Obituaries

John Englesby

July 02, 1942 - January 05, 2023

Text:

Obituary For John Englesby

On January 5, 2023 John Englesby of Morrisonville passed away following a brief illness.

Born in 1942 in Madison, John was a life-long resident of Morrisonville, living his early years in his early years in his grandfather’s home. John attended the Morrisonville Grade School and received his secondary education at the DeForest High School from which he graduated in 1960. He received a Bachelor of Science degree in education in 1964, where he remained in service for 35 years as an elementary teacher and at times as an administrator. He loved working with children, fellow educators, and administrators in Sun Prairie and was a dedicated educator. He received two additional degrees in Curriculum and Instruction from the University, a Master’s Degree in 1969, and a PhD. Degree in 1982. He was a proud member of the University of Wisconsin Madison Chapter of Phi Delta Kappa for most of his career and following, serving for many years on the Executive Board. He served on the DeForest Area Public Library Board for decades and also served on the Dane County Library Board for several years more recently. He was an active member of the United in Christ Lutheran Church of Morrisonville where he served on the church council, acted as head usher for many years, and helped with the music program.

John had an abiding interest in local and state history. He enjoyed many activies associated with the DeForest Area Historical Society, serving as one of the Board of Directors and Officers for many years and most recently as the Archivist-Curator. He was very proud of the role he played in working with many others to design and facilitate the creation of the archival center in the DeForest Area Public Library and upgrading or restoring the other society sites. He was a supporter of the Wisconsin Historical Society and was honored to serve on the Executive Committee of the Wisconsin Council of Local History, where he was the representative for the Capital Region for many years. He loved visiting the historic sites in Wisconsin and reliving the early history of the state.

John especially appreciated the opportunity to work with other groups in the community and wished to be remembered as “one who cared for others” a devoted teacher, church member, and community advocate. He was a member of the DeForest Area Schools’ Norski Wall of Honor in 2006 and the DeForest Area Chamber of Commerce “Citizen of the year award” in 2009.

John was preceded in death by his father, Rex H. Englesby, his mother Agnes Caldwell Englesby, and his brother Keith C. Englesby. He is survived by his nephew Kevin Englesby of St.Francis, Minnesota; and several cousins.

A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, January 18, 2023 at 1:00 p.m. at United in Christ Lutheran Church of Morrisonville. A visitation will be at the church on Wednesday from 12:00 p.m. until time of service. Inurnment will be held at the Arlington Cemetery.

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

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

Services

18 Jan

Visitation

12:00 PM - 01:00 PM

United in Christ Lutheran Church 4560 County Road DM Morrisonville, WI 53571 Get Directions »
18 Jan

Memorial Service

01:00 PM

United in Christ Lutheran Church 4560 County Road DM Morrisonville, WI 53571 Get Directions »
by Obituary Assistant

Photos & Video

Add New Photos & Video

Condolences

  • January 28, 2023

    John Engelsby was a man of integrity and grace. His commitment to serving his community was exemplary. His passion for lifelong learning and his gentle spirit will be remembered. Linda Leonhart

  • January 15, 2023

    John was the rare person who possessed and radiated pure kindness each day. He was one of a kind. Tony C

  • January 13, 2023

    John was a fantastic teacher. We moved back to Sun Prairie and he was my daughter Kelly's first teacher (third grade at Royal Oaks) and an awesome teacher he was. So sad to hear of his passing.

  • January 13, 2023

    John, was a very intellectual, kind, gentle and calming person. He was a teaching colleague of mine in Sun Prairie and such a pleasure to work with in the classroom and on committees. I will always remember his friendship, support, and smile! Rest in Peace, dear friend. Thank you for all your contributions and help that you gave so many.

  • January 12, 2023

    This is so sad to hear. John was a wonderful person and will be missed dearly by all he has left behind. He was also a beautiful organist. We loved when he played on Sunday's when we were members at United in Christ Lutheran Church of Morrisonville. Our condolences go out to the family and his closest Friends. I am absolute in saying he was welcomed with open arms by our Father in Heaven. Rest in peace John, you have certainly earned it. John and Lynn Yonkee

Add a Candle

Click a candle below to add a candle to your message.

Loading...
what our families say

Tiffany Foster went out of her way to fulfill all my requests, talked me through problems I was facing, and tried to make me feel as comfortable as possible when I was a wreck, totally crushed, and I thank her with all of my heart for that.

James S. | July 2020

The professional manner of the staff made a difficult time a little easier.

Lynda R. | July 2020

Services provided for both parents were perfect, on time, and no issues. Brenda is awesome and strong!

Michael M. | July 2020

Skyler was absolutely amazing. She was so caring and helpful through this whole process. She even went above and beyond to meet with us in DeForest and even to make a stop at our home to drop off or pick up anything needed. While it was a small gesture, it was so helpful and greatly appreciated.

Brooke S. | Dec. 2020

Madison North East

2418 N. Sherman Avenue
Madison, WI 53704
Tel: 608-249-8257

Madison West

5701 Odana Road
Madison, WI 53719
Tel: 608-274-1000

Verona

220 S. Enterprise Drive
Verona, WI 53593
Tel: 608-845-6625

DeForest / Windsor

6924 Lake Road
DeForest, WI 53532
Tel: 608-846-4250