Jeffrey J Wiese

Jeffrey Jay Wiese, born September 2, 1961, sadly passed from this life May 17th at his home.  He was the son of Mari Lynn (Johnson) and Lawrence Wiese.

Jeff grew up in Fort Atkinson, WI, and was raised by his beloved 'Momsy' and older sister, Joyce.  After high school, he went on to study at Madison Business College and obtained a degree in computer programming.  Back in his hometown, he took a job at Highsmith, where he worked for sixteen years, eventually becoming Senior Programmer/Analyst.  He loved his job and took great pride in it.

Jeff also excelled at music, a love that began in his youth, drawn to bands like Rush and Kansas, whose complex and thoughtful songs he enjoyed learning and perfecting, usually alongside his brother, John.  He had a talent for almost any instrument he tried his hand at, and passed on that passion through guitar, percussion, and piano lessons to relatives and friends.

Starting a family of his own meant even more opportunities to foster shared interests.  He passed down his love of classic fantasy, like Tolkien, while immersing himself in whatever new series his children were reading.  He enjoyed puzzles and games, playing alongside his children and helping with the difficult levels.  He promoted an appreciation for the outdoors, through sledding excursions, zoo trips, backyard camping, model rocket launches, fireworks displays, and hiking trips to catch falling leaves.  He knew how to make the mundane memorable, donning his 'Doughnut Dad' hat on Sundays to go buy everyone’s favorites and turning movie nights into elaborate slumber parties.  He demonstrated his love through handcrafted gifts:  cross-stitched stockings, his own customized version of Monopoly, a two-story fort in the backyard.  His affinity for words, from the puns he favored to creative writing, lives on in his cards and letters, in the fantasy novel he’d been writing, and in his children.

Despite distance and health struggles in his later years, Jeff continued to do what he could to show his support and honor special occasions.  He poured his generosity into his friendships, helping out when he was able and lending an ear when he was not.  He was patient and forgiving, if never enough so with himself.  He leaves behind a legacy of kindness, and will forever be remembered as a loving father and caring friend.

Jeff is survived and sadly missed by his children, Marty (Tobias) Fudge, Fiona Wiese, and Riley (Valerie Woods) Wiese; his sister, Joyce (Rick) Buerger; brothers, Larry Wiese and John (Cathy) Wiese; his former wife, Nan (Kjellenberg) Hambly; and various nieces, nephews, and friends.  He is preceded in death by his parents and his sister-in-law, Anita Eidukas.

Cremation has taken place, and a private family service will be held at a later date.