John Walsh

John B. Walsh, born February 15, 1940, to John J. and Audrey B. Walsh, lived a life defined by resilience, integrity, devotion to family, and quiet humor. He passed away on Saturday, February 14, 2026, after facing health challenges over the past two years with characteristic strength and determination.
 
As a young man, John was an outstanding athlete. In high school, he was a three-time singles conference champion in tennis and a state-ranked wrestler. He enrolled at the University of Wisconsin with plans to play varsity tennis. However, in August 1958, his life changed dramatically when he was involved in a devastating motorcycle accident. He remained unconscious for 32 days and was unable to begin college as planned. His recovery was extraordinary. Through perseverance and grit, he regained his health and ultimately attended and graduated from the University of Wisconsin – Madison, a testament to his determination.
 
John devoted his professional life to investments and personal financial consulting. He was committed to his clients and felt personally responsible for the trust they placed in him. Above all, he believed that ethics and integrity defined his work. More than one client has remarked that they trusted John completely, respected his judgment, and valued, not only his advice, but the care with which he delivered it. His profession was not merely a career; it was his personal responsibility. He retired from Morgan Stanley after four decades as a financial advisor.
 
John was a man who cared tremendously about his family. His first marriage ended but evolved into a lasting friendship built on mutual respect. His second marriage blessed him with two children, Laura, Brett, and three stepchildren, Lisa, Jan, and Tim who he cherished deeply and cared for with great pride.
 
The greatest joy and steady presence in his later years was his beloved wife, Kathy. They were married for 36 years, during which she supported him in every way with patience, understanding, humor, and unwavering love. During the last three years, she was a marvelous caretaker and steadfast partner. Their marriage was a partnership in every sense: grounded in mutual respect, kindness, and deep affection.
 
John’s parents preceded him in death. He is survived by his loving wife, Kathy; his children, Laura (Matt Crespin) and  Brett (Annie), Lisa and Jan; his brother, David Walsh (Nancy Walsh); their children, Michael (Angie), Katie, Molly (Jeff Olsen), and John (Whitney) Walsh; and Kathy’s sister, Nan Glynn, and her children, Brigid and Brendan McMahon (Julie). He was a devoted father who cared profoundly about his children, and a loyal relative who remained connected to family in ways, both large and small. He had a unique way of beginning conversations, not by speaking about himself, but by asking how you were feeling. That simple habit reflected the kind of man he was: thoughtful, attentive, and genuinely interested in others.
 
John loved life and embraced it fully. He tried almost everything, laughed often, and competed enthusiastically, even when the outcome humbled him. One of his memorable experiences involved a wager made by friends who convinced him he could beat a Florida tennis pro, even if the pro used a frying pan. As John laughingly recalled, “it wasn’t close. This guy could’ve beaten me with a spatula!” Whether or not he bet on himself remains one of his better-kept secrets, but he was always a good sport and never lost his sense of humor. That said, he also had strong feelings about politics, and if the Esquire Supper Club was still open, his friends would recall how they had to endure his arguments with his brother, David.
 
Above all, John will be remembered as responsible, reliable, and deeply principled. He was devoted to his family, loyal to his friends, and committed to his profession. He cared for others as much as he cared for himself and lived his life with quiet strength, generosity of spirit, and a twinkle of humor that stayed with him to the end.
 
John will be profoundly missed and lovingly remembered. A “Celebration of John’s Life” will be scheduled for early summer.