John William McKegney

John William McKegney

May 21, 1947 - April 07, 2026

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Obituary

MADISON - John William McKegney, age 78, passed away on April 7, 2026, at Agrace Hospice in Fitchburg after a fall on ice outside his home. He was born May 21, 1947, to Otto and Edna (Hansen) McKegney. John grew up in New Lisbon where he helped deliver milk for his family’s dairy, and graduated from New Lisbon High School. He later graduated with an accounting degree from UW-Whitewater.


John was married to Linda (Erickson) for over 52 years. They lived in Madison their entire marriage, with the exception of wintering in Florida for 10 years. They went to many vintage car shows, art fairs, and concerts together. He particularly liked going to '50s and '60s live tribute concerts and Capitol City Band concerts. John and Linda played a lot of golf and bridge together and took many memorable trips. John enjoyed watching Badger sports, especially men’s basketball, women’s volleyball, and football. He also followed the Brewers and the Packers.  


John’s pride and joy was his daughter, Molly. He was a particularly involved Dad. He would play catch, swim in the pool, or go mini-golfing with her whenever she asked. One Christmas season they went to see Santa at West Towne Mall almost every night. They attended many baseball card shows and put together sets of baseball cards from wax packs. John also loved doting on his two granddaughters, always making sure they were happy. They knew that Grandpa would say yes to anything they asked for, especially treats.


John was a 50+ year member of the Wisconsin Institute of Certified Public Accountants. He worked in public accounting for Grant Thornton before joining the Don Miller Auto Group as their CFO, a position he held for 26 years before his retirement.


John is survived by wife, Linda; daughter, Molly (Tim) Hunt; two granddaughters, Anna and Sarah Hunt; brother, Jim (Sharon) McKegney; sister, Joanne (Jim) Eisner; sister-in-law, Sue (Duane) Rinehart; brother-in-law, Steve (Kim) Erickson; and many nieces, nephews and friends.  He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Janet Gernetzke; brother-in-law, Elmer Gernetzke and nephew, Mike McKegney.


We wish to thank the staff at the UW Hospital trauma ward and Agrace HospiceCare. Per John’s wishes, there will not be a celebration of life.


In lieu of a memorial, please give your loved ones an extra big hug today. We always want more time. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.


Gunderson Fitchburg

Funeral & Cremation Care
2950 Chapel Valley Road
(608) 442-5002


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John
AM
A Memorial Tree was planted for John William McKegney
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We are deeply sorry for your loss ~ Gunderson Funeral Home - Fitchburg
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Rosemary Camiolo
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John and Linda were our next door neighbors in Florida. We can describe John in two ways. He was a gentleman and gentle man. We were honored by his friendship. Art and Rosemary Camiolo
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Steve Erickson
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John was my brother in law, but, more like a brother. One I looked up to. Someone whose core values I wanted to emulate. Love of family, doing the right thing and making time to listen. His brilliant mind always had a way of finding the right solution. Watching him navigate his role as Chief Financial Officer at Don Miller was inspiring. They flourished under his leadership. His ability to keep their financial heads above water was something he loved and was gifted at. And yet, as busy as he was, he allowed me to interview him for a college project. Taking the better part of a day to show me what he did. More importantly, he loved my sister. Allowing her to grow and be the strong and wonderful person she is. Finally, watching him love on his daughter Molly was a model to emulate. He will be missed. He touched many lives, especially mine. Love you John, -steve erickson
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Blaine Nicol
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Before moving to New Lisbon, John and I were good friends in Tomah. We stocked shelves at the IGA, played Rook upstairs above the store; and shared the love of baseball. We both became accountants, I went to Eau Claire; and, in drifting apart, we maintained the childhood connection. In remembrance and friendship. Blaine Nicol
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JoAnn Endorf
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Carl and I always enjoyed sharing dinners with John and Linda while they lived in Florida. Also the many family reunions TRUST I HIM AT ALL TIMES God is our refuge. Loving sympathy to the family Cousins carl and JoAnn
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Sue and Duane Rinehart
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One of our most recent memory of John was our trip to Ireland in 2023 celebrating their 50th anniversary. We had closeness that we had not experienced from the past and we really got to know John so much deeper. The love he had for my sister was apparent, he was funny, confident, concerning and we had such a wonderful time. Our love forever, Sister-In-Law, Sue and Brother-In-Law, Duane

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