John J. Hawe

John J. Hawe, 92, passed away on Jan. 5, 2024, at Bay at Waters Edge Health and Rehabilitation in Kenosha, Wis.

John was born on July 20, 1931, in Canton, Mo.

At the age of 18, he moved to New York and joined the U.S. Coast Guard and was stationed near Staten Island. He was very proud to have served his country as a first class boatswain mate until he was 24 years old.

At that time, he met Virginia Greenan of Camden, N.J., and they were soon married in Elkton, Md.

In the late 1950s, they moved to Cedar Grove, Wis., where they raised seven children.

In the early 1960s, John ran his own mink ranch. Some years later, he started Lakeshore Disposal Co., which he managed for about 35 years.

John loved talking with people and sharing stories of his days in the Coast Guard, during which he served on several ships including the Mariposa.

John was proud to have established a waste disposal business based out of Port Washington that served the counties of Ozaukee and Sheboygan.

In his later years, he enjoyed dancing and spending time dining out at his favorite restaurants with his good friend and companion Jackie Hayward.

John was preceded in death by his parents Thomas and Nannie Hawe; three brothers, Thomas F., Emery “Bud” and Christopher Brian “C.B.” Hawe; two sisters, Thelma Kucharus and Bessie (Walter) Stemerdink; his wife Virginia; and son Douglas F. (Gina) Hawe.

John is survived by his six children, Virginia (Steve) Slesarik, John E. (Cathy)Hawe, David (Deena) Hawe, Kathy Hawe, Dan (Marsha) Hawe and Anna Hawe; three grandchildren, Jena Slesarik Teeling, Billy (Brandi) Hawe and Brett (Amanda) Hawe; and two great-grandchildren, Evie Teeling and Natalie Teeling.

The family of John Hawe would like to thank the staff and caregivers at Aurora Medical Center in Grafton and the Bay at Waters Edge care facility in Kenosha for caring for John.

Condolences may be sent to daviddeena@juno.com.