John W. Desmond

John W. Desmond of La Crosse and Naples Florida passed away on February 16th at the age of 93. All of his seven children were able to be home at his side. John was born in La Crosse on July 2nd, 1922 to John and Esther (Linker) Desmond.
John attended St. Mary's grade school and graduated from Aquinas High School in 1940. After high school, he attended St. Thomas University in St. Paul until he was drafted in 1942. He served in the Pacific during WWII and earned the rank of Sergeant.
Returning home, he worked as a banker until he purchased Howard's Clothing in 1948. Howard's was located at 112 So. 4th St. in a portion of the old Linker Hotel. While establishing himself as a successful clothier, he established a rental clothing department in 1958. The business began by renting formal dinner jackets and tuxedoes. To accommodate the growing tuxedo rental business, John purchased New Process Dry Cleaning, Pitzner’s and Boulevard Dry Cleaners, beginning in 1964. To further the development of his own brand, the company would be renamed Desmond’s Mens Wear in 1965. The tuxedo business continued to grow into 130 formal wear retail outlets in 13 states over the next 40 years. To reflect the nature of the growing tuxedo business, the corporation was renamed Desmond's Formal Wear. John was always a strong advocate of downtown La Crosse and when the business outgrew its current location, he reopened in the Doerflinger Building, while servicing the tuxedoes from their plant in the La Crosse’s Industrial Park.
On December 30th, 1950, John married Mary (Simones) Desmond. John and Mary were married 47 years and raised eight children together. Mary passed away in 1997. In 2001, John married Hazel McGuire.
John was preceded in death by two sisters, Marge Healy and Mary Wagner, one son, Terry Desmond and a grandson, Sergeant James Regan. John is survived by one sister, Jean Kallies of Wauwatosa, seven children, John (Margie) Desmond of La Crosse (Megan & Bobby) , Mike (Karen) Desmond of La Crosse (Mike & Katie), Pat (Kathy) Desmond of San Diego (Pat), Mary (Jim) Regan of Manhasset NY (Maribeth, Colleen, Michaela), Brian Desmond of Chicago, Tim (Bwalya) Desmond of Onalaska (Victor & Simon), and Greg (Deb) Desmond of Delaware, Ohio, (Megan, Mason, Madison) and 6 great grandchildren. He is also survived by his wife Hazel (McGuire) Desmond and her children Kerri (Gary) Nygaard, Kristen Nagle (Cheyenne, Chelsea, Abigal, Ava, and Alan), Joe (Melissa) Sobkowiak (Alexis and Sam).
As a downtown business leader, John was very involved in the community serving on the Aquinas Foundation Board, the Blessed Sacrament Foundation and the La Crosse Industrial Board.
When John was younger he was an excellent bowler. Later he would become an avid golfer belonging to the La Crosse Country Club, serving as the Vice President for several terms. At age 80, he scored his first hole-in-one. He would tell younger golfers, never give up. He also had a great interest in investing in the stock market.
John was so proud of his family and took great interest in all of their careers and families. While never interfering, dad was always there to help any of his children.
John had great faith and lived his faith by helping others less fortunate. Consistent with his nature, he exhibited a very quiet philanthropy. His parish priests could count on his generosity, whether it be to help a fellow parishioner, a student, or a missionary; never caring about recognition.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 AM Friday, February 19 at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church. The Rev. Peter Raj will officiate. Burial will take place at the Catholic Cemetery in La Crosse. Friends may call on Friday from 9:00 AM until time of services at the church. The family wishes that memorials in John's honor be directed to The Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater La Crosse, Lead the Way Fund in honor of his deceased grandson Sergeant James J. Regan, PO Box 281 Manhasset NY or Aquinas Schools Foundation, The Salvation Army, Blessed Sacrament Parish or St. Patrick’s Parish.