BELLEVILLE - John Paul Fett, age 58, of Belleville, passed away from natural causes on Sunday, August 24, 2025, at his home. He was born on November 20, 1966, in Madison, WI, the son of Ralph and Alice (Bennett) Fett.

John grew up in the Regent/Monroe Street neighborhood in Madison, WI, and graduated from Madison West High School in 1984. As a “kid,” John loved to be outdoors and spent many cold winter days playing hockey at Vilas Park. When the ice finally thawed, John explored in the UW Arboretum and the shores of Lake Wingra, always in search of the best spots for fishing.

After graduating high school, John enlisted in the Armed Forces and was a proud veteran of the U.S. Army Reserve. John was initially trained as an Airborne Infantryman, and was later reclassified as a Cavalry Scout. Throughout his military career, John was officially recognized for his combat and leadership skills, and was especially honored when he earned the Army Achievement Medal for "Meritorious Service" as a Scout Driver. John's commander wrote that John's “skill as a driver and navigator enabled the third platoon to have a high degree of success in its Annual Training...(he) is a credit to himself, his Unit and the United States Army."

Throughout his military career, John continued to excel in his pursuit of specialized training in Leadership Development, Arctic Light Unit Training and Pathfinder School. John achieved the rank of Sargeant and was Honorably Discharged from Service in 1993.

John's skills as a Military Scout Driver prepared him for a 30-year career as a Commercial Driver for numerous companies in the Madison and Dane County areas. He was most recently employed by Pellitteri Waste Systems, where he truly enjoyed his work with colleagues on special projects, and was appreciated for the quality of work he provided.

John was a very “hard worker” and was always busy pursuing a diversity of interests and hobbies, including fishing, motorcycle racing, SCUBA Diving, playing ice hockey, home renovation, the NFL, storytelling in the garage with neighbors and a beer, and many trips to the dog park.

John’s life-long passion for the sport of fishing began when he was a boy exploring the shores of Lake Wingra, and it expanded to the underwater world of fish, when he became a certified PADI SCUBA diver. Over the years, John explored numerous fishing holes, collected an impressive array of fishing tackle, and was always focused on his quest for the elusive “lunker!”

While fishing was definitely a time for John to relax and experience the quiet and serenity of nature, John also had a passion for excitement and the speed of a race course! He was a serious and dedicated motorcycle enthusiast and was very engaged in the sport bike culture. John took great pride in improving his riding abilities by attending track days and taking riding courses. His interest in motorcycles extended to John customizing his high-performance Suzuki GSX-R1000 to improve its handling and power delivery, and to better serve his track riding. Motorcycling was definitely an essential part of John’s identity!

During his lifetime, John owned two homes. In 2012, he purchased his second home, a fixer-upper in Belleville, WI. The home had an in-ground pool which he immediately began deconstructing and filling-in! Over the years, John imagined and worked on many home construction projects. He took on many challenges in his home (inside and out) and had outfitted an impressive woodworking studio in his basement. He was a devoted fan of both the Green Bay Packers and the LA Rams, and his favorite NFL players were Brett Favre (Packers) and Jack Youngblood (Rams). Playing hockey was another lifelong passion for John, and for many years it was a winter tradition for John to head over to the Vilas skating rink to practice and improve his hockey skills for play in the more serious and competitive games in the adult hockey leagues.

John truly had a sweet and playful soul, often choosing to play the role of devil’s advocate in conversations just to stimulate the discussion and make it more exciting for everyone involved. He loved hearing and sharing entertaining stories about life, and especially stories about the Greenbush neighborhood and the Italian Workmen’s Club on Regent Street, the Madison supper club scene, Italian deli experiences, and the infamous “Madison Mafia” stories!

John had a “big heart” and was always willing to help his neighbors, friends and family. After John’s passing, a friend and neighbor came by to tell our family that John was a good neighbor, appreciated for his consideration, his willingness to work together when issues arose, and his kindness. John’s big heart also naturally extended to all manner of animals. John was the proud pack leader of two dogs in his adult life that were both loyal and devoted companions. There was “Ted,” a giant and gentle Bull Mastiff, and his most recent canine “Sammy,” a lovable German Shorthair Pointer. When John spoke of his dogs, his words and smile underscored the deep love and respect he held for them.

John was ultimately a loving son, brother, grandson and uncle, who cared very much about his family, and the connections he had with friends, neighbors, co-workers, nature and animals. John is survived by his sisters, Pamala (Geoffrey) Herman and Patricia (Scott) Faust; niece, Jordan Herman (Joey Howell), nephew, Nicholas Faust (Bryce Kutcher) and niece, Haley Faust (Kyle Quillin); uncle, Allen (Joan) Bennett; his beloved dog, Sammy; and his community of close friends and neighbors. John was preceded in death by his parents and grandmother, Cora Bennett. John will be missed by all who loved and cared for him.

A private family burial will be held at Forest Hill Cemetery in Madison, WI, and will be followed by a celebration of John’s life, to be scheduled at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to: Dane County Humane Society (https://www.giveshelter.org/how-to-help/donate), Or Cherish Wisconsin Outdoor Fund (https://www.wisconservation.org/cherish/) Thank you.

“Do not stand at my grave and weep” by Mary Elizabeth Frye

Do not stand at my grave and weep.
I am not there. I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow.
I am the diamond glints on snow.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain.
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awaken in the morning's hush
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry;
I am not there. I did not die.

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 Paul Fett

November 20, 1966 - August 24, 2025

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