John Phillip Metzger

MADISON/MILWAUKEE-John Phillip Metzger, age 95, fell asleep in Jesus on Sept. 21, 2012. Father, businessman, and veteran, he was married for 52 years to the love of his life, Ruth Petermann Metzger, who preceded him in death. Those who knew him will miss his sweet nature, his sense of humor and his stories. His children will especially miss him: Judith, from whom he received constant and loving care in his last years, Daniel and Nancy, Christine and Bob, Hans and Kris, David and Chris, and Elizabeth and Claude, as well as fourteen grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. Born in Granville, he attended school in Newburg, and later moved with his family to Milwaukee. He joined the U.S. Army in 1942, and proudly served his country during World War II. He was selected for Army Intelligence and was promoted to Master Sergeant. After the war he played a leading role in the founding of Metzger Machine & Engineering Company, and his business acumen contributed in large part to the company’s success. He was exceedingly generous with his time and support in the work of the church, often chairing building and planning committees, and he served the Wisconsin Lutheran Synod in various roles. He was on the Board of Directors of Marshall & Ilsley Bank. During his residence in Madison, John enjoyed his “mile”-long walks in the Heritage Heights neighborhood. His parents, Elisabeth and Henry, preceded him in death; as well as two sisters, Elisabeth and Ann; and five brothers, Henry, Peter, George, Andrew, and Phillip. His brother, Martin and his wife, Ruth survive; as well as his sister-in-law, Mary. Memorial visitation will be held at WISCONSIN LUTHERAN CHAPEL, 220 W. Gilman, Madison, from 5 p.m. until 6:30 p.m., with a service of Resurrection to follow at 6:30 p.m, on Friday, Sept. 28, 2012. Memorial visitation will also be held at ATONEMENT LUTHERAN CHURCH, 4500 N. Sherman Boulevard, Milwaukee, from 10 a.m. until 11 a.m., with a service of Resurrection at 11 a.m., and burial to follow at Graceland Cemetery on Saturday, September 29, 2012. To honor his life-long generosity to so many causes, his family asks that those who are inclined extend an act of kindness to someone in need. It would also please him for memorials to be sent to Operation Smile, your church, Lutherans for Life, WELS, the Central African Medical Mission, or a charity of your choice. Memorial visitation will be held at WISCONSIN LUTHERAN CHAPEL, 220 W. Gilman, Madison, from 5 p.m. until 6:30 p.m., with a service of Resurrection to follow at 6:30 p.m, on Friday, Sept. 28, 2012. Memorial visitation will also be held at ATONEMENT LUTHERAN CHURCH, 4500 N. Sherman Boulevard, Milwaukee, from 10 a.m. until 11 a.m., with a service of Resurrection at 11 a.m., and burial to follow at Graceland Cemetery on Saturday, September 29, 2012.