Mr. John A. Caruso

John August Caruso, 89, of Land O' Lakes, WI, died after a brief illness at Tidewell Hospice House in Port Charlotte, FL. He was born in Iron Mountain, MI on Nov. 9, 1925, to Angelo and Theresa (Rainaldi) Caruso.

John, along with many of his classmates, was drafted into the service of their country. John served for 26 months in the Navy aboard the light cruiser, U.S.S. Santa Fe CL 60, in the South and Western Pacific as a Radar Man and Lookout due to his "eagle eyesight".

Upon discharge he briefly attended Northern Michigan University. Following this he began his 40 year career with Wisconsin Michigan Power Company.

In His own words, John married the "love of his life", Dolores K. Shepich of Caspian, MI, on Oct. 30, 1948.

John had a love of music and could play the clarinet, saxophone, guitar, and mandolin entertaining his family. As a student he played in the Iron Mountain High School Band and Municipal Band. While in the service he played in a band on his cruiser with his shipmates. He sang tenor in St. Mary and St. Albert church choirs.

John was very civic minded. He belonged to the Phelps-Conover Lions Club, Land O' Lakes Lions Club, was Commander of the American Legion Post 464 for twenty years, a Charter Member of the Land O' Lakes VFW, Past Grand Knight of the Knights of Columbus, First Eucharistic Minister of St. Albert Catholic Church as well as President of the Holy Name Society and church usher for many years. He was on the Northwoods Hospital Board, Eagle River Union Free High School Board and active with the local Boy Scouts.

John was an avid reader of non-fiction, especially the early statesmen of American history. John had a great sense of humor and loved to entertain his family and friends with his witty thoughts and sayings. John enjoyed watching military documentaries and a good western show or movie. John Wayne and Gunsmokes Matt Dillon were by far, his all time favorites. He was an avid Packer fan, enjoyed golfing with his buddies and watching the sunset. John loved working on projects at his home in Land O' Lakes, WI. John and his wife wintered in Englewood, FL, for 23 years and Punta Gorda Isles for the past two seasons.

John died peacefully surrounded by his loving family. He is survived by his devoted wife of 66 years, Dolores K. Caruso (née Shepich), four children, Stephanie T. Jack of Punta Gorda Isles, FL; Michael J. (Cheryl) Caruso of Love Valley, NC; Shelley A. (Pete) Peterson of Land O' Lakes, WI; Sharon K. (Mark) Basten of Germantown/Land O' Lakes, WI; 10 Grand Children, 11 Great-Grandchildren; sister Lydia Barrett of San Antonio, TX; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, his sisters Helen Johnston, Theodora Beauchamp and Joan Maly.

The family would appreciate memorials in memory of John be made to St. Jude's Children Hospital and Research Center, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN. 38105

The family is most appreciative of the kindness and compassion John received from the staff at Tidewell Hospice.

"And he will raise you up on Eagles wings"