John Boguslaw Wisniewski

John passed peacefully with family by his side on New Year's Eve. He was born in Gniezno, Poland to Sophie (nee Matelska) and Ludwig Wisniewski in 1931. He was in the Polish National Guard for 3 years, entering at 14, lying about his age so he could get in. Through his actions to help the Allies, he was given a student visa to come to the US and was sponsored by Helen and Stanley Braciak. Wanting to give back to the country that welcomed him, John joined the U.S. Air Force in which he served for 21 years in various positions and retiring as a Technical Sergeant.

During his time in the military, John mentored young airmen and gave those who were away from home a hot meal and a family. While stationed at the Air Force Academy, he was a mentor to the cadets he met there. Many of whom he was in contact with the rest of his life. The gift of hospitality continued the rest of John’s life.

John was dedicated to honoring veterans and their service.

After his career in the Air Force, John worked for the state of Nevada as an OSHA inspector diligently working to ensure others had a safe work environment.

John was a gifted artist, painting Hansel’s and Gretell’s Forest on large canvas for his daughters’ rooms, building a large rocket at Christmas, bringing a waving Santa to the enchantment of the children who saw it, and a creative do-it-yourselfer.

John loved to garden and could be found outside caring for his lawn and flowers.

His dancing skills are legendary and brought delight to those who watched.

John was very active in the Polish American club, welcoming 100s of Poles into the cities of Las Vegas and San Diego, helping them assimilate through community, lodging, jobs and learning English. His efforts were rewarded with the honorary title of Brigadier General in the Polish National Guard Association.

He is survived by his daughters, Barbara (Arthur) Ratkewicz, Helen (Peter) Thornton and Christine (Eugene) Brandt; two grandsons, Kyle (Caitlin) Brandt, Nikolaus Brandt; great granddaughter Myra Grace and a great grandchild on the way and family in Poland. He is pre-deceased by his daughter Alene Wisniewski.

Extended family, not by blood but by heart: his longtime dancing partner and dear friend Deanna Nilson, his step-daughter Beata Wyzykowski, her son and John's godson Robert (Amanda) Diaz and their sons Orion and Maximus. And his beloved, Mishu, who made him laugh, walked him daily and brought joy to his life.

Because of his experiences as a child caught up in war, John was passionate about caring for children in need, for their basic needs, safety and education. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Sisters of Charity of Our Lady Mother of the Church, Baltic CT or any charity that cares for children in need.