John T. Ferris

Ferris, John Tomlinson Of Cedarburg, WI and formerly Lexington, MA. Born to Eternal Life January 16, 2006, age 84 years. Beloved husband of the late 06/02/06 Elizabeth “Betty” Johnson Ferris for fifty-four years. Loving father of Mary Ferris Litton and Larry Gray of Boston, MA and John Bailey and Natalie Nelson Ferris of Cedarburg, WI. Beloved Grandfather of James Robert and Valorie Palmer Litton, III of Indianapolis, IN; Erin Elizabeth Ferris and Kathleen Ann Ferris of Cedarburg, WI. Dear brother to Harlo Hakes and Ann Favorite Ferris, Jr. and Mary Statira Ferris and Robert Judson Gilbert and brother-in-law David Bailey and Rita Gingles Johnson. Zany, thoughtful uncle to many nieces and nephews and a loyal friend to those who became part of his extended family in both heart and deed. John was born in Chicago Heights, IL and raised in several towns in southern WI including Baraboo, Walworth and Reedsburg. He graduated from Hartford H.S., Hartford WI, in 1940; received B.A. from Northland College, Ashland WI, in 1947 and later received his M.S. in 1951 from the University of Houston, Houston, TX. Volunteering for military service in WWII interrupted his college studies. He served as a Sergeant in ground radar repair for the Army Air Corps in the South Pacific from 1943-1945. Mr. Ferris’ work career started as a professor of photography at the University of Houston, serving as chairman of the department for 8 years. This was followed by ten years at Bausch & Lomb Co., Rochester, NY as head of electro-optical and fiberoptic research department where six patents were granted. He was then a cost-engineer for Stone & Webster Co. Boston, MA. Both Mr. and Mrs. Ferris were ‘raised as Wisconsinites’ so after retiring from Stone & Webster, they returned to Wisconsin. John was active in many community activities including Rotary and many Church related services. He served as an ordained Elder in the Presbyterian Church in Houston and continued serving in that role in Pittsford, NY. He was elected Deacon at the Hancock United Church of Christ, Lexington, MA as well as serving on various committees such as finance and directing weekly live television broadcasts. Though retired, he remained an active church member with the Grafton, WI Pilgrim U.C.C. congregation until his death. His greatest enjoyment; however, over the last 60 years, was to spend time at his lake property on the Wisconsin River with family and friends. His family and friends now morn his passing but know that his deep, strong faith will bring him to the joy of God’s presence. Visitation will be Saturday, January 20, 5 – 7 PM at the Pilgrim United Church of Christ, 1621 2nd Ave., Grafton, WI. The funeral service will follow at 7:00 PM at the church. Interment at Hancock Cemetery, Hancock, WI. In lieu of flowers, memorials in John’s name may be sent to Northland College, 1411 Ellis Avenue, Ashland WI 54806 www.northland.edu or to the Pilgrim United Church of Christ. Cemetery: Hancock Cemetery Hancock, WI (map/driving directions) Visitation: 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Pilgrim United Church of Christ 1621 2nd Ave. Grafton, WI 53024 on January 20, 2007 (map/driving directions) Pilgrim United Church of Christ 1621 2nd Ave. Grafton, WI 53024 (map/driving directions) Service: 7:00 PM at Pilgrim United Church of Christ 1621 2nd Ave. Grafton, WI 53024 on January 20, 2007 (map/driving directions)