John Huggett
April 05, 1964 - October 03, 2025
Obituary
John Huggett, 61, peacefully passed away on October 3, 2025. He was born on April 5, 1964, in Madison, WI, where he spent much of his life surrounded by family, friends, and the community he loved.
John is survived by the love of his life, his wife Nancy Huggett; his two stepchildren, whom he cherished as his own, Tara (Wes) Nonn and Mick (Paige Nelson) Karls; and his three grandchildren who brought him endless joy, Kypton, Beau, and Haisley Nonn. He is also survived by his mother, Ann Huggett; four brothers, Jeff (Diane), Mark (Sondra), Brad, and Mike (Laura); and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, Donald Huggett.
A proud graduate of West High School, John went on to earn his MBA from the University of Wisconsin–Madison. His career and adventures took him from Boston to San Diego before he returned home to Wisconsin, working at the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development.
John was a driving force in the Ultimate Frisbee community, leaving a lasting legacy in Madison and beyond. He competed at the highest level, going to Nationals many years with ‘Earth Atomizer’ in Boston. After returning to Madison, he picked back up as a player and coach for the club team. In 1993, he and a few close friends were instrumental in bringing the World Flying Disc Federation World Ultimate Championships to Madison and placed within the top 20 teams in the world. The event drew more than 80 teams from 17 countries and firmly established Madison as a hub for the sport. The following year the Madison Ultimate Frisbee Association (MUFA) was formed due to his efforts. In 1999, John started to coach the Madison West High School Ultimate Frisbee team, which has since become a perennial contender at both state and national levels. His dedication and vision helped shape the growth of Ultimate in Wisconsin and inspired countless players.
John lived life to the fullest with curiosity, joy, and a sense of adventure. He was an avid reader and a world traveler who loved exploring new places and cultures. A devoted dog lover whose golden retrievers were his constant and faithful companions. He had a lifelong goal of earning a coveted golden bracelet in the World Series of Poker, representing the dedication and skill for an event he looked forward to competing in every year in Las Vegas. He was especially proud of placing 29th out of more than 4,000 participants in 2022. Above all else, John treasured time with his family and friends, which brought him his greatest joy and fulfilled his constant goal of happiness.
Those who knew John will remember his contagious smile, his booming laugh that could be heard across any room, and the warmth, kindness, loyalty and humor he shared so freely with others.
To honor John’s memory, his family invites friends and loved ones to a celebration of his life on Sunday, October 19, 2025, from 11:00am to 2:00pm at Vintage Brewing Company, 600 Water Street, Sauk City, WI.
To view his obituary or leave a memory, please visit: www.ryanfuneralservice.com.
Ryan Funeral Home & Cremation Services
2418 N. Sherman Avenue
608-249-8257
Events
Celebration of Life
Sun Oct 19, 2025 @ 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM CDT
Vintage Brewing Company • 600 Water St, Sauk City, WI 53583
Photos
Memories
TK
Tom Keepers
Friend •
I've known John since first grade. John always had a knowing smile on this face, like he knew something -- perhaps funny -- that you didn't know. He became the "candy man" for a time, literally. He would get candy from Werts(?) Drug Store on Monroe St, often times arriving at school with a mouthful of Rainblow gum. He could barely talk his mouth was so full. Then he'd start laughing. I don't know how the teachers felt about it. < smile >. He also had some good LPs. I heard George Carlin for the first time at the family house by Vilas Park. We could not stop laughing, in part I'm sure because of the swearing and we were pretty young. Always a positive dude. So sorry to hear he has left us. All the best to the Huggett clan.
MM
Matt McCord
Friend •
John and I met playing Ultimate at UW Madison, he always had a different way of doing things that ruffled the feathers of the team. He was always trying to make the team better in his eyes and I will always respect that from him.
MT
Mike Trunck
Friend •
I met John my sophomore year of college at the UW Madison. We have been good friends for over 40 years. John's smile, laughter and fun spirit were infectious and lifted the spirits of many. He was taken too soon and I am devastated he is gone.