William Jewison

William James Jewison, 85 of Janesville, was called home on Friday, February 5, 2010. He passed away at home surrounded by loved ones.       ******Today's visitation for Mr. Jewison has been rescheduled for Tuesday from 3 to 8 p.m. at Arnoldt-McRaith Funeral Home in Janesville.    Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, February 10th at 10:30 a.m. at St. Ann Catholic Church in Janesville (visitation one hour prior) with Fr. Peter Klein and Fr. Harry Jewison, concelebrants.  Interment will be in the St. Ann Cemetery, Janesville.       William James "Bill" was born to Arthur and Kathryn (Cahill) Jewison on February 19, 1924 in Janesville Township. He attended District 28 Country School and graduated from Janesville High School in 1941. He was united in marriage to Anita Vivian Root on January 3, 1953. He was a life- long member of Saint Ann Catholic Church and was a member of the church choir for over 50 years. Bill served for many years on the Janesville Public School Board of Education, the Board of Directors for the Janesville Creamery Association, and the Janesville Township Board. He served as chairman of all three boards.      At the age of sixteen, Bill took over the family farm when his father lost his hand in a farming accident. In 1963 he moved 2 miles from his home farm and built a new farmstead from the ground up. He farmed in partnership with his brother Joe until 1972 when they each decided to farm with their sons. He was a member of the Waseca County DHIA and always took great pride in the care and quality of his animals. Bill was a lifelong dairy and crop farmer until 1990 when he sold the dairy herd. He never retired; however, poor health in the last 10 years severely limited his physical ability to tend the land. The dedicated care and support of his son, Greg, enabled Bill to stay living in his home and be connected to the activity of his farm, which was his passion his entire life.      Bill had an immense love for his large family. He spent countless hours watching his children and grandchildren participate in sport and school activities. He often milked early to be able to attend these events.      He always made time for his family and friends. He enjoyed good conversation, food, and time spent with those he loved. He especially enjoyed singing with his family.      Bill is survived by his loving wife, Anita, and children: Bill (MaryLou) of Janesville, John (Andrea) of Waterville, Jim (Ana), Dan (Marie), Greg, Mary (Gerry) Wolff, & Ron of Janesville, Sam (Becca) of Jackson, WY; 24 grandchildren & 8 great grandchildren, Bill & MaryLou's children: David (Ellen) & daughter Lauren, Julie (Grant) Schultz & children Isabella & Gavin, Katie (Kevin) Johnson & sons Landon & Tyson, Jennifer; John & Andrea's children: Andy, Brian & children Jasmine & Justice, Margaret, Steven, Jacob; Jim & Ana's children: Catalina (fiancé Curt Quast) & daughter Lily, Ashley, Ian; Dan & Marie's children: Molly, Ann; Mary & Gerry's children: Dan, Allison, Kayla, Jill; Ron's children: James, Jennifer, Jacqueline, Jean-Pierre; Sam & Becca's children: Hayden, Erin; by his sisters and brothers Ellen Tetzloff, Joe (Rosie) Jewison of Janesville, Grace Kopischke, Father Harry Jewison of Rochester, Rita (Jim) Byron of Waseca; by his sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law Rita Jewison of Mankato, Nona Smith of New Richland, Thelma (Ibb) Yess of Saint Paul, Opal Hofius of Brainerd, Monica Root of Matawan, David (Nikki) Root of Aurora, CO.      He was preceded in death by his parents, infant daughter Margaret Jane, infant granddaughter Elizabeth Jewison; sisters and brother Elaine Sheeran, Art Jewison, Faye Groh; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law Joe Tetzloff, Frank Sheeran, Art Groh, Rudy Kopischke, Vern and Bernice Root, Bill, Hans, Buzz, Buck, Barbara and Duane Tolzmann, Odie Borchert, David Smith, Chuck Hofius.      Casketbearers are his children: Bill Jewison, John Jewison, Jim Jewison, Dan Jewison, Greg Jewison, Mary Wolff, Ron Jewison, and Sam Jewison.