John R. Uvaas Winchester, Wisconsin On Tuesday afternoon December 27, 2011, Big John Uvaas passed away unexpectedly doing what he loved, cutting wood on his farm to work up an appetite for the next holiday meal. He was born at home on the Uvaas Farm in the Town of Winchester, June 22, 1929. His parents were Albert and Selma (Anunson) Uvaas. He attended Grandview Grade School and Winneconne High School graduating with the class of 1947. After high school, John enlisted in the U.S. Army where he earned a rank of Staff Sergeant in the 82nd Airborne. In 1949 he was selected to be on the elite 12 man honor guard for the inauguration of Harry Truman. John also was a standout tackle on his Army's football team. He had college offers to continue his gridiron pursuits, but nothing could keep him away from his sweetheart, Betty Metzig. He returned to Winchester and married Betty on April 5, 1952. They purchased the farm from Betty's parents (Erwin and Myrtle Metzig) and made this their home ever since. He and Betty built up a successful dairy operation and in 1963 started John Uvaas Livestock Trucking, which continued until his "retirement" in 1999, at age 70. John's years were filled with many stories of achievement and service to others. He was a long time member and past chief of the Winchester-Clayton Fire Department. John was a lifelong member of Grace Lutheran Church, currently serving as president of the church council. He never hesitated to step forward when there was a call for volunteers for anything. John was a steward of the earth and respected every blessing God granted. He nurtured the land, planted thousands of trees, cared for his pond, and always advised "you should leave it better than you found it." Undoubtedly his most cherished endeavors were his family, his faith, and his countless friends. He liked to talk. He enjoyed a good laugh. He loved to love. John is survived by his wife, Betty; three siblings, Audrey Mueller, Shirley and Mike Skopick, David Uvaas; his children, John and Lori Uvaas, Pete and Cindy Uvaas, Fay and Dennis Scheurer, Amy and Wade Clarke; his grandchildren, Adam Uvaas, Ben and Lindsey Uvaas, Jake Uvaas, Zach and Kristin Uvaas, Molly Uvaas, Leah, Leslie, and Lindsey Scheurer; Addie and Katie Clarke; his great-grandchildren: Talan, Landon, and Zoe. He was preceded in death by his parents, and his youngest daughter, Mary Jo A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, December 31, 2011, at 11:00 a.m. at Grace Lutheran Church of Winchester, Larsen, Wisconsin, with Pastor Dan Luett officiating. Inurnment with military honors will follow in the Grace Lutheran Cemetery, Winchester. A Visitation for family and friends will be on Friday, December 30, from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Mueller Funeral Home, Winneconne, and will continue on Saturday at the church from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the service. In lieu of flowers, a memorial will be established. We love you and miss you Dad! I Love you Johnny Boy! Mueller Funeral Home 904 E. Main St. Winneconne, WI 54986 (920) 582-4242 Please submit online condolences to www.muellerfuneralhomeinc.com