Juan Jose Lopez

Juan Jose Lopez

May 31, 1959 - June 06, 2023

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Obituary

MADISON - Juán José López, age 64, stalwart of the Madison Latino community, passed away on Tuesday, June 6, 2023. He was born on May 31, 1959, in San Antonio, Texas, the son of Eutimio C. Lopez and Herminia (Macias) Lopez.


Juán came to Madison to earn a degree in social work from the University of Wisconsin. He was the first Latino to serve on the Madison school board, serving 12 years from 1994 - 2006. He was also a cofounder of the Latino Professionals Association of Greater Madison and served on the board of the United Migrant Opportunity Services in Milwaukee, Nuestro Mundo School in Madison, One City Schools, Rotary Foundation and the Latino Chamber of Commerce.


Professionally, Juán served as executive director of Briarpatch Youth Services and the Boys and Girls Club of Dane County, and later as a section chief at the state Department of Workforce Development’s Division of Employment & Training. He retired from state service in 2019.


Juán is survived by his sister, Christine (Kirk) Hunter; brother, Eutimio George (Kari) Lopez; brother-in-law, Rudy Medrano; and nieces and nephews: Marissa Medrano, LeAndra Medrano, Jesse DeHoyos Jr., Joseph DeHoyos, Kai (Jesica) Lopez, Eutimio Koi Lopez and Kre Lopez; and great-niece, Palmer Ann Lopez. He was preceded in death by his parents; and three sisters, Patricia Lopez, Terry Medrano and Irma Lopez.


A visitation will be held at GUNDERSON FITCHBURG FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 2950 Chapel Valley Road, Fitchburg, starting at 3 p.m. on Saturday, June 10, 2023. A celebration of life will begin at 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, with an opportunity to share memories.


Contributions to assist Juán’s family may be gifted to the Latino Chamber of Commerce of Dane County located at 5262 Verona Rd. Fitchburg, WI 53711.


Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.


Gunderson Fitchburg
Funeral & Cremation Care
2950 Chapel Valley Road
(608) 442-5002



Events

10
Visitation
Sat Jun 10, 2023 @ 3:00 PM - 5:30 PM CDT
Gunderson Fitchburg Funeral & Cremation Care • 2950 Chapel Valley Road, Fitchburg, WI 53711
Get Directions
10
Celebration of Life
Sat Jun 10, 2023 @ 5:30 PM - 6:30 PM CDT
Gunderson Fitchburg Funeral & Cremation Care • 2950 Chapel Valley Road, Fitchburg, WI 53711
Get Directions

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AD
Arthur Upham, Ph. D.
Other •
I first heard of Juan-Jose after I began working for a small refugee organization in Madison after moving here in 2000, and then, worked for several years in the state refugee office where he became the director of the WI Dept. of Workforce Development unit overseeing Labor Certification, Migrant Workers and Refugee Services. His door was always open and his eyes were usually sparking with humor and welcome. His passion for improving the community was obvious and his love for his adopted city was, too. He was a blessing and his example an inspiration; his impact will last. Thank you, Juan-Jose.
JM
John Matthews
Other •
Testimonial: Juan Lopez made numerous contributions to public education as a member of the Board of Education of the Madison Metropolitan School District. He enthusiastically served on the Board for many years, and although I, at times, differed with him, there was always a respectful relationship between us. He should be long-remembered given his interest and dedication to serving the public schools of Madison. John Matthews Executive Director Madison Teachers Inc. (retired)
JV
Jesus Jose Villa
Other •
A great loss. Juan Jose was a colleague and supporter to me and to many, and an inspiration to even more. Wholly dedicated to serving the community, and particularly Wisconsin's Latino community. He leaves much work to be done, but leaves us better positioned to do it. Peace, brother.
SG
Silvia Gomez
Other •
Conocí a Juan José cuando mis hijos hiban a Leopold Juan era el Director del Distrito Escolar de Madison y Director del Boys and Girls Club lo conocí hace 23 años una pérdida muy grande para la comunidad descansa en paz Juan José López Orgullo Hispano🙏🙏❤️ Familia Cortez Gomez M
BW
Ben Wikler, Democratic Party of Wisconsin
Other •
Juan Jose Lopez was a friend, mentor, advocate, and leader. He made the Democratic Party and all of Wisconsin better. We mourn his memory. Ben Wikler
NG
Nichole Green
Other •
My Dear Friend Juan, You were my friend, mentor and taught me how to advocate in MMSD, Head Start and beyond. I will miss your smile, laughter and great conversational skills. There will never be another you, which is why we must carry on, the things you started and supported. You are my brother from another family and the sadness I feel, is overwhelming. Rest well my friend. Nichole Green

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