John D Quinn

Born to Eternal Life June 16, 2026, at the age of 97. Beloved husband of the late Mary Quinn. Loving father of Paul Joneth, Margaret (Gregory) Krog, Andrew Joneth (Joelyn Belsha) and the late Peter M. Joneth. Further survived by Grandchildren, Great grandchildren, Great Great grandchildren, nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.

Preceded in death by parents John and Loretta Quinn, brother Leonard, sister Betty Johnson and sister Rita Cannestra.

John grew up during the Great Depression and World War II. Those were tough times. John recalled how he and his dad would walk through the alleys in the mornings searching for metal and other scraps they could use or sell. This was also the beginning of his love of tinkering which he continued to do all of his life.

He attended grade school and Boy's Tech High School through his junior year. He was dyslexic but always managed somehow. In 1948 John took a job at Wrought Washer Manufacturing as a packer where he worked until May of 1951 when he was drafted into the army. By October he was in combat in Korea with K Co,3rd BTN 17th Buffalo Regiment. The commander picked the nickname "Buffalo" to instill spirit in the soldiers and had them all grow large mustaches. John's was the best mustache so he gained the nickname "Buff". John was a Tech Sgt Squad Leader when his company was in fierce combat over several days. He recalled being knocked unconscious by explosives and awakening as medics were placing him in a body bag. John earned his GED while in service and was honorably discharged from Korea on a Friday in December 1952. The following Monday he returned to work at Wrought Washer!  He became a supervisor and later worked side-by-side with his younger brother Lenny.

While in Korea, John and a friend purchased land on Lake Poygan 20 miles west of Oshkosh. The land had a dirt road and was undeveloped and swampy but had a small stone cottage and an outhouse. John loved it and spent much time there buying out his friend 10 years later. He cleared out the swamp down the hill filling it in with rocks and sand and created a shore at the lake front. Five years after that he built an A-frame with a furnace, hot water tank and plumbing and eventually built an addition to the A-frame.

John lived with his mother most of his life. Sometime in 1973 his sister Betty and her husband Bud invited John to a dance. John's date would be Mary Joneth, Betty's childhood friend. John knew Mary from St. Patrick's parish and the two hit it off. They were married in November 1974. Instantly John became a stepfather to Mary's four adult children and later a grandfather, great grandfather and great great grandfather.

In 1984 John and Mary retired and moved permanently to Lake Poygan. They continued to make changes to their lake home area even purchasing more land across the road. Quinnhaven.

They traveled to Alaska, Ireland, Mexico and several states. John became active with his retired platoon members meeting annually in different cities. His most cherished memory was participating in the Honor Flight with his son-in-law. That flight also included his brother-in-law and WWII vet Frank Cannestra and Frank's son Mike.

John and Mary accompanied John's brother Lenny and wife Kay when Lenny lectured for the Lion's Club around the country. Because of John's love of music, the couples often attended local concerts and shows together.

John was invited to go white water rafting on several big rivers throughout the country. At age 77 John joined the group with his stepson Paul spending 23 days on the Colorado river in the Grand Canyon. He earned the nickname "Firestarter" for being the first one up at dawn (mostly to make his coffee).

Through the years John and Mary hosted and enjoyed many gatherings large and small of family and friends. No matter the season, all enjoyed swimming, fishing, long walks, bon fires, sing-alongs, fireworks, boat rides, cook outs, cross country skiing, and sunsets.

In 2015 John admitted he needed help taking care of Mary. So in 2016 John left his beloved Lake Poygan and returned to Milwaukee where Mary could get the care she needed. Mary died at Clement Manor in 2017. John was affected by dementia which became more evident after Mary's death and in 2021 John was transferred to memory care. His body remained strong until the very end.

John always tried to make the best of every situation including all his different living arrangements. The staff at Clement Manor enjoyed his humor and the fact that they'd always see him walking the halls, usually whistling but always stopping to talk. 

He will be missed.

Thank you to all who took the time to visit him or send cards to him. He didn't remember things or people, but he was always grateful for the acknowledgement.

A very special thank you to all the staff at Clement Manor Assisted Living and Clair Suites.

Visitation at Max A. Sass & Sons Greenridge Chapel (4747 S. 60th ST) on Friday July 10, 2026, from 10AM until time of service at 12 Noon. Private Interment. In lieu of flowers, memorial to Clement Manor or charity of your choice.