John Ernest Motisi
January 03, 1926 - May 01, 2016
Obituary
MADISON/MCFARLAND-John Motisi, age 90, of Madison, passed away on May 1, 2016. He was born on Jan. 3, 1926, in Madison, the son of Anthony and Rosaria Motisi. He married Polly Goodlad on June 1, 1963. John grew up in the Greenbush neighborhood. He served in the U.S. Army from June of 1944 until June of 1946, and received a Medal of Occupation for serving in Germany. John worked as a mail sorter for the U.S. Postal Service and retired in 1989. He enjoyed wintering in Yuma, Ariz., his trips to Door County, and also going to casinos. John is survived by his daughter, Sharon (Greg) Nikolaisen; daughter-in-law, Linda Kleven; grandchildren, Angela Benish, Garrett Kleven, and Chandler Kleven (Acalia); sister, Sarah Luddy; great-grandchildren; great-great-grandchildren; special nieces and nephews, Jo (Pat) Witz, Tom (Peggy) Motisi, and Mary Beth Motisi; and many other nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife; son, Jeffrey Kleven; sisters, Helen Seffens and Grace Spatola; brothers, Chuck, Tom, Sam, Dominic, Tony, and Joe. Funeral services will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, at 11 a.m., on Friday, May 6, 2016. Burial will be at Resurrection Cemetery. Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 10 a.m. until the time of the service on Friday. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.
Gunderson East
Funeral & Cremation Care
5203 Monona Drive
(608)221-5420
Events
Visitation
Fri May 6, 2016 @ 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM CDT
Gunderson Funeral and Cremation Care - Madison • 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, WI 53716
Service
Fri May 6, 2016 @ 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM CDT
Gunderson Funeral and Cremation Care - Madison • 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, WI 53716
Photos
Memories
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Garrett Kleven
Other •
Shared a photo.
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Garrett Kleven
Other •
My Grandfather John could not have been any more special for me and my family. Over the years he and Polly Motisi drove my brother Chandler and I to Door county every year when I was young. I planned visits to Polly and John's house many times over the years. We had great times together.
Over the recent years he supported me though hard times living alone on Madison's west side. He called me everyday when he was able. I was able to visit him when I could as he was living in Verona in recent times. I helped him have his 90th birthday party there at 4 Winds last January. We had cake and watched tv as we played 5 card draw together. This helped him take his mind off the casino and exercise his mind. He was a very caring person.
I know he is in the comfort of god now that he is at rest. God bless him.
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Denise Seffens Romero
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I am Helen Motisi-Seffens youngest daughter Denise. We knew so few of our Uncles but John came to California a few times and stayed with us. My mother had bad times with many of her family members but always got along well with John. What little I remember was that he was always so kind, gentle and considerate.
His close family members are so fortunate to have had such a fine person to help mold them and always be there for them.
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Rosemary Motisi
Other •
My brother, John, and I were the children of John Motisi's youngest brother - Tony Motisi. When our father died, our mother returned to her hometown of Janesville, Wisconsin and we did not often see the Motisi side of the family. However, our uncle John and aunt Polly made a point of keeping contact with us, as did our aunt grace and uncle joe spatola,
It could not have been easy for John & Polly as we lived in Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Colorado while growing up. Once they drove to San Bernardo, Califonia - a northern suburb of San Diego - to see us when my children were quite young (late 80s). I don't believe they had ever seen the Pacific, and as they left our house, I encouraged them to make the short trip to the sea.... They rolled their eyes at me and said something to the effect of - no sirree - we have driven quite far enough! I was a bit overwhelmed at their kindness of making such a long trek.
While posted to Geneva a few years back, uncle John and I had a couple of lovely phone visits. He had been to Geneva during an R&R during WWII. I tried to take good notes about the family history, hoping to track down some Sicilian cousins, but I ended up unsuccessful.
It's sad to lose him and the memories he was happy to share. I am grateful to learn he is at peace and no longer in any pain,
Rosemary Motisi, Arlington, VA
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Grace Grigg
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This is Grace, I am one of Sarah's 10 children. Number 8 for those of us whom come from large families. Although I have lived on the East Coast all of my life, I did spend a little time in Madison and stayed with John and Polly for a short time. When I wanted to visit Aunt Grace, Uncle John informed me he would drop me off at the corner, as he had not spoken to her in years and was not about to start now. Later, John took the time to explain about the family's past. I loved that he was a storyteller. My mother, having moved away, stayed closest with him and he kept her up to date. He was a very compassionate, warm, loving person. What I remember most was the way he doted on Polly and Jeff. I am sure he will be missed but also sure he is at peace now, as he joins them. Grace Grigg, Mechanicsville, MD.