John C. “Big John” Unser, age 56 of Arkansaw, died Saturday, September 13, 2014 as the result of an accident.

Big John was born on July 9, 1958 in Durand. He was the son of Kenneth Sr. and Dorothy (McRoberts) Unser. Big John grew up in Eau Galle area, attended St. Henry’s Catholic School and graduated from Durand High School in 1976. After high school, Big John logged with his father and he also worked at Schlosser Lumber for 25 years. Recently, he returned to logging with the Driers. On September 16, 1978, Big John married Karen Zastrow at St. Henry’s Catholic Church in Eau Galle, together they had four children.

Big John enjoyed helping his friends and neighbors. He also enjoyed farming, going for drives and joking with friends. Most of all Big John loved to spend time with his family.

Big John is survived by his wife, Karen, four children; April (Fiancé Stephen) Unser of Durand, Little John (Tara) of Mondovi, Joseph and Justin “Bacon”, both of Eau Galle, four grandchildren; Shantel, Jackson, Jacob and Braelee, his mother; Dorothy “Sis” Unser of Durand, two brothers; Kenny Mike (Barb) and Jim (Dawn “Sis”), both of Arkansaw, four sisters; Carlene Unser of Menomonie, Marjorie (Joe) Brunner of Eau Claire, Mary Brantner of Lakeville, MN and Patrice (Michael) Pollard of Salem, OR, aunt; Sr. Carlene Unser of LaCrosse, mother-in-law; Theresa Zastrow of Arcadia, a special dog; Optimus, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. He is preceded in death by his father, Ken Sr., two brothers-in-law; John Harris and Larry Brantner, Godfather; Jerry Baier, one nephew; Christopher Brunner and father-in-law; Raymond Zastrow.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 11:00 AM Monday, September 22, 2014 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Arkansaw. Rev. Paul G. Czerwonka will officiate. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Friends may call from 4-8 PM Sunday at the Rhiel Funeral Home in Durand and one hour prior to services at the church on Monday.

Rhiel Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Durand, is serving the family.

Condolences

1. The Vasquez Family October 31, 2014, at 2:49pm

   We are sorry to hear about the passing of your loved one. Words don't always ease the pain when you are grieving the death of a loved one, but we hope you will find hope in Jesus' promise of the redirection hope (Acts 24:14) when he will rise up tho sleeping in death (John 11:11) restoring them back to life, on the renewed paradise( John 5:28,29; Luke 24:43) what a wonderful blessing to look forward too. Until then, may Jehovah God (Psalms 83:18) grant you peace and comfort during this grievous time. - Matthew 5:4.

2. Jim and Donna Weber September 23, 2014, at 7:37am

   To the Unser Family,

   We are so very sorry for your loss. You are all in our hearts and in our prayers.

3. Monica Heitman September 22, 2014, at 4:10pm

   My deepest sympathy to all the Unser family. May you stay close to support each other as you go through this very trying time. God Speed, Monica

4. Lisa (Brantner) Bazille September 21, 2014, at 10:40pm

   Hi Karen and family!!
   I'm so sorry for your loss of John. You all have my deepest sympathy!!

5. Diane Baier Pomplun September 21, 2014, at 8:21pm

   Dear Unsers,
   I remember John as a youngster as always having a smile on his face. You could not always know if he was just happy or if he had been into a little mischief!! Please accept my condolences on the loss of your son and brother in this most difficult time.
   My prayers are with you.

   Diane Pomplun (Baier) Leonard and Janet's daughter

6. Amanda andPaul Glaus September 21, 2014, at 4:12pm

   So sorry for you loss. Please know that your family is in our thoughts and prayers.

7. Randy and Nancy Weber September 21, 2014, at 7:32am

   I have known John for nearly 50 years. From grade school in Eau Galle, through High School in Durand and into our working years. John was always fun loving and hard working. He was a big man with a big laugh and a bigger heart.

