John Andrew Crigger

OREGON - John Andrew Crigger, age 22, passed away on April 9, 2025. Born prematurely but healthy at Meriter Hospital, John arrived just five minutes after his twin, making him the cherished youngest child of a large, close-knit family. From his earliest days, John captivated those around him with his sweet spirit and remarkable ocean-blue eyes that seemed to reflect his thoughtful nature.

John took delight in sharing facts about his unique heritage, proudly identifying as the "13th great-grandson of Pocahontas" and noting he was born into a family of nine children which he considered “cool facts”-distinctions he found genuinely fascinating. His childhood unfolded on the family's spacious farmette, where he developed a deep connection with nature while exploring the property, tending the garden with his mother, working alongside his father in the shop, observing birds, and forming a special bond with the family cat, Pearl.

He entered the Oregon School District, where he attended Brooklyn Elementary School, sang in the 3rd Grade Choir, completed “Basic First Aid Training,” and was known as honest, friendly, and compliant. But he would go on to say his favorite things about school were: “The end of the day and PAWS (Positive Attitude + Work = Success).”

Everyone thought he was “smart,” because he was good at Math and he loved Math games. John was playing chess, and beating adults, before he turned 3 years old; was a proficient reader at age 4; and was tested as “gifted,” especially in the Life Sciences, so was far above “smart.” He considered “not being picky” a personal strength. As his parents, we did, too.

At Rome Corners Intermediate School, he participated in the 5th Grade Orchestra as a cellist, with his brother, Isaiah, a cellist at OHS, acting as his personal “Music Mentor.” John learned Spanish, enjoyed Art Classes, took Karate lessons, became a confident swimmer, completed Intro to Scuba lessons, and was known as “smart,” with a good sense of humor. Recently, when he was asked what his favorite memory at RCI was, he quickly replied “Attending Camp Gray!” The camp is a place where students are able to enjoy 225 beautiful acres of God’s beauty.

John’s time at Oregon High School was marked by academic success, but also by a growing disinterest in formal education. In an email to a teacher who encouraged him to complete a few final assignments, he replied, “I’m focused on work right now, not a piece of paper that will sit in my closet for the rest of my life.” For John, the challenge wasn’t academics-it was finding passion and purpose. Though a senior and straight-A student, he ultimately chose to leave school and enter the workforce. He worked at Sport Clips as their front desk coordinator, and several local restaurants, before finding his place at Metro Market in Monona, where he was a valued and respected employee at the time of his passing.

John was a unique soul-curious, kind-hearted, and deeply loved. His absence leaves a profound ache in the hearts of his family, friends, and all who were fortunate enough to know him.

John loved being outside, walking or biking wherever he could. He enjoyed eating tacos, pizza, and meatloaf; haunted houses in the fall; family fishing trips-where he was known as the most patient fisherman; and playing video games with his brothers and friends, where he often played a search and rescue operator, always trying to save others from distress or danger. GG, John.

John was preceded in death by his older brother, Isaiah P. Crigger; his paternal grandparents, Mary Lou Crigger and Lee C. Crigger of Cullman, Ala.; and his maternal Oma, Sieglinde E. Perry of Huntsville, Ala.

He is survived by his maternal grandparents, James O. and Anita Perry of Homosassa, Fla; his parents, Lee “Clint” Crigger II (Judith) and Linda R. Kershner (Tom); his loving siblings, Lee C. Crigger III, Luke S. Crigger (Kristen), Hope E. Crigger (Christopher), Seth W. Crigger, Abigail J. Crigger (Nic), Samuel G. Perry (Lexie); his twin brother, James E. Crigger (Jennica); step-siblings, Jon (Hui), Lauren (Joe), and Kathryn (Marty), and Angela (Matt); his nieces, Ava and Shyler; and the twins' beloved cat, Pumpkin, whom through his warm spirit and gentle touch, was the human she felt safest, loved, and bonded with.

A celebration of life will be held for John at GUNDERSON OREGON FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 1150 Park St., Oregon, Wis., from 3:30 p.m. until 5:30 p.m. on Friday, April 18, 2025, with a time of remembrance at 4:30 p.m. John will be buried in the same area as his brother, Isaiah, is at Roselawn Memorial Park in Monona.

Donations in memory of John Andrew Crigger may be made to Camp Gray to support their dedication of enriching the spiritual lives of all those who travel down their long driveway. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson Oregon

Funeral & Cremation Care

1150 Park St.

(608) 835-3515