John Wellnitz

John Wellnitz passed away on December 2, 2023, at ThedaCare Regional Medical Center in Appleton, Wisconsin, after a courageous battle with cancer.

John was born and raised in Janesville, Wisconsin, and graduated from Janesville Craig High School in 1980. After high school, he became a plumber and worked for over 35 years in the Fox Valley area. He was a MacGyver with the ability to fix anything or make anything with what he had, and he was an artist at heart – a skill he brought into his trades of plumbing and building. He was also an avid hobbyist, painting and throwing pottery throughout his life.

John was a wonderful father, brother, and man. His sense of humor was witty and inviting, and his laugh was contagious and his smile disarming. He will be missed by many.

He is survived by his daughter Lizzie Wellnitz, son Elliott Wellnitz, sisters Laura Bickle (Mark Bickle), Mary Schmidt (Randy Schmidt), Catherine Daniel (Scott Daniel), Teresa Arrowood (Earl Arrowood), sister in law Marianne Wellnitz , brothers Tom “TJ” Trudeau (Julie Trudeau), Mark Wellnitz (Sandi Wellnitz), stepmother Marion Wellnitz, many nieces and nephews, and John’s girlfriend Karen Duerr.

He was preceded in death by mother Evelyn Wellnitz, father Edward Wellnitz, brother Tom Wellnitz, sister Carol Williams, and Russell Rieck.

The family would like to thank the doctors, nurses, and hospital staff at ThedaCare Regional Medical Center for their care and support.

A Celebration of Life will be held on John’s birthday at the Hawk’s Nest in Little Chute, Wisconsin, on February 3rd, 2024, starting at 1:00 pm.

In Lieu of flowers, donations are being accepted to help cover costs. Any additional funds will be donated to Habitat for Humanity in John's name.