John F. Garvan

1950 - 2025

Edgerton, WI - John F. Garvan, age 75, of Edgerton, passed away on Thursday, May 8, 2025, at St. Mary's Hospital, Madison, after a long illness. He was born in Milwaukee on February 21, 1950, the son of Joseph and Julia (Doncevich) Garvan. He grew up in Brookfield and graduated from Brookfield Central High School and attended UW-Waukesha. John had a long career working in sales and winning many awards for selling cars and insurance. John met the love of his life, Susan Brewer, and they spent the last 40 years together. He supported Sue in so many ways and supported her efforts with her dog club, around the house and in all facets of her life. He loved his children and was proud of them and their accomplishments.

John loved fishing, especially fishing for muskies at Manitowish Waters chain of lakes on a pontoon boat with a Mercury Marine motor. He loved watersports: swimming, scuba diving, and boating. He enjoyed snowmobiling with his good friends and working on their machines. You would never see John on any other snowmobile than Polaris. John was a NASCAR fan, loving the thrill of the race. He followed a few teams, focusing on their research and developing technology. Having the mind of an engineer, he could fix, repair, and build almost anything. In his younger years, John also enjoyed jogging and riding the state bike trails.

Since 2006 his big love has been horseshoe pitching in sanctioned leagues and tournaments. Most of those tournaments were with Kevin Brekke, also from Edgerton, who coached John and became his closest friend. John also pitched in the sanctioned morning leagues at the Beloit Club. Everyone who pitched John knew he would be a tough out, and many games came down to one point. He went to three World Tournaments in 2009, 2010 and 2012. He was a member of the Beloit Horseshoe Club, National Horseshoe Pitchers Association and the Wisconsin Horseshoe Pitching Association.

He loved his Rhodesian Ridgebacks and Australian Shepherds. Walking them and going to the dog park was a treat for him and the dogs. The dogs looked forward to playing and rough housing with their "dad." John built equipment for Sue to train them and attended their trials.

John struggled with multiple medical conditions for many years without complaining. The family extends heartfelt thanks to all his caregivers, especially to Dr. William Clanfield, Dr. Thomas Berentsen, and Dr. Mitchell Kopnick for their expert care and kindness over many years.

John is survived by his partner, Susan Brewer; 5 children: Jason (Geneva) Garvan of Ironwood, MI, Ryan (Lisa) Garvan of DeForest, Bradley (Heidi) Garvan of Sun Prairie, Phillip Garvan of Lake Mills and Renee Jeffrey of Sun Prairie; 7 grandchildren: Vivienne, Piper, Vonn, Emma, Kailee, Jackson and Theodore; Brother-in-law, Ken Hanula; Sister-in-law, Ruth Garvan; Sue's brothers: Steve (Cheryl) Brewer, Randy (Darla) Brewer, and Don Brewer; and many nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Joann Hanula; and brother Joseph Garvan.

A Celebration of John's Life will be held on Saturday, July 12, 2025, from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. at the Beloit Horseshoe Club, 640 Ravine Dr. Beloit, WI 53511. Memorials in John's name can be made to the charities of your choice. APFEL EHLERT FUNERAL HOME, Edgerton is assisting the family. For on-line condolences: www.apfelfuneral.com