John Everett Stenklyft

1948 - 2025

John Everett Stenklyft Cambridge , WI - John Everett Stenklyft passed away in his home on Friday, July 25th at the age of 76.

John was born August 26th, 1948, to Everett "Smokey" and Thelma Stenklyft. He grew up in Cambridge and lived on Main Street with his family. He attended Cambridge High school from 1962-1966. He played basketball, football, baseball, and was on the bowling team. He was a member of National Honor Society, the Lettermen's Club, and was Prom King. He was fondly referred to as "Stoney" by his good friends.

John went on to attend UW Whitewater and was a member of Phi Chi Theta fraternity. He graduated in 1970 with a degree in marketing.

His first job out of college was in Buffalo, New York with Oscar Mayer. He moved back to Cambridge and worked at Cambridge State Bank, eventually becoming bank president. He married Mary Smithback in 1973. He had his proudest accomplishments, his children Benjamin and Jessica, shortly after. In 1989 he purchased Centrifugal Industries of Wisconsin. He thrived running his own business, and he was able to work with his son, Ben, the best part of his job. He sold Centrifugal in 1998 and transitioned to commercial real estate. He was successful in this until retirement at age 65. He was proud of the multiple large deals he orchestrated throughout this time.

John lived a very full life. He contributed a great deal to his community of Cambridge. He co-founded the Cambridge Booster Club in 1992. He was a member of LRCC, was on the board, and president for one term. He loved spending time with his friends and family, traveling, and golfing. He took his family on the best vacations, the highlight of his children's summers. He loved to go with his friends and his son on golf and gambling trips, his favorite being the annual Byron Olson Invitational in Dubuque. He had a very solid group of friends in Madison as well. He always told his daughter, in jest, "it's a curse to be so popular". He was forever a Badger, Packer, Bluejay, and Warhawk fan. He more recently became a UW Oshkosh Titans fan.

His role as a father was the most important in his life. As his children grew up, he was with them every step of the way. His kids always felt loved and protected by him. He lived for his children, and they never doubted his love for them.

Ultimately, that same love and joy was directed to his grandchildren. He endlessly bragged about his grandkids. He was so proud of their athletic and academic accomplishments, but more importantly he was thrilled that they were just "really great kids". He lived for attending any sporting event they competed in, from volleyball and basketball to softball and football. If he couldn't watch a game, he would want every detail reported to him the next day. He also loved visiting with his friends and family on the phone and had a standing phone date with his brother Jim every Monday.

He was preceded in death by his sisters Barb Feggestad and Mary Wooley, his sister-in-law Wanda Stenklyft, and nephews Scott Stenklyft and Dean Feggestad.

He is survived by his brothers Jim and David, his children Ben and Denise Stenklyft, Jess Stenklyft, and his grandchildren Taylor, Brooke and Carley Stenklyft, and Mayah and Drew Holzhueter, and many nieces and nephews dear to his heart.

A special thank you to his family and friends including Jim Stenklyft, Brian Bailey, Bob Lacke, Pat Hrubesky and Rachel Kolberg, Ron Hillesheim, Kenny "Spoony" Spaanem, and Greg Fiedler for providing him with support and companionship over the past years.

A Celebration of Life will be held at his favorite spot, Lake Ripley Country Club, on Wednesday, August 6th. Appetizers and refreshments will be provided from 4-6 pm.