John Austin Woolley

John Austin Woolley UNION GROVE - John Austin Woolley, 91, passed away on Thursday, October 27, 2016 at the Wisconsin Veteran's Home. He was born in Ridgeland on August 22, 1925 to the late Albert and Florence (nee: Austin) Woolley. John received his education in the Menomonie schools. He was awarded his B.S. and M.S. from the University of Wisconsin - Stout. John was a military man, named after his maternal grandfather, John Austin, who was a Civil War veteran. He enlisted in The United States Marine Corps following graduation from high school in 1943, serving in the Pacific War Theater in World War II. A born educator, John taught in schools for over thirty years, including Kalispell, MO, and then in Racine for Park High School and Case High School. He retired as Department Chair of Tech. Ed at Case High School. On January 27, 1951, John was united in marriage to Patricia A. Schultz in Menomonie. Together, they raised three wonderful children. John belonged to the VFW, Retired Educators Association, International Graphic Arts Education Assoc., and The Eagles Nest (a local veteran's group). He was an avid theater patron, and had attended the Milwaukee Rep, and the Lincolnshire Theater for many seasons. His fifteen minutes of fame came when he won the Burlington Liars Club contest in 1972. His winning story was published in most of the newspapers in the United States. Surviving are his children, Karen Louise, Charmaine Marie, and Jon Patrick (Debra) Woolley; grandchildren, Jeneane, Laura, John, Derek and great grandson, Dean Cox. John was preceded in death by his parents, wife, Patricia; sisters, Hazel, Carla and brother, Louis. A memorial service for John will be held Lutheran Church of the Redeemer on Tuesday, November 1, 2016 at 2 pm. Visitation will be held at church from 12:30 pm until service time. John will be laid to rest next to his wife Patricia at Evergreen Cemetery in Menomonie, WI. We quote John, "I have had four great loves in my life, my wife, Patricia; my children, Karen, Char, and John; and my grandchildren, Jeneane, Laura, John, Derek and Dean and of course, the Marine Corps." In lieu of flowers, those wishing to remember John in a special way may direct memorials to The Salvation Army 1901 Washington Avenue, Racine, WI. John’s family would like to extend a very special thank you to Dr. Howard Short and the compassionate staff at Boland Hall, 1st East for their heartfelt and dignified care.

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John Austin Woolley

August 22, 1925 - October 27, 2016