Obituaries

John Michael Cleary, 81, of Fitchburg passed away on June 22, 2024, at the University of Wisconsin Hospital surrounded by family. Born May 13, 1943, in Monroe, Wisconsin to Michael (Jack) and Nellie (Flanagan) Cleary, he attended the Cleary-Hanson one room school in rural Blanchardville, Wisconsin. He was a proud graduate of Blanchardville High School in 1961 where he was very involved in school activities. His favorite was basketball where he earned varsity letters and the nickname “Shotgun” for his shooting prowess.

John married Venita Wiest on September 7, 1968, at Holy Redeemer Catholic Church in Perry Township. He worked in the building industry almost his whole life, including for many years at Cleary Buildings as a salesman. His job allowed him to travel around Southern Wisconsin, where he loved meeting and talking with new people. That continued throughout his life when he often asked where others were from in order to make a small-town connection.

John loved all Wisconsin sports teams, but his greatest passion was the Badgers. He was a season ticket holder for both basketball and football for over 50 years, as well as hockey tickets for over 20 seasons. He achieved his dream of attending a Rose Bowl victory for the Badgers, not once but three times.

John showed his affection by often giving those he cared about nicknames. His family will miss hearing the names that only he chose for them. Although John would never have considered himself funny, those who knew him will miss the anticipation of what would slip out of his mouth. These Johnisms will be forever remembered and widely used.

He is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Venita; his children Michelle (Tom) Buchholz, Little Chute, and Todd (Corey) Cleary, Brookfield; grandchildren Abby (special friend Jaden Neumann) and Tim Buchholz, Kiera, Elissa, and Cassie Cleary; siblings, Virginia (Jim) Honer, Jean Cleary, Tom (Carol) Cleary, Bernadette (Mike) Routhieaux, and Steve (Jane) Cleary; brothers and sisters in law, Ed Sutter, Janice Gladem, Jerry (Ann) Wiest, Darlene (Dennis) Cleary, Jean (Michael) Ryan, Linda Seaquist, and Kathy (Terry) Kurth; along with numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters Peggy Pertzborn and Betty Cleary, in-laws Marcy and Don Schoepp, Valeria Sutter, and Ken Gladem.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at on Friday, June 28, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church, 401 S. Owen Dr, Madison. A luncheon will follow the Mass. A visitation will be held at 10:00 a.m. until the time of Mass. A private burial will be held at a later date.

The family would like to thank the staff of the University of Wisconsin Hospital, as well as family members who sacrificed so much of their lives to help him, especially throughout the past year.

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

Ryan Funeral Home & Cremation Services

Verona Chapel

220 Enterprise Drive

608-845-6625