John F. Schueler, 59, of Milton, WI, passed away unexpectedly on July 27, 2026.
John was born on November 28, 1966, to Donald and Jane Schueler and grew up in Tomah, WI. He attended St. Mary’s Catholic grade school and graduated from Tomah High School in 1985. After high school, he joined the United States Army. Upon completion of his service, he remained in Tomah and worked for Nicholson Drywall and then Vrana Drywall. He was affectionately known as “King Drywall” to his family and friends. He attended DeVry University and graduated with a degree in Electronics Engineering Technology. His first job in his field was at Best Power Technology in Necedah. He moved to Milton in the early 2000s and worked at Minarik in South Beloit and then SSI Technologies in Janesville.
John was the second oldest of seven siblings. When his parents brought him home from the hospital, his 13-month-old sister, who wanted a dog, asked, “What’s that, bow wow?” As a youngster, he had two main hobbies: rock music and WWF wrestling. He would spend his allowance and later his paper route earnings on records by KISS, the Rolling Stones, Led Zeppelin, the Who, and the Beatles. When he wasn’t rocking out, he was likely in front of the TV watching WWF wrestling. He was such a fan of Ric Flair and “Rowdy” Roddy Piper that he would often put his brothers and sisters in the Figure Four Leg Lock and the Sleeper Hold. The only way to get him to stop would be to say “John is King.”
His love of music continued to grow. Not only did he listen to a lot of music, but he taught himself to play as well. He had amassed a collection of CDs, records, and guitars that he was always adding to. In his thirties, he had a brief stint as the original guitar player in the Bonneville Roof Riders, a band composed of his high school friends. An avid concert-goer, he would see Bob Dylan whenever he came to the area, and he also attended several concerts at Kiki’s House of Righteous Music.
John enjoyed spending time with his siblings. In 2012, one year after their father’s passing, John’s sister Gina had the honor of asking him to walk her down the aisle. He easily connected with his nieces and nephews and always found time to catch up with each of them at family gatherings. One of his favorite places was the family cabin in Trego, WI. He liked visiting the local thrift stores and was always excited when he found stereo equipment and older electronics to purchase. He spent a lot of time rebuilding old phonographs and radios. He worked with his brother Paul to fix their parents’ jukebox, a 1955 Wurlitzer. He could fix just about anything and was always happy to help with a home repair at his siblings’ houses.
John was a dog lover and had a dog by his side for much of his life. Over the years, he shared his home with Teela, Midge, Chewy, Daphne, and Bruno, all of whom preceded him in death. As a foster for Friends of Noah, he provided a loving home for all of the dogs in his care. He loved the Packers, but hated the Brewers (and all of MLB) since the ‘94 strike, though he was considering giving them another chance.
John was a private person and was often teased by his siblings for his aversion to social media. (The irony wouldn’t be lost on John: if you’re reading this on the internet, he’d be less concerned with what it says than with the fact that it’s online in the first place.) He was funny, easygoing, and just an all-around good guy. Above all, John was a beloved brother, son, uncle, godfather, and friend and will be missed more than words can express.
He is preceded in death by his parents and a niece, Kathryn Elizabeth Lofgren. He is survived by his siblings: Kathryn Schueler of Madison, Kristin Schueler of Tomah, Elizabeth Schueler of Madison, Paul (Amy Jo) Schueler of Tomah, Stephen Schueler of Tomah, and Regina (Nick) Templeton of Monona; several nieces and nephews: Cash and Quinn Lofgren; Halle Jo, Charli, and Cole Schueler; and Bonnie and Anna Templeton.
John’s family would like to thank the Milton Police Department and the Rock County Medical Examiner’s Office for their kindness and professionalism. We are also very grateful for Marlys, an angel of a neighbor who offered comforting words and hugs and helped us at a very difficult time.
A visitation will take place on Sunday, August 16, from 1 to 4 pm at the Sonnenburg Family Funeral Home, 801 E. Monowau St. in Tomah. Donations in John’s memory may be made to a local Humane Society or pet rescue and the Milton Public Library. Sonnenburg Family Funeral Home is assisting the family. Online condolences may be offered by visiting www.sonnenburgfamilyfh.com.
Sonnenburg Family Funeral Home