8. Bernard and Karen Fredrickson September 20, 2014, at 7:14pm

   We don't know John's kids but knew all his brothers and sisters. We send our most heartfelt sympathy to all the family...may God bless you all.

9. Jay & Lina Trinko and Mercedes Mc Carthy September 20, 2014, at 1:49pm

   Our sincerest sympathies and condolences to the Unser Family, and to all of John's Family and Friends. He will not be forgotten. Our prayers are with you.

10. David & Cassie Bundy September 18, 2014, at 5:53pm

    May time ease your pain. A great man was lost much too early....You are always in our thoughts and prayers.

11. Pat & Todd Bignell September 16, 2014, at 5:00pm

    Our thoughts and prayers go out to all of you, John was a good man and may you all treasure all your memories you had with him.

12. Darrell & Glenda Komro September 15, 2014, at 8:29pm

    Our condolences to the Unser family. Our thoughts & prayers are with you in your time of need.

13. carol pickerign September 15, 2014, at 8:20pm

    You are never alone and will never forgotten. Will always be with you. May Gods love surround your family with love and strength to go forth.

14. Erin Richardson September 15, 2014, at 4:15pm

    So sorry for the loss. Thoughts and prayers to the family.

15. Chad & BeckyTraun and Family September 15, 2014, at 4:04pm

    We're so sorry to hear about Big John, he had a heart of gold. His children and Grand children were the light of his life. May the thoughts and memories of him bring you peace.

16. Twylah Wieland September 15, 2014, at 12:44pm

    I am so sorry to hear about John. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Sincere sympathy.

17. Carol & Jerry Unser Sr. September 15, 2014, at 8:47am

    John so sorry our thoughts and prayers are with you,say hi to dad and all the boys in Heaven.

18. Laurie Burt September 15, 2014, at 12:29am

    So sorry for your loss

19. Amy Hutter September 14, 2014, at 9:50pm

    I am so very sorry for your loss. My prayers are with you all.

20. Phyllis Lovell September 14, 2014, at 9:45pm

    Karen, I don't know if you remember me, I worked with you at McMillian Electric. You have my deepest sympathy and prayers for the Lord to ease your pain.

21. Mary Jane Kralewski September 14, 2014, at 9:05pm

    I just wanted to add that I also knew Carleen. This has had to be one of the hardest things your family has had to live through! Again my sympathies to all of you and all my prayers.

22. Mary Jane Kralewski September 14, 2014, at 8:17pm

    I am so sorry for your loss. I didn't know John but I knew Marjorie, Kenny Mike and Mary. I know that this is a hard time for all of the family. Sending prayers to all of you and also my sympathy. Mary Jane Kralewski

23. September 14, 2014, at 8:15pm

    Our thoughts and prayers to the entire Unser family. Bruce and Anita Haskins.

24. Sue Johnson September 14, 2014, at 8:12pm

    So very sorry for your loss> my thoughts and prayers are with you all.

25. Richard & Dorothy September 14, 2014, at 7:50pm

    our Prayers & thoughts to your family

26. Sindy Casey September 14, 2014, at 7:18pm

    So sorry for your loss. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers!!

27. Rick and Denise Polzer September 14, 2014, at 7:12pm

    Deepest sympathy.hold close the memories of "big John".

28. Laurie Brantner September 14, 2014, at 6:53pm

    My sympathy to the entire Unser family. I'm so sorry for your loss and will keep you all in our prayers.

29. Scott and Kathy (Hutter) Messier September 14, 2014, at 6:27pm

    Our thoughts and prayers go out to you all. John was a great man with a big heart. He will be missed by many

30. Diane Mack September 14, 2014, at 6:17pm

    So sorry about John. May the light of the Holy Spirit keep all of the family strong and keep all your good memories in your hearts.

31. Tina & Tom September 14, 2014, at 6:07pm

    So sorry,for your loss.
    Prayers to your family,during this difficult time.

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