John "Johann" Edward Wanamaker
April 17, 1936 - October 26, 2014
Obituary
Early on October 26th, 2014 in Antalya, Turkey, John “Johann” Edward Wanamaker of Eagle, Idaho passed on after a valiant battle to stay alive; he died at the Antalya Yasam Hastanesi “Life Hospital.” While visiting ancient Aphrodisias, named after Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love, he suffered an apparent stroke and was rushed to the hospital by ambulance. He and his wife, Paulette “Pauli” Wanamaker (née Ellingson) were on a tour of Turkey and both had looked forward to soaring over ancient Cappadocia in a hot air balloon.
John was retired from the Idaho Transportation Department in 1995, and Paulette from teaching in Manhattan Beach in 1999, after which they lived their dream of traveling the world. At last count, Pauli had amassed 24 journals from their adventures. No obituary could ever do justice to the wonderful life they enjoyed together.
Even after death they both planned to be together in the same plot. John’s remains will be interred in the cemetery at Bonney-Watson Washington Memorial.
Their home has been in Eagle, Idaho for many years, a home he built in 1974. There will be a gathering in Eagle, to be announced later.
Pauli, you and John had a very special life together. I loved the way you always held hands. I know you have so many memories to cherish. He was a very special man and I was blessed to have known him. Love to you, Jenny
Paulette – I was saddened to read about John’s passing. I had the privilege of talking with him at our Cleveland Reunions in the last few years.
Take care of yourself knowing that you have a lot of friends keeping you in their thoughts and prayers.
This world has lost a sincere impish smile. We will miss you on Wednesday nights John.
We miss you with all our heart, John. We’ll watch after my mom and keep our happy memories with you alive and well. We’ll try to feed as many birds as possible in your honor too. I wonder if there are newspapers in heaven for you to know all the world’s news or if you just experience it all at once. Please continue to be our guardian angel. Please give Grandpa Jack, Grandma Mary Alice, Grandma May, Grandpa Mike, my dad, Merle, and all our loved ones a huge John hug from us. Please keep Dot close. She is quite a little rascal. Please join us in our gatherings, celebrations and hard times. We miss you and love you! Stacey, Lee and Ruby
Pauli,
Please accept our condolences. We were deeply saddened to hear about John’s passing. We enjoyed his company at the Edelweiss Club meetings and will miss him.
Pauli,
I was so shocked and saddened to hear about John’s death. I think of him every time I dance his favorite dance “Italianer.”