John Martin Stickney, age 83, passed away peacefully at home on Monday, February 9, 2026, surrounded by his family.

John was born on December 28, 1942, in Pontiac, Michigan. Known as Jack or Jacky to his family, he was the beloved son of Gertrude “Nanny” Lindquist. As a single mother, she worked tirelessly at multiple jobs to provide for him. Though money and material comforts were scarce, the love she gave him was abundant. John often said, “The love and guidance she provided gave me the confidence to become the first person in my family to not only graduate from high school, but also from college. She was the greatest influence of my life.” At age 12, he was adopted by his stepfather, Jim, and his last name changed from Lindquist to Stickney.

In 1960 John graduated from Waterford Township High School in Pontiac. He went on to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Education with concentrations in Social Studies and Physical Education, from Central Michigan University in 1965. A talented athlete in both high school and college, John carried a lifelong love for sports, particularly basketball and golf.

While teaching Physical Education and Civics at Oakleigh Jr. High School in Grand Rapids, Michigan, John met the love of his life, Kaye Alyce Olson. They were married on February 15, 1969, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Grand Rapids. After the birth of their son, Eric, the family moved to Wisconsin, where John began what would become a 30-year tenure teaching Social Studies at Gompers (later Blackhawk) Middle School in Madison. Their daughter, Leigh Ann, was born in 1972. In 1977, the family settled in DeForest, Wisconsin, where John and Kaye raised their children, formed many lifelong friendships, and were active members of the Windsor United Church of Christ.

From childhood through retirement, John devoted himself to working with young people. He served as a playground supervisor, little league umpire, basketball coach, camp counselor, assistant camp director, and classroom teacher. He understood the importance of showing up, listening, and taking genuine interest in the lives of his students. For some of the thousands of students he taught, he was the only adult who consistently supported and encouraged them. Among his proudest professional accomplishments were developing a physical education program for visually impaired students, establishing student government programs, and leading a Current Events program that earned recognition at both local and state levels.

John’s devotion to Kaye, his children, and his grandchildren was boundless. He often said, “If you would have told me, when I was young, that I would have the family and life that I have now, I would never have believed you.” He was also known for his mischievous sense of humor, which was on display until the very end.

John is survived by his devoted wife of nearly 57 years, Kaye; his children Eric (Patti) Stickney and Leigh Ann (Matt) Larson; and his four grandchildren, Anissa (Michael) Larson-Owens, Garrett Larson, Jay Stickney, and Ben Stickney. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, and dear friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Gertrude and James Stickney; sister Lillian “Tindy” and brother‑in‑law Richard Mattson; brother Raymond and sister‑in‑law Maureen Lindquist; uncle Charles Lindgren; nieces Rosamond Lindquist and Jeanne Mattson; and nephews Tom Mattson and Larry Mattson.

A celebration of life will be held on Friday, March 6, 2026, at Ryan Funeral Home, 6924 Lake Rd, DeForest, WI. There will be a visitation from 2 to 4pm followed by a brief service at 4pm. Following the service there will be a reception at Rex’s Innkeeper, 301 N Century Avenue, Waunakee, WI.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations. Over John’s many hospital stays the past few years, the visits he received from pet therapy brought him tremendous joy. Donations can be made in his name to St Mary’s Madison Foundation / Attn: Pet Therapy Services / 700 S Park Street / Madison, WI 53713. His family also greatly appreciated his home hospice team’s skill and care. Donations can be made in his name to the Agrace Foundation: https://www.agrace.org/donate/.

John Stickney

December 28, 1942 - February 09, 2026

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