John William Perz, age 85, of Wilton, WI, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family, on Sunday, August 30, 2026, at Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center in La Crosse, WI.
John was born on November 12, 1940, to Casimer and Anna (Zobal) Perz on the family farm near Mauston, Wisconsin. After graduating from Madonna High School in 1960, he served his country in the United States Army National Guard. Trained as a skilled mechanic, John was stationed at bases across the nation, taking pride in his duty and readiness to serve.
Following his military service, John dedicated his career to heavy construction. A proud, longtime member of the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 139, he worked for the Arthur Overgaard Construction Company and later Mathy Construction until his retirement in 2003. John had an intuitive, remarkable talent for mechanics—there was simply no engine he couldn’t diagnose nor any machine he couldn’t fix. If equipment broke down, John was the trusted craftsman everyone called. His commitment to service also extended into his community through his devoted, active membership with the Wilton American Legion Post, where he formed deep, lasting friendships with his beloved “Legion family”.
On September 9, 1967, John married the love of his life, Lucy Hancock, at Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church in Mauston. Together, they established their home in the countryside near Wilton and built a life rooted in love and devotion. Following Lucy’s passing in 1997, John stepped forward as a steadfast father, pouring his heart into guiding and supporting his cherished children.
Though quiet and gentle by nature, John possessed a vibrant, playful spirit and a quick wit. He loved gardening, fishing, hunting, and tackling endless creative projects. He especially delighted in crafting custom games and puzzles to affectionately stump his grandchildren. John had a constant twinkle in his eye and a warm, mischievous sense of humor. His gentle ribbing and playful teasing were his signature ways of showing affection, ensuring everyone around him felt included in the joy. Above all else, John treasured time spent with his family, taking immense pride in his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
John is survived by his three children: Annette (David) Peterson, Kara (Joe) Perz-Rader, and Jamie (Jenny) Perz; nine grandchildren: Jessica (Greg) Brandau, Angela (Eric) Czaja, AJ (Rory) Hades, Cassidy (Sam) Bohlen, Kaylynn Peterson (Markus Kelly), Benjamin and Eli Rader, and Jameson and Jordan Perz; and nine great-grandchildren: Autumn, Alivia, Annabelle, Janson, and Aletta Brandau, and Adeline, Emmalyn, Charlotte, and Delainey Czaja. He is further survived by his brothers, Joe and Louis Perz, alongside many loving nieces, nephews, neighbors, and friends.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Lucy; his daughter, Lisa; his parents, Casimer and Anna Perz; his brother, Bernard Perz; and his sister, Helen Morris.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, September 4, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Wilton, WI, with Father Balraj Thotta-Saminathan officiating. Burial with full military honors will follow at Hillside Cemetery. Family and friends are invited for visitation on Friday at the church from 9:00 a.m. until the time of service.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the Ronald McDonald House in John’s memory.
The Torkelson Funeral Home of Sparta is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be offered at www.torkelsonfuneralhome.com.
Torkelson Funeral Home
