"I truly am so sorry for your loss. There is nothing I can say that will make it hurt less, and I don't know from experience what you're going through, so I won't tell you that I understand. What I do know is that the Gahan family has been part of my life for more than 20 years now, starting when Nuker and I met in high school while working together at the Piggly Wiggly. Years later, she, Terri, Bonnie and I traveled to England, Ireland and Scotland on a whirlwind, 10-day trip. And I have fond - although fuzzy ;) - memories of celebrating Fish Day at Cindy & Mike's. The Gahan's have always made me feel like an honorary member of the family. And what an honor it has been! I never had an opportunity to meet your mom and, although I didn't know your dad well, I know it's because of them that your family is so welcoming, loving, inseparable and resilient."
In loving memory of
John Earl Gahan
October 24, 1939 - May 22, 2012
John E. Gahan Jr. "Jack"
Jack Gahan, of Port Washington, passed away surrounded by his loving family in the morning hours of Tuesday, May 22, 2012 at Aurora Medical Center in Grafton. His passing brought to an end his journey of dealing with the effects of Multiple Sclerosis. He was 72 years old.
Jack was born in West Bend on October 24, 1939, son of John E. Gahan Sr. and Rosemary Reimer Gahan. Jack grew up in the Port Washington area, graduating from Port Washington High School in 1957. After high school, he served his country as a helicopter mechanic in the US Army.
On September 19, 1964 he married Doris "Dori" Schueller at Holy Cross Catholic Church in Holy Cross. Jack worked with his family at Gahan and Sons Construction which led him into his career as a union carpenter foreman. He was a proud member of Carpenters Union Local 2283. He retired in the mid 1990's from Voss Jorgensen Schueller, Inc. as a superintendant
Jack took great pride in his family. He enjoyed going up north to his family cabin in Tripoli, WI, to fish, hunt, and ride his ATV. Attending any event that involved his children or grandchildren was extremely important to him. Jack was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church in Port Washington, the Knights of Columbus 3rd Degree. He served as Grand Knight for Council 2035 Port Washington. He took an active role in all aspects of Knights of Columbus community events. Jack gathered at Harry's Restaurant on a monthly basis with his high school classmates.
In 1982 Jack was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. He was determined to not let MS slow him down, actively participating in clinical research and donating to assist in finding a cure.
Jack is survived by his six children: Cindy (Michael) Goebel of Port Washington, John Earl III (Carrie) Gahan of Pewaukee, Terri Gahan of Port Washington, Jeffrey (Janet) Gahan of Port Washington, Suzanne "Nuker" Gahan of Milwaukee, Bonnie Gahan of Milwaukee. He is further survived by eight grandchildren: Marcus, Kyle, Jason, Katlyn, Matthew, Kirsten, Andrew and Jack, two brothers William (Phyllis) Gahan of San Diego, CA and Peter (Lori) Gahan, of Fredonia, his close friend Ruth Cook of Cedarburg, brothers and sisters-in law, nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends. He is preceded in death by his parents John and Rosemary, his wife Dori, and his brother Patrick.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, May 26th at 11 am at St. Mary's Catholic Church, 430 Johnson St., Port Washington, with Father Pat Wendt officiating. He will be laid to rest next to his wife at St. Mary's Parish Cemetery in Port Washington. Visitation will be held on Friday, May 25th from 4-8 pm at the Eernisse Funeral Home, 1600 W. Grand Ave, Port Washington, and on Saturday, May 26th at the Church from 10-11 am. In lieu of flowers, memorials suggested to the National MS Society - Wisconsin Chapter, 1120 James Dr. Suite A, Hartland, WI 53029 ( www.wisms.org).
Tributes
"I am so sorry for your loss Gahan Family. My thoughts are with you all during this difficult time."
"My heart, thoughts and prayers go out to the Gahan family. He always talked so proud of his kids and grandkids. Along with his knights of columbus, always working on those roses or poppys. He was so nice to me and my kids. His kindness will never be forgotten, helping my youngest with his pine wood derby cars, or contributing to boy or girl scouts. We Will Miss and never forget him..."
"My sincere sympathy to all of the Gahan family on the loss of your dear Dad. He was such a nice man. Take comfort in knowing that he is now in a safe and happy place joined again with your Mom. "
"My Deepest Sympathy goes out to Cindy, Mike, the boys and the entire Gahan Family. He will always be with you. God Bless all of you."
"What can one say, when you loose your dad....We are sorry for your loss and that you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers."
"We have been honored to call Jack "neighbor" for almost 24 years. We loved listening to his stories and sharing day to day life with Jack. He was always so proud of all of his kids and talked so fondly of each of you and his grandkids. We will miss hearing his TV on summer nights at 2 a.m. and sharing a plate of his "special beans". We are thankful to be lucky enough to find the neighbor that everyone hopes to get but so few find. We'll continue to keep a close eye on his gardens for you! Our love, thoughts and prayers are with you all. And remember - you now know there is an angel in heaven wearing suspenders!"
"My thoughts and prayers to the Gahan family! He will be deeply missed but forever in our hearts. "
"As his oldest cousin have many memories of him growing up. He made my youth very exciting. hope to extend my sympathy to his children."
"Bob and I have many happy memories of Jack, Dori and the whole Gahan clan from the early days of our marriage on High Street! You are all in our prayers as you grieve the loss of your beloved father. "