August “Auggie” Frank Dascenzo

August Frank Dascenzo (Auggie), Beloved Husband, Father, Grandfather, and Great-Grandfather, 96, of New Berlin, Wisconsin, peacefully passed away at The Grand Hills Castle in the early hours of June 2, 2023. Auggie was born in Waukesha, WI, to Mary and John Dascenzo in Waukesha, WI, on Friday, August 13, 1926. He was raised in Waukesha, Wisconsin, and left school at 13 to begin working on his uncle’s farm to help support his family.

He entered the US Navy in 1943 and served during WWII for two years on a LST 1098 ship.  When he returned after the war, he met Judith, who would become the love of his life. They married on July 10, 1948, and made their home in Waukesha, WI. In 1949, they began a family. Their family grew to have four beautiful daughters, Patricia, Roxanne, Jo Ellen, and Cheryl. Auggie worked in a factory until his father-in-law talked him into joining Bobke Paint, the family business. Soon he was opening a new store on Greenfield Avenue all by himself! He dedicated himself to the company until he retired in 1991.

Auggie enjoyed the outdoors, whether fishing, boating, or lawn manicuring.  When his children were younger, they spent weekends boating on the Wolf River in the summer. Auggie and Judith enjoyed traveling. After retirement, they bought an RV and hit the road exploring the country, from Nevada’s deserts to Niagara Falls’ cliffs.  In the winter, they became snowbirds at the RV park in Hattiesburg, MS.

In 1998, they decided to buy a home in Spring Hill, FL, with the encouragement of their good friends Margie and Jack living there. They would spend half the year in FL and six months at the cottage on Lake Winnebago. Finding a new church home was the #1 priority for them. They soon joined Spring Hill United Church of Christ. Auggie joined the men’s group and became a Deacon and Usher.  They soon had a jam-packed social calendar between luncheons, dinners, church events, playing dominos, gin rummy, hosting family visits, and bike rides with Jerry.

On May 5, 2018, Auggie had the experience of a lifetime. He finally had his turn to board an Honor Flight out of Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport to Washington, D.C. Cheryl could accompany him. He was 1 of 4 WWII Vets flying that day. They took in the monuments and the D.C. War Memorial and World War II Memorial. The most memorable part of the trip was his return to the terminal. There were hundreds of people lined up to welcome home the veterans. He had the biggest smile and was thrilled to find his wife’s face and other family members in the crowd.

Preceding him in death were his parents; sister Joanne Kienast, brother Robert Dascenzo and sister Harriet Tegge. Auggie is survived by his wife Judith, sister Rosie Gjerdset, daughters Patricia and (Gordon) Pierce, and granddaughter Jonelle Chovanec. Daughter Roxanne and (Robert) Dascenzo-Sanchez, granddaughter Natalie and (Scott) Edelkamp and great-grandchildren Alex and Ella, grandson Nathan Dunkelberger. Daughter Jo Ellen Dascenzo, granddaughter Rachel and (Eric) Agans, great-grandsons Chase and Anthony, grandson Justin Gruenwald and (Courtney) Gruenwald, great-granddaughters Madilyn and Hanna, and great-grandson Riley. Daughter Cheryl Dascenzo, granddaughter Haley LaSavage, grandson Daniel and (Jessi) LaSavage and great-granddaughter Juliana and Brooklyn, granddaughter Sheila, and (Kevin) LaSavage, and great-granddaughters Olive and Charlie. Along with many nieces, nephews, and friends.

The Celebration of Life service will be at 4:00 PM on Wednesday, June 21, 2023, at Krause Funeral Home, 12401 West National Avenue, New Berlin, Wisconsin. Visitation will be from 2:00 PM to 3:45 PM.

Memorials in Auggie’s name can be made to Blue Star Families.