John Shebesta

John Shebesta passed away peacefully in his sleep on January 5, 2025 at Oconomowoc Memorial Hospital, at the age of 84.

Loving husband of Virginia “Ginny” (née Vogt). Beloved father of Jeanie (Vlad) Olic and Kris (Jon) Truelove. Adored grandfather of Natalie and Aleksandar “AJ” Olic and Benjamin and Tegan Truelove. Cherished sibling to his brothers, Paul (Luciana) and Warren, and his sister, Betty (Saleh) Shebesta Aboutaleb, and sister-in-law, Jackie (née Kerns). He is further survived by many family and friends. John is preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Larry. 

John was born to Elizabeth Mary (Hoyberg) Shebesta and Archibald Louis Shebesta on October 9, 1940 in Whitefish Bay, WI and lived in and around Milwaukee, Pewaukee, and Delafield his whole life.

After attending Marquette HS for two years, John transferred to St. Francis Seminary where he graduated high school and pursued seminary studies. He was ordained on May 28, 1966. John chose to leave the priesthood in 1969, instead finding other ways to serve God throughout his life. He met Ginny Vogt, the love of his life, and they married in 1970, sharing 54 incredible years of devoted love and true friendship. They had two daughters, Jeanie and Kris. He doted on his four grandchildren as if it were an Olympic sport.

Throughout his life, John held a myriad of jobs. His longest stints were as a Catholic priest, a machine operator at Briggs & Stratton, a mail carrier for USPS, and a plumbing associate at Home Depot. John always prioritized family above all else, and while he went to work and did his job, he poured his heart into home, spending as much quality time with his family as possible.

Even strangers could almost immediately sense his kind and gentle spirit. He made nearly everyone he met feel instantly safe and treasured, always prioritizing the needs of others above his own. John was very active in his communities, volunteering with St. Hyacinth Food Pantry, Sojourner Truth Women’s Shelter, a multitude of church efforts, and by donating blood as often as he could. 

He was a wonderful storyteller - weaving worlds of magic and fun for children of all ages. His spirit was contagious, lighting up every room he was in with his jokes and laughter. He loved camping and nature and was happiest surrounded by family, friends, and pets and plants of all kinds.

While we lost a beloved husband, dad, grandpa and brother, many others have lost a dear friend, a loving supporter, and a selfless role model.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, January 18, 2025, at Evert-Luko Funeral Home, 170 Warren Avenue, in Hartland, WI. Visitation will be at 12:00 p.m., followed by a memorial service at 2:00 p.m.

Memorials to Sojourner Truth House or Jim Luther New Hope Center (formerly St. Hyacinth Food Pantry) would be appreciated.