EDGERTON - John Wozniak, age 85, passed away on November 3, 2026, at UW Hospital surrounded by his family.

John was born on June 6, 1941, in Goodman, Wis., to Stanley and Anna Wozniak. He grew up in the Goodman area and attended the University of Wisconsin-Platteville, where he earned both his bachelor's and master's degrees in Education.

John dedicated 34 years to teaching Industrial Arts and Tech Ed at Edgerton Middle School before retiring in 1998. He took pride in sharing his knowledge and teaching his students skills that they would carry with them long after leaving his classroom. He also enjoyed keeping his class on their toes with his quick wit and playful sense of humor. One of his favorite tricks was telling his sixth graders on the first snowfall of the year that they would only have a half day of school that morning. After the excitement and cheering settled down, he would deliver the punchline: the other half would be in the afternoon! That was John, always ready with a clever remark and a way of making people smile.

On June 12, 1965, John married the love of his life, Marion. Together, they built a life centered on family, shared experiences, and countless memories. They loved traveling around the world together, and especially enjoyed cruising. Some of their most cherished adventures were family cruises to Alaska and the Mediterranean for their 40th, 50th, and 60th wedding anniversaries. Having the whole family along made these trips especially meaningful.

John had a love for the outdoors and enjoyed hunting, golfing, and spending time in nature. He was also a talented craftsman and handyman who could seemingly build or fix just about anything thrown his way. John was skilled at woodworking, most recently enjoying bowl turning, but perhaps what his family appreciated most was that he was always willing to lend a hand to others. He spent countless hours working on projects at his children's homes, sharing his skills and teaching them along the way. He wasn't just there to finish the job; he wanted them to get something out of the experience.

John had a wonderful sense of humor. He was witty, quick with a clever comeback, and loved teasing just about anyone and everyone in a way that always left them smiling. Much of his humor came from whatever was happening around him, and he always seemed to have the perfect one-liner for the moment. His sayings became such a part of everyday family life that his children and grandchildren still use them today. Those little expressions, stories, and moments of laughter are among the many things that will keep his memory alive.

Above all, John was incredibly proud of his six grandchildren: Anna, Patrick, Morgan, Payton, Chloe, and Grace. He loved cheering them on at their sporting events, spending time with each of them, and forging special memories and traditions together that they will carry with them forever. It wasn't necessarily the big occasions that meant the most to John, but the simple moments spent together.

John was also deeply committed to his community. He was a longtime member of the Edgerton Lions Club, serving in leadership roles as both President and Treasurer. His dedication to service was recognized with the Lions Foundation Melvin Jones Fellow Award and the Lions Eye Bank Knights of Sight Fellowship. He was also a member of the Stoughton Conservation Club and cherished his Monday mornings sharing stories with a great group of friends.

John is survived by his wife of 61 years, Marion; his children, John (Lisa) Wozniak, Michele Jensrud, and Susan (Rob) Schellin; six grandchildren, Anna, Patrick, Morgan, Payton, Chloe, and Grace; his brother, Michael Wozniak; as well as many cousins, nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Stanley and Anna Wozniak; his brother, Stanley Wozniak; sisters-in-law, Mary and Dorothy Wozniak; and parents-in-law, Neil and Rachel Ramsay.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt appreciation to the Palliative Care team and the nursing staff at UW Hospital for the compassion, kindness, and exceptional care they provided to John.

A visitation will be held at GUNDERSON STOUGHTON FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 1358 Highway 51 N. at Jackson St., Stoughton, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, November 11, 2026. An additional visitation will be held at ST. ANN CATHOLIC CHURCH, 323 N. Van Buren St., Stoughton, at 10 a.m. on Thursday, November 12, 2026, followed by a Funeral Mass beginning at 11 a.m., with Father Randy Budnar presiding.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Wisconsin Lions Foundation, Lions Eye Bank of Wisconsin, or UW Carbone Cancer Center. 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 Wozniak

June 06, 1941 - November 03, 2026

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