John King

John "Jack" King, age 78, passed away unexpectedly on July 2, 2026. John was born in Madison, Wisconsin on October 2, 1947 to Jack and Rosalie (Faust) King. John was a lifelong resident of Madison. He graduated from Edgewood High School in 1967. He was a proud member of the 1966 football team which had an 8-0 record for that year. John was inducted into the Edgewood Athletic Association Athletic Hall of Fame in 2014. The players of that team remain close to this day.

He began his career with Madison Metro Transit in 1983 where he worked as a bus driver until his retirement in 2010.

He treasured all the friends he met along the way. Jack thoroughly enjoyed his weekly lunches with his "Soup Club" friends. He also looked forward to monthly get-togethers with more friends. "I love you guys."

John was a faithful Wisconsin sports fan cheering on his favorite teams. He enjoyed deer hunting at the family farm, a good game of euchre, and never missed the excitement of the Indy 500 which he attended for many years. He also loved to watch NASCAR
on TV.

John was a devoted, sentimental man with a kind soul and big heart. He enjoyed life's simple pleasures and time spent with loved ones. His greatest companion was his beloved cat, Lucy. She brought him endless comfort and happiness.

He is survived by siblings, Joan (Dennis) Sweeney, Kathy King, Mary Kay Deese (Charlie Rezin), Julie (Greg) Hurtado, Judie (Eric) Macht, and Greg (Paula) King.
He was a great "funcle" to his nieces and nephews, John (Lynn) Sweeney, Shannon (Parjack) Sweeney, Molly (Jeff) Larson, Caitlin Houck-King, Meghan Deese (Brian Fitzgerald), Mackenzie Deese (Michael Radloff), Cody Hurtado (Maggie Sommers), Adam Macht, Alyssa (Willy) Haan, Matt King, Ryan King, Hannah King (Lee Duong), Madie (Casey) Dolphin; and 20 great nieces and nephews. John is also survived by many wonderful cousins and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles, and cousins.

Our family would like to especially thank our niece Hannah for all the extra help and love she showed John. Thank you to neighbors Deb and Jeff for helping out with Lucy. Finally, thank you to wingman Mike, who was always there for Jack.

"Hubba-Hubba"
"Go Pack Go"

A celebration of John’s life will be held at 3:30 p.m. on Thursday, July 30, 2026, at Ryan Funeral Service & Legacy Center, 6728 Mader Drive, Madison, WI. Visitation starts at 1:00 pm. A luncheon will immediately follow the Memorial service.

To view the obituary or leave a memory, please visit: www.ryanfuneralservice.com.

Ryan Funeral Home & Cremation Services
2418 N Sherman Ave
608-249-8257