website  watertownhistory.org

    ebook  History of Watertown, Wisconsin

 

John H. Model

1923 – 2012

 

Ruth L. Model

1924 - 2018

 

 

John H. Model, 89, of Watertown, passed away Thursday, Nov. 22, 2012, at the Golden LivingCenter in Watertown.

 

http://watertowndailytimes.wi.newsmemory.com/newsmemvol2/wisconsin/watertowndailytimes/20121124/wdt-2012-11-24-a-009.pdf.0/img/Image_0.jpgJohn was born in Ward, S.D. on May 31, 1923, the son of Michael and Pauline (Neumann) Model.

 

He was a 1942 graduate of Watertown High School and entered the U.S. Army on Jan. 28, 1943, until February 1946.  He served in both the European and Pacific Theatres during World War II as a combat engineer.

 

On June 1, 1946, he married the former Ruth Radloff Schlueter at St. Henry Catholic Church in Watertown.

 

John worked for Asplundh Tree Company as a foreman for 40 years, retiring in 1988.

 

He was an active member of St. Henry Catholic Church in Watertown, the Holy Name Society, ushers and was a 4th Degree member of the Knights of Columbus.  John was also a member of the Watertown American Legion Post #189 for over 55 years, holding many positions, including Wisconsin Vice-Commander from 1972-1973.  He was also a member of the 40 et 8 Voiture 750 holding many positions including Grand Chef de Gar, the local VFW Post #3709 and “The Froggers Club.”  He was a true American in every way and on Nov. 5, 2011, he was privileged to go on the Stars & Stripes Honor Flight to Washington D.C. John had the Main Street Bridge named in his honor in 1995.

 

John enjoyed doing ceramic work, creating many beautiful pieces, playing cards with family and friends, fishing and taking care of his yard.  He was always there to help anyone in need.

 

John was “Santa’s Helper” for over 30 years, visiting hospitals, nursing homes, parties and private homes during Christmas time. He will be dearly missed by all.

 

Survivors include his wife, Ruth, of Watertown; his two daughters, Patty (Ronald) Kihslinger and Roxanne Rice, both of Watertown; his grandchildren, Jason Raue, Justin Raue, Miranda (Craig) Grulke, Ryan Rice, Tyler Rice and Natalie Rice; his six great-grandchildren, Joseph, Kaitlyn, Paige, Gretchen, Lexus and Adelyn Raue; a niece, Pauline Uttech; a close family friend, Bill Keren III, as well as other relatives and friends.

 

John was the last member of his immediate family, being preceded in death by his parents and a sister Mary Nimm.

 

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday at 10:30 a.m. at St. Henry Catholic Church in Watertown, with Monsignor Daniel Ganshert presiding. Burial, with Graveside Military Rites conducted by the American Legion Post #189, will be in the parish cemetery.

 

Relatives and friends may call to pay their respects on Monday from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Hafemeister Funeral Home in Watertown and at the church on Tuesday from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the Mass. The 4th Degree Knights of Columbus will be standing vigil during the visitation.

 

Memorials, in John’s name, are suggested to St. Henry Catholic Church or to the charity of one’s choice.

 

The Hafemeister Funeral Home of Watertown is serving the family. Online condolences may be made at www.hafemeisterfh. com.

 

Hafemeister Funeral Home 611 E. Main St. Watertown

 

Ruth L. Model

1924 - 2018

 

Ruth L. Model, 94, of Watertown, passed away Tuesday, Oct. 23, 2018, at Dycora Transitional Health and Living Center in Watertown.  A Mass of Christian burial will be held on Saturday at 11 a.m. at St. Henry Catholic Church in Watertown with Father Miroslaw Szynal officiating.  Family and friends may gather at the church from 9 a.m. until the time of service.  Burial will take place at St. Henry Parish Cemetery.  If desired, memorials may be directed to the church or a charity of one’s choice.

 

Ruth Lucille Radloff was born on Oct. 20, 1924, in Watertown, to Bertha (Radloff) Schlueter, and stepdaughter of Harry Schlueter.  She attended Watertown High School and graduated in 1942.  On June 1, 1946, Ruth married John Model at St. Henry Catholic Church.  She enjoyed family gatherings and visiting with her friends.

 

Ruth enjoyed being a member at a number of different organizations within her community.  She was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary, Unit 189, for over 60 years and held many offices throughout the years.  She also helped with the Junior Auxiliary for many years, and worked many hours at the park during the Fourth of July celebrations.  Ruth was active in St. Henry Home and School programs, and organized the Playground Supervisor Program.

 

Ruth is survived by her two daughters, Patty (Ron) Kihslinger of Watertown, Roxanne Rice of Watertown; grandchildren, Jason Raue, Justin Raue, Miranda (Craig) Grulke, Ryan Rice, Tyler Rice, Natalie Rice; great-grandchildren, Joseph Raue, Kaitlyn Raue, Paige Raue, Gretchen Raue, Lexus Raue, Adelyn Raue, Jaxson Grulke; niece, Pauline Uttech; as well as cousins, other relatives, caregivers and friends.

 

She was preceded in death by her husband of 66 years, John Model, on Nov. 22, 2012, and her parents.

 

Thank you to the nurses and staff at Dycora, and everyone else who helped brighten her days the last few years.  Your care and kindness were truly appreciated.

 

Hafemeister Funeral Home and Cremation Service 611 E. Main St. Watertown

 

 

 

Table of Contents 

History of Watertown, Wisconsin

Index