Wind Lake – John Roger Cole, 83, was called to Eternal Life March 19, 2016. He was born on March 27, 1932 to Earl and Elizabeth (nee Dobner) in Wabeno, WI. John married Yvonne Paquette on February 10, 1953 and they were married for 53 years prior to her passing in 2006. Together they raised five children. John served as an Air Force Staff Sergeant in the Korean War. John was a proud American and a great man who used his many faceted talents in all areas of life. He retired from Ladish after 42 years where he worked as a forge-fire blacksmith. He was a volunteer fireman and SCUBA rescue diver for the Town of Norway/ Wind Lake Fire Department, a pilot, snowmobile racer, farmer, mechanic, and motorcycle enthusiast. He showed his family how to do things for themselves and demonstrated that in many ways, including building and expanding their homestead. When he wasn't working or tinkering in the basement, he was with Yvonne. They loved square dancing and were members of Dudes and Dolls Square Dancing Club. They enjoyed travel together and spending time with their family. His family will miss him greatly but are glad to know he and Yvonne and have been reunited in Heaven.

John is survived by his 5 children and 5 grandchildren.

Memorial Visitation will be on Friday, April 1, 2016 from 12:30 – 1:30 pm. Burial with full military honors at the Southern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery will be at 2 PM.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital in John's name.