John McKinley
April 02, 1937 - October 20, 2026
Obituary
VERONA - John F. McKinley, 89, died on October 20, 2026, at Sauk Prairie Health Center in Prairie du Sac, Wis., on the second anniversary of his wife Carol’s passing.
John was born on April 2, 1937, in Madison at St. Mary’s Hospital, the son of John (Jack) and Agnes (Kleinheinz) McKinley. He graduated from St. James Grade School in 1951 and from Edgewood High School in 1955. On May 3, 1958, he married Carol Ast of Stoughton at St. James Catholic Church in Madison, where he was a lifelong member. A dedicated community leader, John served as a Grand Knight and Past Grand Knight of the Knights of Columbus Council #531 and was active in the K. of C. Clown Unit from Madison.
John worked with his father at the old Truax Field Café and was later employed by Koltes & Esser Hardware Store, Hoffman House Sauce Company, and Johnson Controls, Inc. Following his retirement, he worked part-time for the Verona Ace Hardware Store. He proudly served nine years in the Wisconsin Air National Guard and was a member of American Legion Post #385 of Verona. On September 7, 2019, he experienced a memorable Badger Honor Flight alongside his son-in-law, Chuck. He also enjoyed volunteering for many years at the World Dairy Expo in Madison.
An active and joyful man, John loved clowning in parades, snowmobiling, attending car and truck races, bowling, hunting, taking fishing trips to Canada, and embracing the outdoors. He gave generously of his time volunteering for various churches and the Knights of Columbus Council #531, famously taking charge of organizing many festive St. Patrick’s Day parties. Above all, John cherished the time spent with his family, grandchildren, and many friends.
John is survived by his daughter, Lu Ann McKinley (Chuck Woods) of Prairie du Sac; grandchildren, Cory Evans of Prairie du Sac and Shane (Emily) Evans of Prairie du Sac; great-grandson, Wesley Evans; sister, Sharon Betlach of Fitchburg; brother, Dennis (Margaret) McKinley of Madison; sister-in-law, Joanne McKinley of Fitchburg; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Carol; his brother, Gary McKinley; his great-nephew, Maxwell Peterson; his brother-in-law, Ron Betlach; and his great-niece, Erin McKinley.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at GOOD SHEPHERD PARISH AT ST. JAMES CATHOLIC CHURCH, 1204 St. James Court, Madison, at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, with Father Jared Holzhuter presiding. A visitation will take place at GUNDERSON FITCHBURG FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 2950 Chapel Valley Road, Fitchburg, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Monday, October 26, 2026, and also at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of the Mass on Tuesday.
John’s family is deeply grateful to the amazing teams at Agrace and the Sauk Prairie Health Center for their compassionate care. He will be dearly missed.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Edgewood High School, The Badger Honor Flight, or Agrace HospiceCare. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.
Gunderson Fitchburg
Funeral & Cremation Care
2950 Chapel Valley Road
(608) 442-5002