SAUK CITY/CROSS PLAINS - John Andrew Dahlby, age 89, passed away peacefully Tuesday, April 21, 2026, at the Maplewood Nursing Home in Sauk City, Wis.

John was born on February 3, 1937, to Ole Dalby and Amy (Lee) Bell in Mount Horeb, Wis.

John grew up in the Mount Horeb/Klevenville area where he attended school, loved exploring the countryside, made lifelong friends and found his passion for flying airplanes. John married Marilyn (Leary) Dahlby in 1966 and raised two boys in Cross Plains, Wis. John was a loving father, husband, brother, uncle and friend, always available to assist someone in need. John was strong is his Christian faith and a longtime member of St. Francis Xavior Catholic Church. He especially enjoyed time spent with family and friends, summers camping by the lake, traveling, listening to live music, annual traditions like deer camp and attending the EAA Oshkosh Airshow.

John worked for 40 years in the concrete construction industry. He is well remembered for his quality work, ethics, mentorship and dedication to a job well done. John also proudly served six years in the U.S. Army Reserve Corps of Engineers, reaching the rank of Sergeant.

John is survived by two sons, Jason (Deb) Dahlby and Aaron Dahlby; grandchildren, Clayton and Alyssa; brothers, Ron and Jeff; and sisters, Cheryl, Kathleen, JoHannah and JoAnn.

John is preceded in death by his parents; stepfather, Walter; stepmother, Betty; wife, Marilyn; infant son, Jason Antone; and brothers, Tom, Dan and Dean.

Special remembrance to the many cherished brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, family and friends.

John’s humor, kindness and genuine love for all people in his life made a lasting impact on all who knew him. John will be forever missed!

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at ST. FRANCIS XAVIER CATHOLIC CHURCH, 2947 Thinnes St., Cross Plains, at 11 a.m. on Thursday, May 7, 2026. A private family burial will be held at St. Bridget Cemetery. Visitation will be held at the church from 9 a.m. until the time of the Mass on Thursday.

The family wishes to thank the dedicated team at Maplewood Nursing Home in Sauk City who cared for John the past two years.

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

Gunderson Cross Plains

Funeral & Cremation Care
2421 Church St.
(608) 798-3141

John Dahlby

February 03, 1937 - April 21, 2026

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