DEFOREST - John Felix Modjeski, 83, of DeForest, passed away on Saturday, Dec. 30, 2023. John was born on Sept. 23, 1940, in Winona, Minn., to Felix and Vera Evelyn Modjeski.

John graduated from Cotter High School in Winona, Minn. He received his bachelor’s degree in education and his master’s degree in administration from Winona State University.

John began his teaching career in Rochester, Minn., and was on the faculty at Winona State as a supervisor of student teachers. From there, he and his family moved to Cumberland, Wis., where he was a dedicated principal at Cumberland Elementary School for many years. He made lasting impressions on both students and staff during his time there. After retiring from education, John found his next calling as a real estate agent in Rice Lake, Wis., creating lasting friendships with coworkers and clients alike.

John loved spending time outdoors, especially hunting, fishing, and going for walks at his favorite spot, the Upper Yahara River Trail. Special adventures with family and friends included fishing in Canada and seeing his first Broadway show in New York City. John and his wife, Jane, enjoyed traveling, particularly to Rosemary Beach, Fla., Lake Havasu City, Ariz., and Banff National Park in Canada. John loved watching football and was an unwavering Vikings fan. He also shared a love for all Wisconsin Badgers sports. As a grandfather, John enthusiastically supported his grandchildren in their individual endeavors and was proud of all their accomplishments.

John will be greatly missed by his loving family: wife, Jane; daughters, Karin (Bryan) Bearss, Sara (Mark) Schoonveld and Lisa (Scott) Bents; step-daughter, Megan (Ben) Balgord; grandchildren, Tess, Emma, Charlie, Natalie (Jari), Sophie, Lydia, Cora and Beckett; brother, Michael (Janet) Modjeski; sister, Mary Kay Thompson; sisters-in-law, Laurie (Tom) Pfiffner, Jill (Dan) Hietpas; brother-in-law, Sean Allan Krill (Harry Bouvy); and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; and brothers-in-law, Al Thompson and Guy Adkins.

A memorial service will be held at THE EDGEWATER HOTEL, 1001 Wisconsin Place, Madison, at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 20, 2024, with a celebration of life to follow. All are welcome.

The family would like to thank the wonderful doctors and caregivers at SSM St. Mary’s Hospital and the SSM Hospice Team. Memorials may be gifted in John’s name to the Foundation for Sarcoidosis Research or the Cumberland Educational Foundation, 1010 8th Ave., Cumberland, WI 54829.

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

Gunderson East

Funeral & Cremation Care

5203 Monona Drive

(608) 221-5420

John Felix Modjeski

September 23, 1940 - December 30, 2023

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