STOUGHTON - John W. Wildeman died unexpectedly Wednesday September 16, 2026, at his assisted living apartment in Stoughton, Wis. He was born in Madison, Wis., on March 10, 1946.

John was a graduate of Queen of Apostles Seminary and Holy Name Seminary. He also earned a degree from Madison Business College. In 1968, John began a 30-year career at Mendota Mental Health Institute. He first worked on the autism wing, where he was part of a team that worked with severely autistic children. The program focused on teaching both the children and their parents new behaviors and skills that would help each child eventually return to their family. John enjoyed the challenges and rewards of this work.

Later, John worked as a psychiatric nursing aide on the maximum-security forensic wing, where he cared for men who had been found not guilty by reason of mental illness. John found meaning in meeting the different challenges of his work. He was well liked by his co-workers and appreciated for his wry sense of humor.

John loved road trips and had a remarkable capacity for long-distance driving. He enjoyed several cross-country adventures, including a memorable trip from Madison to Mexico City to visit his sister, Janet, and her family. John traveled with his younger brother, Jim, and their friend, Doug, and did most of the driving for three days and nights.

Many of John's adventures were shared with his younger brothers, Jim and Bill. Together, they took a 10-day backpacking trip through the high desert of Arizona's Superstition Mountains and climbed the Mayan temples among the ruins of the ancient city of Tikal in Guatemala.

John is survived by his two brothers, James Paul Wildeman and William Thomas Wildeman; his half-sister, Janet (Wildeman) Gonzalez; a niece, Mary Ann Cavanaugh; and four nephews, Rick Gonzalez, Joe Gonzalez, Jerry Gonzalez, and Carlos Gonzalez.

A small, private memorial will be held at a future date.

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

Gunderson Stoughton

Funeral & Cremation Care

1358 Highway 51 N. at Jackson St.

(608) 873-4590

John Wildeman

March 10, 1946 - September 16, 2026

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