John Eugene Kompsie

MADISON - John E. Kompsie, 78, of Madison, Wis., passed away peacefully on Wednesday, Dec. 23, 2020, surrounded by his loving family. He was born in Bessemer Township, Mich., to Edna and Gene Kompsie. John grew up spending his time with his two brothers, his sister, his cousins and family friends. He excelled in school, becoming the Valedictorian of the 1960 J.E. Murphy graduating high school class and being a participant in Badger Boys State. He was admitted and attended a year at the University of Wisconsin-Madison--the Badgers for whom he would be a solid supporter in the years to come. John’s life changed forever when he met his wife, Judy. John, a man of few words, knew immediately that she was the gal for him. What began as a friendship grew into a deep and loving, life-long relationship. John married the love of his life, Judy, on April 20, 1963. Together they set down roots in Madison, where he worked for the University of Wisconsin-Madison in computer science for over 40 years. He was instrumental in helping with the transition from a mainframe computer system to the online system currently used at the university. John was a proud father, supporting his children in their learning and helping them know the importance of being good people. His greatest joy, besides his wife, Judy, were his grandchildren and great-grandchild. John and Judy would think nothing of traveling at the spur of the moment to trick or treat with their grandkids, to cheer them on at their sporting events whether it was football, soccer, cross country, wrestling, basketball or track and field or to hear them play in band, sing in a musical or an opera. John had a beautiful, big voice and he loved singing. He was a member of the Messiah Lutheran choir for many years. John loved his Green Bay Packers and never missed watching a game. He enjoyed collecting coins, fishing trips to the Quetico, reading and dancing in the kitchen with his sweetheart. John is preceded in death by his parents, Gene and Edna Kompsie; his sister, Carol Tomlanovich; his brother, Bill Kompsie; and nephew, Dan Tomlanovich. John is survived by his loving wife of almost 58 years, Judy (Pachmayer) Kompsie; his four children, Pam Winkler (Bob), Gene (fiancé, Kim), Matthew (JeanAnne) and Jennifer Porter (Kerry); as well as his beloved grandchildren, Sarah (Caleb), Zach, John, Mark, Max, Cal, Maija, Libby, Maleah, Mattie; and great-granddaughter, Coraline. John is also survived by his younger brother, Bob Kompsie of Kimball, Wis. John’s family would like to thank the care team at Agrace HospiceCare for helping to fulfill John’s last wishes to be home and with his family. Your gift of time and compassion will forever be cherished. A celebration of John’s life will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, from 1 p.m. until 3 p.m. on Saturday, July 17, 2021. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the Parkinson’s Foundation or Agrace HospiceCare in John’s name. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com. Remember when you go into the world to keep your eyes and ears wide open. And be kind. Love one another. Take care of each other. Tell the truth. Always do your best. Listen to the big people and the little people. Explore new paths and have fun. Know that you are loved like crazy. Give thanks for all your blessings. Above all else, Love and you will do wonderful things in this world. - Rebecca Puig Gunderson East Funeral & Cremation Care 5203 Monona Drive (608) 221-5420