John L. Reed

MCFARLAND - John L. Reed, age 99, of McFarland, died on July 28, 2025. John was born on February 12, 1926, in St. Paul, Minn., the son of Frank J. Reed and Ida (Saetre) Reed. He was united in marriage to his high school sweetheart, Marian Case Reed, and they spent 50 wonderful years together before her death in 1998. During his long retirement he was blessed by the love of Ellie Roberts for four years followed by the double blessing of love and companionship of Jacquelyn Cairns for 14 years toward the end of his life.

He served in the South Pacific during World War Il as a radar operator in the U. S. Navy, ending his service on the island of Guam at the close of World War ll. He later served during the Korean War as an Air Police Officer in the U. S. Air Force to complete a four-year ROTC commitment. He enjoyed flying and was an active pilot most of his life.

John graduated from the Wisconsin State College at Superior with a Bachelor of Science degree. He taught school in Mauston, Wis., where he later established an insurance agency and a long career with American Family Insurance Company serving in various positions, finally as Vice President of American Family Life Insurance Company. He retired in 1988 and enjoyed 37 years of active retirement living.

John was deeply committed to his church and served on the Wisconsin Conference Board of Directors for the United Church of Christ. He was a member of Lake Edge United Church of Christ in Madison where he served as moderator. He was also a founding member of the McFarland United Church of Christ in McFarland, Wis.

John enjoyed life to the fullest, delighting in both Alpine and cross-country skiing, piloting, languages (Spanish and German), card playing, and traveling. He made eight trips to Europe including his last trip to Moscow with the McFarland High School Band to celebrate Russia's 50th anniversary of the conclusion of World War ll. In his lifetime, he visited 28 countries.

John is survived by his son, John W. (Viola) Reed; daughter, Janet (Peter) Clark; grandson, Adam (Alicia) Clark; and great-grandchildren Savannah, Nora, and Grayson Clark.

A memorial service will be held at MCFARLAND UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST, 5710 Anthony St., McFarland, at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, August 20, 2025, with a luncheon to follow. A visitation will be held at the church from 9 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday.

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

Gunderson East

Funeral & Cremation Care

5203 Monona Drive

(608) 221-5420