Obituaries

Jack Charles Sigurslid, of Deforest, WI, a proud Army Veteran, Husband, Dad and Papa, passed away surrounded by his wife and two children on October 3, 2024 at the age of 84 while a resident at Sun Prairie Senior Living Center. He was born in Deforest, WI on July 10, 1940 to Olaus and Thelma (Thompson) Sigurslid. He was their third and youngest son, with all three boys being born in the month of July and all 6 years apart! He grew up in Deforest, graduating from Deforest High School in 1958. He enjoyed playing in the Deforest High School Band and playing football, but he really enjoyed driving cars a little too fast! We read a lot of secrets about him in the Deforest Times Tribune written by his classmate Dick.

He was baptized and confirmed at Norway Grove Lutheran Church, and a long-time member of Christ Lutheran Church. Jack was very proud of his Norwegian heritage. He loved his annual lutefisk dinners at Christ Lutheran Church and other area churches. In earlier years he always loved to go to Stoughton to watch his niece and nephews perform in the Syttende Mai parade. He was a member of the Deforest Area Jaycees, American Legion Post #348 and the Sun Prairie VFW.

Following his high school graduation he enlisted in the United States Army, serving in South Korea after the conflict, training the Korean soldiers (RoK Army Republic of Korea) in the 38th parallel in the De-Militarized Zone, (DMZ).

After returning from his military service, he worked for Lindsay Finishes/Hallman Lindsay for over 30 years. After retirement he decided he better go back to work so he didn’t drive Judy nuts, so he went to go work for the Deforest Area School District as a custodian. He loved joking with the kids and staff at DMS and beamed when being recognized at the grocery store and restaurants. Kindly recognized by students as being crazy for wearing shorts in the winter.

He loved all sports, especially the Milwaukee Brewers and the Green Bay Packers. He was an avid softball player, playing weekly and in weekend tournaments, throwing from catcher to 2nd base while still squatting behind home plate, and at times he may have had a cigarette hanging from his mouth. He also played first and third bases, always followed by a cold beer with his teammates! His cribbage and euchre skills were amazing as well! He enjoyed golf, but not his scores!

He enjoyed his years of bowling at Rude’s Lanes, couple and men’s leagues, and more recent years the “old timer’s” Thursday bowling group.

For many years our family would spend a week in Sarona, WI enjoying Long Lake. Jack enjoyed sitting looking at the lake for hours and enjoying his family time. After his diagnosis they were unable to enjoy it like years before.

He loved to attend and cheer for his grandchildren at their sporting, dance and musical events. He was always appreciative of a good meal! His famous saying was “good stuff” after a meal or snack someone prepared that he enjoyed! He would even say “good stuff” after a meal he enjoyed when he no longer could remember some people’s names or where he was. He loved a good chicken tender with ranch dressing and any type of salad!

He enjoyed taking car rides anywhere, but often to Dane, frequenting the original place he and his sweetheart Judy met over 60 years ago when her brother Benny introduced them. Even after Alzheimer’s took away so much from him, he still enjoyed his car rides and then stopping to eat and have a cold beverage.

His wonderful life is both mourned and celebrated by his family. He is survived by his caring wife, Judy, daughter, Debbie (Mark) Stae, Greenville, WI; son, Gary (Lisa) Sigurslid, Deerfield, WI. His cherished grandchildren, Logan (Fiancé’ Tayah Hampton) Stae, Lauren (Braeden Thies) Stae, Ben Sigurslid and Luke Sigurslid. Brother-in-law, Dennis (Cat) Johnson; Sisters-in-law, Joan Sigurslid, and Cindy Johnson Kirklin; nephews and nieces and treasured lifelong friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Olaus and Thelma, his father-in-law and mother-in-law, K. Merle and Burnette Johnson; brothers, Alan (Jowon) Sigurslid and Duane “Swede” Sigurslid; Brother-in-law, Benny Johnson; and great nephew, Phillip Alan Sigurslid.

Visitation will take place on Thursday, October 17th, from 4 PM to 7 PM at Ryan Funeral Home, 6924 Lake Road, Deforest and funeral service at Christ Lutheran Church, 220 S. Main Street, Deforest on Friday, October 18th at 11 AM with visitation from 10 AM to 11 AM. Burial will take place at Norway Grove Cemetery.

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

Ryan Funeral Home & Cremation Services

Windsor/DeForest Chapel

6924 Lake Road

608-846-4250