Warren K. Backus

Warren Kenneth Backus, 80, of Malone, died on January 31, 2018 at his home. He was born on March 13, 1937 in West Allis, son of Rueben and Clara (Barth) Backus. He married his first (and only) love, Joan Catalano, on October 23, 1971, at Holy Family Church in Milwaukee.



Warren was a wood pattern maker for 45 years, working 37 of those years at the Neenah Foundry. He was easy-going and eternally optimistic; he never complained. He enjoyed gardening and liked tricking his coworkers into eating the hot peppers he grew. Tractors and traveling put a smile on his face, too. He was proud that he had been to almost every state in the country and was particularly fond of the Canadian Rockies. Warren’s favorite place, however, was sitting on his deck with a beer to enjoy the sunset over the lake at home. 



Warren was a lifetime member of St. Paul’s United Church of Christ in Malone. He spent many years on the church property committee and was happy to volunteer for the annual German dinners. He became known as the “Sauerkraut King.”



Warren is survived by his wife, Joan; his children: Sarah (Steven) Jain, Daniel (Dana) Backus, and Laura (Paul) Wall; grandchildren: Roman and Cole Backus, and Charles Wall; and nieces: Jane, Beth, and Pat.



Warren was preceded in death by his parents, Rueben and Clara; a brother: Donald (Elaine) Backus; and a sister: Doris (Howard) Landvatter.



Funeral services are scheduled 2:30pm on Monday, February 5, 2018, at the St. Paul’s United Church of Christ (N10362 St. Paul Rd.) in Malone. Friends may call at the church from 1:00pm to 2:30pm on the day of the service.



The family would like to make a special acknowledgment to Warren’s Neenah Foundry coworkers, all of his friends, and his extended family.