John F. "Jack" Kerttula

MADISON-John F. “Jack” Kerttula, age 69, of Watertown, passed away on Sunday, Dec. 1, 2013, at WRMC in Watertown. He was born on Aug. 23, 1944, in Marinette, the son of William and Evelyn Kerttula. Jack married Barb Sandberg on Feb. 27, 1965, in Madison. He graduated from Madison West High School in 1962. Jack worked for 25 years for Ohmeda, then worked for Metrix in Waukesha for ten years, until he medically retired. He worked hard, played harder, and enjoyed life while always loving and doting over his beautiful bride. Jack was a published recording lyricist, an artist, a carpenter, a poet, and unicyclist. He was fondly known as the ‘Jack’ of all trades. Jack lived each day with passion for his family. He is survived by his wife, Barb (Sandberg) Kerttula; sons, Gregg Kerttula and Mark (Ali) Kerttula; grandchildren, Kelsey, Gavin, Kai, Ryder, and Miko; sisters, Joan (Jim) Podolak and Jill Kerttula-Beachkofski (Jon); and many nieces and nephews that he loved very much. Jack was preceded in death by his father, William Kerttula; and mother, Evelyn (Bowman) Simmermon. Funeral services will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Dr., Madison, at 6:30 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 9, 2013. Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 4:30 p.m. until the time of service on Monday. In lieu of flowers and gifts, the family asks that donations be sent to the American Family Children’s Hospital in Watertown, to Attn: Admin, at Watertown Reg. Medical Center, 125 Hospital Dr., Watertown, WI 53098. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.