John Francis Gotelaere, 76, of Superior, died Thursday, January 14, 2016, at his residence.

He was born June 9, 1939, in Superior, son of Francis "Wen" and Frances (Jolicoeur) Gotelaere.

John was loved by everyone who knew him and those who met him for the first time. According to one of his sisters, "There was not a stranger in his life." He enjoyed riding his bike, collecting aluminum cans and the tabs, fishing perch on the coal dock, going to the fair, and attending monthly meetings at the Belgian Club. In addition to the Belgian Club, John was a member of St. Anthony's Catholic Church. At St. Anthony's, he especially enjoyed shaking hands and greeting people.

Preceding him in death were his parents; brother, Nick; and brother-in-law, Bob Rolandson.

Survivors include his siblings, G. Dave (Jan) Gotelaere, Avon Park, Florida, Betty Rolandson, Superior, Vic (Pat) Gotelaere, Sun City West, Arizona, Frank (Bev) Gotelaere, Superior, Jerry (Carol) Gotelaere, Superior, Bob (Mary Ann "Snooks") Gotelaere, Barnes, Wisconsin, Steve Gotelaere, Superior, Don Gotelaere, Superior, Becky (Al "Skip") Jones, South Range, Wisconsin, Katie (Kirk) Schleife, Trego, Wisonsin, Andy (Darlyne Malmquist) Gotelaere, Jim Falls, Wisconsin and Sally (Tom) Johnson, Superior; sister-in-law, Debbie Gotelaere, Lester Prairie, Minnesota; and many nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews.

Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m., with a prayer service at 6:30 p.m Thursday, January 21, 2016, at Downs Funeral Home, 1617 N. 19th Street, Superior. The visitation will resume at 9 until the 10 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial, Friday, January 22nd, at St. Anthony's Catholic Church, Superior. Reverend Father Leon Flaherty will be the celebrant.

Pallbearers will be Steve, Craig and Scott Gotelaere, Jeff Rolandson, Chris Belch, April Campbell, Sara Pfau and Teresa Richards.

Interment will be in St. Francis Cemetery, Superior, with a luncheon to follow at the Belgian Club