John F Ujke

John F Ujke

January 13, 1955 - November 27, 2024

Send Flowers

Obituary

MCFARLAND - John Francis Ujke, age 69, of McFarland, Wis., passed away surrounded by family on Wednesday, November 27, 2024, at Agrace HospiceCare. He was born on January 13, 1955, in Ashland, Wis., to Stanley and Margaret (Cadotte) Ujke.


John was raised in Bayfield, Wis., where he attended Bayfield High School and graduated in 1973. There, he excelled in track, basketball and baseball. Right out of high school and in summers throughout college, John worked for Bayfield Lumber Company and All Wood Manufacturing, where he made many great friends. He went on to earn his bachelor’s degree at UW-River Falls.  In 1981, he moved to Madison to start his career working for the USDA Soil Conservation Service as a cartographer and later as an IT specialist, where he worked for 35 years until he retired in 2016. In 1984, he married Kim Wachsmuth, his wife of over 40 years. He participated in many sports throughout his adult life such as baseball, bowling, tennis, and softball. In his free time, he enjoyed reading, watching movies, playing cards, and cooking. He also enjoyed watching sports; he loved all things Wisconsin sports. He always looked forward to spending time with friends and family and walking Finnegan, the family dog.


John is survived by his wife, Kim; son, Joshua Ujke; daughter, Jennifer Ujke; aunt, Grace Zifko; as well as many cousins, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Dawn Beeksma; and brothers, Stanley Ujke and Bernard Ujke.


A celebration of life will be held up north in the Bayfield area at a later date.

Special thank you for the care and support provided to John by everyone at Agrace HospiceCare in his final days. A thank you also to his UW Health Transplant team for the care they provided since his transplant in 2022. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to American Lung Association or the Alzheimer's Association.


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


Gunderson East
Funeral & Cremation Care
5203 Monona Drive
(608) 221-5420



Events

There are no events for John yet.

Photos

Add photos
of John
No photos of John have been shared yet.

Memories

Add a memory of
John
RN
Robert J. Nelson
Other •
My great sympathy is extended to Kim and her children. Johnny Ujke, as his buddies called him and I played in the Upper 13 Baseball league. John pitched and played centerfield- fast, quick and huge arm- no body took second base on him. Pitching- his fastball looked like pea coming to the plate and his curve bent like hoola-hoop. And I do remember him perfecting his basketball jump shot on the outdoor court at the Catholic school courtyard and gym. Johnny was an athlete supreme, but his greatest qualities remain to me as gracious, humble, with an infectious smile and personality. Amazing man, now playing on a greater team. Best always- Bob Nelson
RA
Renae Anderson
Other •
My deepest condolences to Kim and family. I worked with John for my entire career with SCS/NRCS and he was forever helpful, positive and unruffled no matter what the IT calamity had befallen us. We could call Johnny U for help and he was there, with a smile. He made life easier for everyone he worked with. Thank you John. Renae Anderson
LQ
Laurel Qualy
Other •
I'm so sorry to hear of John's passing. I worked with John at the NRCS State Office. He was so knowledgeable about computers. He helped me out of computer glitches so many times. He was appreciated. He will be missed. Laurel Qualy
DT
Dave Thompson
Other •
I worked in USDA IT with John Ujke via the Richland Center office. Any problem or question I could not figure out, John was the go to person. You will be greatly missed. David Thompson.
RW
Robert Weihrouch
Other •
Great guy! He single-handedly kept our offices functioning. I enjoyed him playing Sheepshead with us, AND he constantly beat me in our tennis matches. He'll be missed - sorry for your (our) loss. Bob Weihrouch

Share memorial