We are saddened to announce the death of John W. Van Hise Jr., retired U.S. Navy Commander, on March 24, 2023. He was 78 years old, but if you asked him, he’d say he had celebrated 39 anniversaries of his 39th birthday.
John was born the oldest of two children to John and Laurel Van Hise of Janesville, Wis., on Dec. 11, 1944, in Pensacola, Florida.
The family moved to California in the 1950s. John graduated from Savannah High School in Anaheim, Calif., and received his bachelor’s degree from Chapman College in Orange, Calif., and also graduated from the Naval War College with honors.
John met his wife, Bonnie, while on mission to Nepal, which never failed to be a great conversation starter at parties. They recently celebrated their 54th anniversary.
John turned his hand to a number of jobs, including bartender and fishmonger, church furniture salesman, project manager for government contracts, teacher and research associate; but a constant thread running through his life was a commitment to the U.S. Navy. From his enlistment in active service during the Vietnam War, to picking up an officer’s commission in the Naval Reserve, John thrived in the Navy. He rose to the rank of Commander, and served as Commanding Officer of three Naval Reserve Security Groups. However there were two jobs he refused to take, stating, “Never go on a ship that deliberately sinks itself, and never jump out of a perfectly good airplane.”
John and his family lived all over the world, but a steady summer constant was the town of Eagle River, Wis. After retiring, John and Bonnie moved full time to the North Woods to enjoy life on the Chain of Lakes.
John had a great passion for life. He loved travel, golf, fishing, all things Disney, murder mysteries, theater, choir, teaching the Bible, wine tasting, baking, and watching the Packers and Angels play.
John is survived by his wife, Bonnie; his children, Deidre and John IV; his sister, Judy, and her husband, Steve.
A memorial service will be held at Prince of Peace Evangelical Lutheran Church in Eagle River on Saturday, April 29, at 11 a.m. CDT. The service will also be broadcast on the church’s Facebook page: princeofpeace-er.org. No visitation is scheduled before the service, but a luncheon reception will be served at the church afterward.
Very, very sorry to hear about John's passing. When John went back to Wisconsin it seemed that this was something he really wanted to do. I can look back to our Savanna days together and the good times we had in Southern California. We know John is in a good place.
John was a great classmate and friend. Just a great person. Our class was very special and John will always be part of it. God's love and comfort for his family
Susan Barnes (Karst)
We are saddened to announce the death of John W. Van Hise Jr., retired U.S. Navy Commander, on March 24, 2023. He was 78 years old, but if you asked him, he’d say he had celebrated 39 anniversaries of his 39th birthday.John was born the oldest of two children to John and Laurel Van Hise of Janesville, Wis., on Dec. 11, 1944, in Pensacola, Florida.
The family moved to California in the 1950s. John graduated from Savannah High School in Anaheim, Calif., and received his bachelor’s degree from Chapman College in Orange, Calif., and also graduated from the Naval War College with honors.
John met his wife, Bonnie, while on mission to Nepal, which never failed to be a great conversation starter at parties. They recently celebrated their 54th anniversary.
John turned his hand to a number of jobs, including bartender and fishmonger, church furniture salesman, project manager for government contracts, teacher and research associate; but a constant thread running through his life was a commitment to the U.S. Navy. From his enlistment in active service during the Vietnam War, to picking up an officer’s commission in the Naval Reserve, John thrived in the Navy. He rose to the rank of Commander, and served as Commanding Officer of three Naval Reserve Security Groups. However there were two jobs he refused to take, stating, “Never go on a ship that deliberately sinks itself, and never jump out of a perfectly good airplane.”
John and his family lived all over the world, but a steady summer constant was the town of Eagle River, Wis. After retiring, John and Bonnie moved full time to the North Woods to enjoy life on the Chain of Lakes.
John had a great passion for life. He loved travel, golf, fishing, all things Disney, murder mysteries, theater, choir, teaching the Bible, wine tasting, baking, and watching the Packers and Angels play.
John is survived by his wife, Bonnie; his children, Deidre and John IV; his sister, Judy, and her husband, Steve.
A memorial service will be held at Prince of Peace Evangelical Lutheran Church in Eagle River on Saturday, April 29, at 11 a.m. CDT. The service will also be broadcast on the church’s Facebook page: princeofpeace-er.org. No visitation is scheduled before the service, but a luncheon reception will be served at the church afterward.
Dave Pinamonti
Very, very sorry to hear about John's passing. When John went back to Wisconsin it seemed that this was something he really wanted to do. I can look back to our Savanna days together and the good times we had in Southern California. We know John is in a good place.
Sheila Manson (Marlow)
My sincerest condolences to John's family.
Judy Nowell (Courtney)
Suzy, thank you so much for letting us know about John's passing. My heart and and prayers are with his family.
Marc Lance
John was a great classmate and friend. Just a great person. Our class was very special and John will always be part of it. God's love and comfort for his family