John George Fabie
July 11, 1938 - July 11, 2025
Obituary
LIVESTREAM SERVICE:
John's Livestream Service will begin at 12 noon CT on Sunday, July 27, 2025. Scroll down to the Webcast section and click on “Watch Now.”
MADISON - John George Fabie passed away peacefully on his 87th birthday, July 11, 2025, in Madison, Wis. Born in Chicago, Ill., in 1938 to Katherine and John Fabie, John lived a life marked by faith, service, dedication, and love.
A proud graduate of Lane Tech High School in Chicago, John was awarded a Navy ROTC scholarship to the University of Idaho in Moscow, where his deep Lutheran faith led him to the Campus Christian Center. It was later at a Christian conference that he met the love of his life, JoAnn. They married on December 27, 1961, in Wendell, Idaho, beginning a partnership that spanned more than six decades.
John served as a U.S. Navy Lieutenant and helicopter pilot aboard naval aircraft carriers in the Pacific, with assignments that took the couple from Pensacola, Fla., where John trained at Navy flight school, to San Diego, Calif., where their first son was born.
After his military service, John began a long and fulfilling career as an electrical engineer and executive with Wisconsin Power and Light, later Alliant Energy. From 1966 to 1994, he served in several leadership roles, including Northern Area Director, Director of Safety and Corporate Secretary while moving with his growing family across Wisconsin: from Sun Prairie to Madison, Mineral Point, Ripon, Fond du Lac, back to Sun Prairie, and finally retiring in Waunakee. Most recently, he and JoAnn made their home at Settlers Ridge at Oakwood, Madison, where they shared one joyful year together reconnecting with old friends and making new ones.
An Eagle Scout, John served as a dedicated Scouting volunteer for both Great Lakes and Glaciers Edge Councils. Serving on the local advancement committee, where he helped many Scouts complete their own journey to the Eagle Award.
John’s sharp intellect and kind spirit found a lifelong outlet in his passion for theology. He was a devoted member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Madison, serving on numerous committees, singing in the choir, and offering his time generously, whether it was helping fellow seniors with their taxes or supporting community members in quiet, steadfast ways.
John was preceded in death by his parents, Katherine and John Fabie; and his brother, George Fabie. He is survived by his beloved wife, JoAnn; their three children and their spouses; six grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; as well as many dear friends and extended family members whose lives were touched by his wisdom, humor, and deep care.
John’s legacy is one of faith in action; a life well-lived in service to his family, his community, and his God.
A memorial service will be held at TRINITY LUTHERAN CHURCH, 1904 Winnebago St., Madison, at 12 noon on Sunday, July 27, 2025. Family and friends who wish to view the service via LIVESTREAM may visit John’s obituary page at www.gundersonfh.com at the time of the service and click on Watch Now in the Webcast section.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Trinity Lutheran Church or to a charity of your choice in John’s memory. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.
Gunderson East
Funeral & Cremation Care
5203 Monona Drive
(608) 221-5420