John Wesley-Dulaney Early Jr

John W. D. Early Jr., 51, Athens, died Thursday, October 16, 2014 at Aspirus Wausau Hospital. He was born March 5, 1963 in Culpepper, Virginia, son of Lillie (Hoffman) Early and John Early Sr. On June 23, 2007, he married Diana Vrchota in Elburn, Illinois. John worked for County Materials for over 20 years as a heavy equipment operator and most recently as a foreman. Among his favorite pastimes, he loved to ride his Harley-Davidson motorcycle, fishing and most of all, spending time at home with his family and watching football on television. In his younger years, John had a great passion for motor cross and had many great times and made many memories with his children at the track. Survivors include, his loving wife, Diana Early, Athens; his loving children, Jason (Sherry) Early, Madison, Va., Melissa (Jamie) Hoffman, Gordonsville, Va., Amber Early, Wausau; he was an affectionate dad to Matthew Wiebe, Athens; six grandchildren, Chelsey, Emma and Jamilyn Hoffman, Tiyler, Maeleea and Julius Early; his mother, Lillie Early, Culpepper, Va.; his father, John (Alice) Early, Bealeton, Va.; his mother-in-law, Judy (Robert) Dudek, Streamwood, Ill.; two brothers, Conway Early, Marshfield and Kevin (Kristie) Early, Bealeton, Va.; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by one son, Chadwick; and his father-in-law, Frank Vrchota. Funeral services will be at 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, October 19, 2014 at Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, Athens. Rev. Jeffrey Lambrecht will officiate. Friends may call on Sunday from 2:00 p.m. until time of services at the funeral home. Private burial will be in St. Mary Cemetery, Marathon. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com