John Bushmaker

John P. Bushmaker, age 79, of Wisconsin Rapids, passed away on Friday, February 13, 2026, at University Hospital in Madison, Wisconsin.

John was born on January 10, 1947, in Wisconsin Rapids to Paul and Renata (Wittenberg) Bushmaker. He graduated from Lincoln High School and later earned his degree in engineering from the University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point. John proudly served his country in the United States Army Reserves and was discharged as a Specialist 4 in June of 1973.

He built a respected career as an engineer in Research and Development at Consolidated Papers, Inc., where he held several patents, and later worked as a Sales Engineer for Nekoosa Corporation. His work reflected both his technical skill and his ability to connect with others.

John had a deep love for the outdoors and embraced every season Wisconsin had to offer. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, four-wheeling, snowmobiling, downhill and cross-country skiing. In his younger years, he participated in ski jumping with the Tri Norse Junior Ski Club. A member of the Ridges Golf Course for many years, John enjoyed golfing at his home course as well as courses throughout the state with a group of friends, which brought him great joy and camaraderie.

A lifelong racing and automotive enthusiast, John followed both NASCAR and drag racing, attending events at many of the NASCAR and drag racing tracks. He also enjoyed attending races at Road America. John was a familiar presence at the Iola Car Show and other Classic Car Shows, where he proudly displayed and won several trophies for his 1957 Chevy "Orange Truck" that he completely restored. He also cherished time spent at his cabin in northern Wisconsin, riding his Harley-Davidson motorcycle, and shooting trap with the Heart of Wisconsin Sportsman's Club.

In balance with his love of the outdoors, John was incredibly handy around the house, substantially remodeling each of his homes, throughout a good portion of his life. Whether his remodel project was to an existing room or included a room addition, once completed it reflected his vision and his ability to create it. John's love for a project was both seen and felt throughout his home.

John and his life partner, Julie, spent 27 years together enjoying their shared love of the outdoors and she was his "apprentice" on many home projects. In later years they wintered in Sun City, Arizona, where they enjoyed golf, concerts, spring training baseball games and gatherings with family, friends, and the "Wisconsin Club of Sun City". Above all, John treasured time with family-especially his grandchildren, friends, and his beloved lab-mix dogs, Niki, Magi and Koko.

He is survived by his life partner, Julie Rice; his daughter, Jennifer (Tim) Narel, and their children, Jack (Emma) Narel and daughter Diana, Emily Narel (fiancé Jake Heidenreich), and Jason Narel; and his son, Paul (Amanda) Bushmaker, and their children, Simon, Max, and Ava Bushmaker. Additionally, John is survived by Julie's sister and great friend Susan Rice (fiancé Steve Phillips), and brothers Randy Rice, and Terry (Tina) Rice.

John was preceded in death by his parents, his sister, Brenda (Merrill "Corky") Sischo, Julie's mother Lois Rice and brother Paul Rice.

A Celebration of John's Life will be held at a date to be determined, at Herman-Taylor Funeral Home in Wisconsin Rapids.

Herman-Taylor Funeral Home is honored to be assisting the family.