John D. Pippin of Madison was born to Gerald D. and Jessie B. (Edington) Pippin on Wednesday, August 7, 1946, in Boscobel, WI. He passed away peacefully on Monday, April 12, 2025, at the age of 78. During those 78 years, he led a very fulfilling life.

He enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1964, opting to serve his country before graduating high school. John served for two tours in Vietnam, entering as a Private, and leaving active duty in 1968 as a Corporal. He served 2 more years in the Reserves, then received his Honorable Discharge in 1970. Believing that education was important, John earned his GED while in the Marines. After the military, he studied at United Technical Institute in Milwaukee.

John married Kathy Larson on May 29, 1970. They built a home in Sun Prairie and started their family together. In 1977 he went to work for the University of Wisconsin at their Physical Science Laboratory as a Drafter; initially doing his drawings by hand, John then learned Computer-Aided Design (CAD) when they advanced to this new technology. He loved the work he did there and was very proud of the time he spent working on the CERN Large Hadron Collider and the IceCube project. John retired in 2007 as a Senior CAD Drafter.

He had a life-long love of flying. John worked on a medevac helicopter during one tour in Vietnam and he always wanted to fly. After returning to civilian life, he took flying lessons and learned to fly a helicopter. Eventually, John found ultralights and he built and flew those for many years. He met so many amazing people that have remained a special part of his life even after he was done flying himself.

In his free time, John enjoyed backgammon, poker, and gambling at the casinos. He took trips to Las Vegas and Dubuque, as well as visiting local casinos. If there was a backgammon or poker game/tournament happening in the Madison area, there was a good chance you would see him there.

John loved to talk, he could (and did) start up a conversation with anyone that came near him. He was a regular at the Cottage Cafe and Dairyland Family Restaurant. All of the staff, and most of the customers, knew who John was and would stop by to say hi. He always had a smile and nice word for everyone.

John touched the lives of so many and will be missed by all.

He was proceeded in death by his parents as well as his five siblings, Gerald “Jerry”, Jeanne, Carolyn, Dennis, and Richard.

He is survived by his ex-wife and forever friend, Kathy Rabe of Madison, his daughters Debi Dahl (Eric) of Deerfield and Diana Lababidi of Madison, his grandson Devon Paull and granddaughter Calia Lababidi, both of Madison, and many nieces and nephews. John is also survived by life-long friend Norm Wills of Poynette, and very special friends Doris Bass, Lee Taylor, Evelyn Fee, and Ron Gollonik.

There will be a Celebration of John’s Life lunch and socialization from 12:00 P.M. to 4:00 P.M. on Sunday, July 20, 2025, at the VFW Post 7591, 301 Cottage Grove Road in Madison. A time of sharing will start at 1:00 P.M. with full Military Honors to follow at 2:00 P.M.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that a donation be made to the VFW Post 7591 in John’s name.

Semper Fi, Marine!

To view and sign this guestbook, please visit: www.ryanfuneralservice.com.

Ryan Funeral Home & Cremation Services

2418 N Sherman Ave

608-249-8257

John Pippin

August 07, 1946 - May 12, 2025

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