soloist; his favorite hymn to sing was “How Great Thou Art”. We were on the Badger Bus w him for all the WI homecoming games. But, our most fun memories were our ski trips to the Bayer’s Den in Powderhorn. He was a terrible skier but nicer gave up. When John fell (and he fell a lot) it was like a tree falling in the forest. A big guy w a huge heart, a love of God and people and the greatest hugger is how we will remember him. Enjoy heaven John. With love. Dale and Sharon Phillippo