John R. Hennessey

John R. Hennessey

January 31, 1960 - November 27, 2025

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Obituary

BEAVER DAM - John Robert Hennessey, age 65, of Beaver Dam, passed away on Thursday, November 27, 2025, at Agrace HospiceCare. He was born on January 31, 1960, in Dodgeville, the son of Robert and Ramona (Michek) Hennessey.


He married Rhonda Kerns on September 28, 1986, in Madison. John worked as a building engineer for Monona Terrace, retiring in 2020. He was a volunteer firefighter for the Brooklyn Fire Department. Upon moving to Beaver Dam, John joined the Randolph Fire Department.


John cherished every moment spent with his family and loved going fishing. He had a gift for fixing just about anything and found joy (and a few cracked knuckles) while working on many cars. He especially enjoyed spending time with Rhonda, including going on cruises and Sunday drives in the country.


John is survived by his wife, Rhonda; son, Matthew (Kimberly) Hennessey; two grandchildren, Monona Hennessey and Abby Hennessey; mother, Ramona; brother, Mark (Marcia) Hennessey; nephew, Rob (Sarah) Hennessey; nieces, Michelle (Matt) Wilson and Rachel Hennessey-Smith; and many other family members. He was preceded in death by his father, Robert.


A celebration of life will be held at ST. ANTHONY AND PHILIP PARISH (in the church basement), 726 Main St., Highland, on Sunday, January 4, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and at BROOKLYN VILLAGE FIRE DEPARTMENT, 401 W. Main Street, Brooklyn, WI, on Sunday, February 8, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Burial will take place at a later date at Oakwood Cemetery in Beaver Dam.


Memorials may be gifted in John’s name to the Brooklyn Fire Department or Agrace HospiceCare. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.


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


Events

04
Celebration of Life
Sun Jan 4, 2026 @ 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM CDT
St. Anthony and Philip Parish/Basement • 726 Main Street, Highland, WI 53543
Get Directions
08
Celebration of Life
Sun Feb 8, 2026 @ 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM CDT
Brooklyn Village Fire Department • 401 W. Main St., Brooklyn, WI 53521
Get Directions

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John
AH
A Memorial Tree was planted for John Robert Hennessey
Other •
We are deeply sorry for your loss ~ Gunderson Funeral Home - Madison
JB
Jacob Bachim
Other •
I first met John when he would do the fire inspections at the shop and we spent time talking about the classic cars we had in. Then I joined the fire department and got to know him more. We talked about classic cars and hot rods frequently. Always enjoyed his quick smart comments and jokes he would make. Rest in peace John Lt Bachim
JT
Jenny & Tex Teixeira
Other •
John Robert Hennessey will remain in our hearts forever, deeply saddened for the loss of a wonderful man.
DW
Dave Wixom
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Rhonda, I am so sorry to hear about your husband. I hope you and the rest of your family remember the good times during this difficult time. Wix
DK
Dale Kraus
Other •
So sorry to here about John's passing. I worked with John at the Monona Terrace for several years, along with his dad Bob. They were both great people who would do anything they could to help you. I will always remember him that way. My sincere condolences to his family.
MW
Mike Waters
Other •
Im sorry for Johns passing. On behalf of the Monona Terrace maintenance team, I would like you to know how much we all respected and appreciated John.

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