John M. Hegge
October 27, 1933 - February 26, 2021
Obituary
MADISON/MONONA-John Michael Hegge, age 87, of Madison, passed away on Friday, Feb. 26, 2021 at St. Mary's Hospital.
He was born on Oct. 27, 1933, in Madison, Wis., the son of Wallace and Mary Ellen "Mae" (Sullivan) Hegge. He spent his childhood in Oregon, Wis. graduating from Edgewood High School. John was united in marriage to Marlys Ritschard on Feb. 8, 1958 at St. Raphael's Cathedral in Madison.
He worked in the dairy industry as a production supervisor for Marshall Dairy, specializing in cheese making ingredients. John truly grew with the company from a laborer to plant manager when he retired. He was a wonderful people person, who made everyone feel included.
John was an avid golfer throughout his whole life and achieved a hole in one in 1996. He had many wonderful memories of neighbors and friends from Rodney Court in Madison, where they raised their family. John had a gift of storytelling and an exceptional imagination. He will always be remembered for his sense of humor and way of making everyone comfortable. In addition to golf, John enjoyed doing crossword puzzles, reading and studying history.
John is survived by his wife of 63 years, Marlys; daughter, Mary (Hans Verick) Hegge; two sons, Michael (Julia) Hegge and Joseph (Juli Jacobs) Hegge; grandchildren, William (Cynthia) Chadwick, Emily (Carl James "C.J.") Matthews-Barr, Jane (Matt) Lorfeld and John “Jack” Hegge; great-grandchildren, Owen & Theo Matthews-Barr and Xavier Lorfeld; and sister-in-laws, Rosemarie Hegge and Lynn Hegge and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Joan (Wesley) Wethal and four brothers, Wallace (Peggy) Hegge Jr., Gerald Hegge, Richard (Alyce) Hegge and Ronald Hegge.
All are welcome to attend the Mass of Christian Burial held at IMMACULATE HEART OF MARY CATHOLIC CHURCH, 5101 Schofield St, Monona, at 12:00 pm on Wednesday March 3, 2021, with Father Chad Droessler presiding. Burial will follow at Roselawn Memorial Park. Visitation will be held at GUNDERSON FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE from 10 a.m until 11:30 a.m on Wednesday, March 3, 2021. Due to COVID-19 guidelines only 40 people are allowed into the funeral home at one time. Social distancing and face masks are required.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Immaculate Heart of Mary Scholarship Fund.
Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.
Gunderson East
Funeral & Cremation Care
5203 Monona Drive
(608) 221-5420
Events
Visitation
Wed Mar 3, 2021 @ 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM CDT
Gunderson East Funeral & Cremation Care • 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, WI 53716
Mass of Christian Burial
Wed Mar 3, 2021 @ 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM CDT
Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church • 5101 Schofield Street, Monona, WI 53716
Graveside Service
Wed Mar 3, 2021 @ 1:30 PM - 1:45 PM CDT
Roselawn Memorial Park • 401 Femrite Drive, Monona, WI 53716
Photos
No photos of John have been shared yet.
Memories
LT
Lynne Toseff
Other •
What a man John was. Heaven has gained a great comedian. When I arrived in Madison more than 50 years ago, I worked for Manpower and was sent to Marschall Dairy for a one day position at their front desk. Eight years later, after a courtship, marriage and two children, I left there to be a stay at home Mom. During those 8 yrs, I endured many jokes pulled on me by John. But my fondest memory of John was the day one of the employees called in and said his wife and children had been killed in a car accident and that he would be late for work. John was so compassionate during that time to that family. Mike, I am happy to have met you thru IHM. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. I think of your Dad every time I make the turn at Proudfit.
KB
Karen Barry
Other •
Uncle John was always so much fun. I have fond memories of him trying to make me laugh when I was younger. He could make me laugh by just counting! My Dad, John’s brother, and my Mom loved spending time with John and Marty. My Dad will be waiting in heaven with open arms to greet his special brother.
DS
don swinton
Other •
To the John Hegge Family, John has been a good friend and golfing buddy and fellow Elk and I will dearly miss him. We send you our deepest sympathy on you loss. Don & Barb Swinton
MP
Maureen Pesch
Other •
Mike, I'm so sorry to hear about your dad's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Maureen Pesch
CB
Charles Belz
Other •
Marlys, Mary, Mike and Joe, I am so sorry for your loss! I have so many fond memories of time spent at your house on Rodney court and John was such a nice man and i feel very lucky to have known him!! Chuck Belz