John James Albinger

John James Albinger, 40, passed away Sunday, April 7, 2013. John will be missed greatly by his family and friends, including his father, Tom Albinger of Saukville, his twin sister Jodie and brother-in-law John Weigel of Port Washington and four nieces (Abigail, Amanda, Anna and Alyssa), his Aunt Jo Ann Cherney of Menomonee Falls who loved John dearly and helped raise him after his mother passed away, as well as many other loving aunts, uncles and family members. John was preceded in death by his mother, Dianne Albinger (nee Plier), and his grandparents who also helped raise him, Lawrence and Marian Albinger, and Alfred and Dorothy Plier. Also left behind are many friends who loved and cared for John. John thought of his friends as family and loved them dearly. He loved life and lived it to the fullest, and his friends were a very big part of that. There was an incredible outpouring of support from so many people who knew John, more than could ever be mentioned here. Thank you to all who laughed with John, shared with John, partied with John, played games with John and loved John. Among them are Aaron, Amy G. Amy P., Brian, Carlos, Chris, Chuck, Dan, Darren, Jason, Jerry and Serge, Mark P., Morris, Nick, Paul, Rodd, Ron and Joe, Ryan, Steve and Jody, Terry, and Father Mark Payne. John also leaves behind his blue Great Dane, Norman, which he cherished and owned with his dear friend, Jason. John was a respected colleague at Northwestern Mutual where he had a successful career in information technology and enterprise management. John was inspired by several people in his life, and he would not have had his career in information technology without them. While working at the Waubeka Fire Hall as a young man, John met Dennis Rathke. John learned a great deal from Dennis as part of a team to run and grow the fire hall's weekly fish fry. Another inspirational figure was Bev Synagogue. Bev hired John at the American Society for Quality, where he worked throughout his college years. Bev gave John the freedom to implement ideas and improve processes, often using his knowledge of computer technology. During his nearly 19 years at Northwestern Mutual, John formed strong bonds and deep friendships with so many of his co-workers. He was particularly grateful to Todd Zinkgraf for his ever-present guidance and lasting friendship throughout the many years that he and John worked together. John also wished to acknowledge his LGBT and St. Veronica families. Lastly, John (and his family and friends) wanted to thank Yee Lan Wong, his doctors and the staff at Froedtert who cared for him during his battle with colon cancer. Throughout his treatment, John found that he could rely on Yee Lan's quiet strength, warmth and compassion. Thank you, too, to the understanding nurses and staff at Horizon Hospice in Mequon. John, we'll always remember the love that you gave us, and the ways that you changed us. Service & Reception InfoA visitation and celebration of John's life will take place at Northshore Funeral Services, 3601 N. Oakland Avenue, Shorewood, WI, on Sunday, April 14, from 1 to 5 pm with a prayer service at 4:30 pm. ""There is a vitality, a life force, an energy, a quickening that is translated through you into action, and because there is only one of you in all of time, this expression is unique. And if you block it, it will never exist through any other medium and it will be lost. The world will not have it. It is not your business to determine how good it is nor how valuable nor how it compares with other expressions. It is your business to keep it yours clearly and directly, to keep the channel open. You do not even have to believe in yourself or your work. You have to keep yourself open and aware to the urges that motivate you. Keep the channel open. ... No artist is pleased. [There is] no satisfaction whatever at any time. There is only a queer divine dissatisfaction, a blessed unrest that keeps us marching and makes us more alive than the others."" ? Martha Graham