John J. Regan Jr.
September 13, 1942 - June 29, 2017
Obituary
DEERFIELD/MIDDLETON—John J. Regan, age 74, of Deerfield passed away unexpectedly on June 29, 2017 following surgery at St. Mary’s Hospital in Madison. He was born on September 13, 1942 in Hillsboro, WI, the son of John and Helen (Krause) Regan. He married Cynthia Jane Festge on June 10, 1972 in Madison, WI. He grew up at the Badger Ordinance Village, began high school in Prairie du Sac, and graduated from Middleton High School. He attended UW-Madison before serving in the Army in Vietnam and Germany. He then earned an Associate’s Degree in Computer Science from MATC and began his career at Swiss Colony Data Center in Monroe. He moved to Deerfield in 1977 and worked for the State of Wisconsin until 2004. In retirement, he enjoyed hunting at the “chalet”, fishing for trout in local streams, woodworking, and working out at the Double Forte family land. Spending time with grandson Benjamin brought him great joy. He was an exceptional storyteller, adjusting the truth as desired, and he would look for any excuse to go on a road trip. He enjoyed trying to fix things—celebrating his successes and rediscovering the necessary tools that had been “temporarily non-locatable”. Above all else, he loved his family. He will be greatly missed by his loving wife of 45 years, Cindy; his mother, Helen; children Zeke (Jessica), Joe, Erin (J.B.) Clark and grandson Benjamin; brothers, Patrick and Thomas; and many other family and friends. He was preceded in death by his father, John, and brothers James Todd, Michael, and Steven. Funeral services will be held at ST. PAUL’S LIBERTY LUTHERAN CHURCH, 3494 Oak Park Road, Deerfield at 11 a.m. on Thursday, July 6, 2017. Visitation will be held at GUNDERSON WEST FUNERAL & CREMATION CARE, 7435 University Ave., Middleton from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Wednesday, July 5, 2017 and also on Thursday at the church from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the service. Burial will take place at Forest Hill Cemetery following the fellowship and luncheon. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the family to be distributed to a variety of charities important to John. A special thank you to the staff at St. Mary’s Cardiac ICU for their exceptional care. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.
Events
Visitation
Wed Jul 5, 2017 @ 4:00 AM - 7:00 PM CDT
Gunderson Funeral and Cremation Care - Madison • 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, WI 53716
Visitation
Thu Jul 6, 2017 @ 9:30 AM - 11:00 AM CDT
St. Paul's Liberty Lutheran Church (Deerfield) • 3494 Oak Park Road, Deerfield, WI null
Service
Thu Jul 6, 2017 @ 11:00 AM CDT
St. Paul's Liberty Lutheran Church (Deerfield) • 3494 Oak Park Road, Deerfield, WI null
Photos
No photos of John have been shared yet.
Memories
SH
Sue Hineline
Other •
A beautiful tribute to John! We will so dearly miss his stories and his ability to keep the equipment humming at the Double Forte. We know he loved the time he spent at the land by the care he gave it. -- Dave and Sue
BH
Bill Hunter
Other •
John Regan was a very special friend to me and many people. He was always ready to help someone in need , and with smile. In 2009, I had lung surgery, and he was with me during my entire hospital stay and also cared for me at home. John was an amazing and wonderful person,. He will be dearly missed by his family and many friends. May he rest in peace.
Bill Hunter
LS
Lee Schmidt
Other •
I'm so sorry for your loss. I never had the pleasure of meeting John but have heard many great stories from Joe during our many years working together at Bassett. It was very apparent that he was a loving family man and that his family cherished him dearly. Please know that your family will be in my thoughts and prayers.
MR
Michael Ricaurte
Other •
Our thoughts and prayers to the Regan family. John was a wonderful uncle. Fond memories of him being so welcoming to Michael. Loved the way his eyes lit up when he held our daughter Brigette as a baby. Saw that sparkle in his eye every time he was with his grandson, Benjamin. His dedication to the Double Forte will be missed.
Love
Kate, Michael, Brigette & Sonya Ricaurte
MJ
Michelle Jensen
Other •
Cindy, Zeke, Joe, Erin and spouses,
We are so sorry for your loss. The Richmond family Christmas enjoyed many years with John playing Santa to the grandchildren. He always took time to make the "visit" special and the visit was especially loved by my grandmother because he made her the focus of his visit. We have many pictures of John with each family for their traditional picture with Santa. I will miss his stories and feel privileged to have had the opportunity to sit with him and Cindy on occasion to hear a tale or two from his childhood. Our hearts ache for your sudden loss.
God's Peace to you,
Michelle Jensen
SP
Sarah Paoli
Other •
I am out of town and have just heard of John's passing. I am so very sad to hear this. Over the years I have enjoyed my visits with John. His stories were always entertaining. He always had a laugh, a smile and most times he even had a hug for me. I will miss him catching me up on his family, which he loved so very much and beamed with pride as he would talk about you all. He will be missed! My deepest sympathies to you Cindy, Zeke & Jess, Joe, Erin and family. With love and prayers, Sarah (Neath) Paoli