John Milford Born

John M. Born, age 65 of Middleton, WI passed away suddenly of a heart attack on Saturday, May 7th, 2016 at his home in Middleton. "Come in Tokyo".  "Houston, we have a problem".  The "Living Legend" has now become The Legend.   No one was ready for this.  Bear Hugs for everyone. "Down in front", get ready and hold on before you're "half ashed" - the story begins... John was born on August 8, 1950 in Sheboygan, WI, the son of Leona and Milford "Micky" Born. "Glad you could meet me".  John married Frayne Boyce on October 30th, 1993 in Middleton, WI.  He graduated from Sheboygan South High School in 1969. John then moved to Madison and met his first wife Rose Staver. They had two children, Albert and Melissa. He obtained his degree in Culinary Arts in 1971. "We will have Roast Beef and Beef Roast".  Around this time John was also "Combat Trained" in the National Guard.   "Don't let your meat loaf" yet.  While attending MATC John interned at Cuna Mutual Cafeteria.  He quickly impressed his superiors and was offered a full time job.  He wasted no time and soon rose to the top.  "Wa da ya mean?"  Well, he was the top dog, head honcho, the main man, aka general manager.  24 years of stardom, that's 6 times 4 for all the math whizzes and "Pissics" majors. That gave him all the tools he needed for the next chapter. Time for the heavy lifting everyone "Buck up - 80 pound pack".  John then proceeded to manage Pleasant View Golf Course for Cuna Mutual Group and turned it into a very attractive and profitable business. The City of Middleton then purchased it while John continued to manage.  "It's just another day in paradise"... Thinking the grass was greener on the other side, John gave sales a spin for a bit.  "Who gives a rat's ass".  He needed something more exciting.  "What are we going to do next?"  Drum roll please...  John moved on and began his adventure with the Russ Darrow Group.  As a shuttlecraft pilot, he blasted quickly into fame and became Director of the Shuttle Craft Division.  Ehh em "After all, I am the family breadwinner you know". John enjoyed participating in golf, baseball, and bowling.  He won many major awards bowling, including City of Madison champion in all events in the mid 70's.  Now you know why he would always ask "You don't remember who I used to be?" "Jawohl Herr Kommandant".  Yes Mister Commander!  He was a bit of a car nut too, loved maintaining his vehicles to showroom condition and enjoyed keeping up on everything from classic muscle to all the latest and greatest cars and trucks.  Always the sport enthusiast, he was a huge Badger fan and enjoyed going to many games, even traveling to Hawaii and several bowl games.  Despite his incredible fear of flying, he still loved to travel and made great friends everywhere.  Friends and family always had a great time with John.  There was never a dull moment, as he couldn't stand being anything less than the life of the party.  There were no boundaries when going out, even the waitstaff needed attention "You know, there's only one thing better than the food...the service".  "Guess what?  That's what."  Cats.  Now who would have thought John loved cats?  Pixie and Frankie are purring loudly for him.  Suzi Q, Lizzy, Izzy and Mariah are now with him.  "Ol buddy, Ol Pal, Ol friend".  Dogs too -  Tucker, Pepper and Mover are now by his side guarding him. Music - in many ways John was certainly a frontman.  He also had a short stint on guitar in high school and sadly his chance to join Chicago as lead singer was foiled by "technical difficulties". From metal to country he would truly enjoy and critique everything.  He loved seeing his daughter or son perform live as well.  Something with "Tiny Bubbles" sounds pretty good right now, doesn't it?  Everyone raise your glasses high for this mighty legend, I guess we're all "Hooked on a Feeling" right now.  25 or 6 to 4, we will never know.  He was proud of his children and their accomplishments.  He loved to goof around with his grandchildren and they added a huge twinkle to this strong and charismatic man.  They will miss grandpa dearly, but there is reassurance that there will be many to tell his story. John is survived by his wife Frayne, sister Mary Lytle, stepmother Dorothy Scroggins, son and daughter-in-law Albert and Brenda Born, daughter and son-in-law Melissa and Tim Hall, stepson Graham Gehin, grandchildren Devin Hall and Zeva, Apollo and Dane Born.  He is also survived by sister-in-law and husband Tracey Boyce and Guy Meyer, numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.  John was preceded in death by his parents Leona and Milford "Micky" Born, stepfather Robert Scroggins, father and mother-in-law George and Jane Boyce. "You are going to miss me when I'm gone".  Damnit John, why do you always have to be right?  The Big Nuec will be terribly missed.  It's "time to hit the happy ass trail".  The Legend will now live on strong and free in our hearts... "And I can't help falling in love with you".  No John, we can't help falling in love with you.  We love and miss you so much.  Someday we shall all meet again. In the words of the Legend himself..."and by the way, you are all cordially invited to my funeral.  We are serving beer and ham sandwiches."  Visitation will be on Saturday, May 14th 2016 from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. with service immediately following at Gunderson Funeral Home, 7435 University Ave., Middleton, WI.  Everyone is encouraged to wear Hawaiian shirts and baseball caps on this special day in celebration of the Legendary Life of John M Born. Hey John, can I buy you a beer?  "No, I'll take the money instead"...  In lieu of flowers John would appreciate donations.  Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.