John Edward Aspinwall

MADISON - We are sad to announce the passing of our son and brother, “Little John,” on Saturday, July 17, 2021, from natural causes. John was a long-time resident of Madison and the Portage, Wis., area. He attended Madison LaFollette High School and was self-educated in the ways of the world after that. John was a jack of all trades and would help anyone with any project at any time. He proved to be quite the handy man wherever he lived. He was a cook, bartender and maintenance man throughout his life. Some might call him a wanderer, but all who wander are not lost. John liked spending time playing euchre with anyone who would join him, or a game of solitaire was OK, too. Camping with family was a joy and he was the best marshmallow roaster around (at least he’d be happy to tell you that!) John also enjoyed his sibling’s pets including Sully, Maddie, Belle, Shadow, Stinker, Luna, Punkin, and dad’s cat, Alexa. Growing up he was surrounded by the family’s pet cats (which mom loved so much) so it was inevitable he was loved by them all. John was also an accomplished pencil/paper artist, and he delighted his family with homemade holiday and birthday cards. He read quite a bit and loved Tom Clancy or Robert Mitchum novels and action-adventure movies as well. He enjoyed the challenge of the Sudoku puzzles in the morning paper and completing this with his housemate, Doug. While he struggled with many issues, John had a kind and caring heart and a great sense of humor. He was always ready with a joke to tell. John spent his last year in a group home and we sincerely thank Kim and all the staff and social services at Dane County ADRC who helped with his needs and made this living arrangement the best life he could have. He will be greatly missed in the house by the staff, his house mates, especially Doug, and Blue. He was also well cared for by the staff at the UW Carbone Cancer Center for his long-time cancer diagnosis and treatment. Thank you, Dr. Mattison and your team. John went to be with his mom, Joan, who passed away in 2007. We imagine they are having a beer and a cigarette together in heaven. He was also preceded in death by his grandparents and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins. He is survived by his dad, Bill of Harmony Grove, Wis.; brothers, Jim (Kathy) of Campbell, Calif., and Bob (Wendy) of Rothschild, Wis.; and his sisters, Carol of Fitchburg, Wis., and Peggy of Beaver Dam, Wis. Memorial contributions may be made to the UW Carbone Cancer Center, Leukemia/Lymphoma Society, Friends of the State Street Family or Dane County ADRC. A celebration of John’s life will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Friday, July 23, 2021. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com . Gunderson East Funeral & Cremation Care 5203 Monona Drive (608) 221-5420