MADISON - John Clayton Gehn, age 93, of Madison, passed away on Saturday, January 10, 2026. He was born January 18, 1932, in Elmwood, Wis., the son of Adolph and Mildred Gehn.

After graduating from Elmwood High School, John attended UW-River Falls, playing on the basketball team and graduating with a degree in Secondary Education. He then went on to earn his master’s degree in education administration from UW-Superior. He started his career as a history teacher in Glen Flora, Wis., and as a principal in Hawkins, Wis.

In 1952, he married Helen Elaine Lewis. They were married for 68 years, until her passing in 2020. While in Glen Flora, their son Michael and daughter Jill were born. In 1959, they moved to Hawkins, Wis., where they had a son, Robert Allen, who passed away in 1962. Later that year, the family moved to Gillman, Wis., where John became superintendent. In 1963, the family added a son, Daniel Lewis Gehn.

In 1967, the family moved to a farm near Wyalusing State Park. John was then superintendent of West Grant School District. In 1975, they moved to Mazomanie where John became superintendent of Wisconsin Heights Schools. John retired in 1990 and after retirement, Helen and John spent a lot of time traveling.

John never missed the opportunity of attending his children and grandchildren’s sporting events and dance recitals. He was a big fan of Badgers sports, the Packers and the Brewers.

John is survived by his children, Michael (Susan) Gehn, Jill (David) Dahmen and Daniel Gehn; grandchildren, Emily (Clint) Tornow, Matthew (Mari) Gehn, Aly (Duncan) Grant, Bo (Lisa) Dahmen, Lucy, Grace and Gus Gehn; and great-grandchildren, Liam Gehn, Cameron, Olivia and Wesley Tornow, Odette and Imogen Dahmen, and Wyatt Grant. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Helen; son, Robert; and grandson, Brian.

A memorial service will be held at MIDLAND UNITED METHODIST CHURCH, 10235 County Road KP, Mazomanie, on Sunday, February 8, 2026, at 3 p.m. Visitation will be held at the church from 1:30 p.m. until the time of the service on Sunday.

Memorials may be made to the Mazomanie Community Food Pantry, where Helen and John volunteered for many years. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com

Gunderson Camacho Mount Horeb

Funeral & Cremation Care
500 N. Eighth St.
(608) 437-5077

John Clayton Gehn

January 18, 1932 - January 10, 2026

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