John F. Laufenberg

NOTE: LIVESTREAM OF JOHN'S FUNERAL MASS WILL BE AVAILABLE AFTER THE MASS WITH A LINK TO ST. ALBERT THE GREAT SITE.

John F. “Jack” Laufenberg, age 86, passed away on Friday, December 15, 2023 after his two-year battle with Alzheimer’s.  He was born on August 8, 1937, in Madison to Anton and Henrietta (Zander) Laufenberg. 

Jack graduated from Mt. Horeb High School, Class of 1955. He went on to proudly serve his country by enlisting in the United States Army after high school graduation having served from 1956-1962.  After his discharge from the Army, John was hired by the University of Wisconsin at Madison, Physical Science Lab in Stoughton, WI. In 1977, he transferred to the Physics Department in Sterling Hall on the UW Madison campus to continue his work on nuclear fusion. Jack was very proud to work for the university and of the strides his department made toward creating cleaner energy.  Jack officially retired from the university in 2012 at the age of 75.

Other accomplishments of Jack’s include completing Madison Vocational School in 1963, an Electronics Technology degree in 1971, and he even built his own television.  In later years, Jack also earned a real estate broker license.

Who would have thought that while searching through a coat room instead of finding his jacket Jack found the love of his life?  He married Judy Tourdot on May 4, 1963.  Jack and Judy built their life in Madison, Wisconsin.

Jack had a strong love for God and the Catholic Church; his family; outdoor activities including boating, camping, hiking, skiing, and biking (he biked into his eighties!); vanilla ice cream and popcorn; country music; and Madison. He was an amazing father and grandfather. 

Jack is survived by his wife and best friend of 60 years Judy; children: Kim (Len) Elton, Ron (fiancée Sarah Breckling) Laufenberg, and DeAnn (Brett) Wieber; grandchildren: Jonathan “JD” (Morgan), Joshua (Maddie), Kanyon, Marlee, Stella, and Samuel; and great-grandchildren: Jordan, Camden, and Lauren.  Jack is further survived by his twin sister Jean Statz; sister Eileen (Jim) Rauls; sister-in-law Betty Laufenberg; and many relatives and countless friends.

Jack was preceded in death by his parents; daughter-in-law Melissa “Missy” Laufenberg; brothers Art (the late Leona), Herbie, and Ken (the late Rosie); and sister Marion (the late Dave); brother-in-law Roman. Jack will now be reunited with his beloved pets, Kassie and Maggie

Gathering of friends and family will be from 9:30-10L45 AM with eulogies beginning at 10:45 AM on Wednesday, December 27, 2023 at St. Albert the Great Catholic Church, 2420 St. Albert the Great Drive, Sun Prairie, WI 53590. Mass of Christian Burial for Jack will begin at 11:00 AM following the eulogies.  Full military honors at the church will follow the Mass.

In lieu of flowers, donations are appreciated to the Wisconsin Alzheimer’s Institute (https://wai.wisc.edu/give) or Disabled Veterans of America (htts://help.dav.org) in Jack’s memory.

In honor of Jack’s love for family and friends and the University of Wisconsin, you’re welcome to wear RED.

Jack’s family would like to give special thanks to   Andrell Hammond for the devoted care she provided Jack prior to his moving to Stoughton. They also are deeply appreciative of the care team at Magnolia Gardens in Stoughton and from Agrace Hospice.

Cress Funeral Home Sun Prairie

608-837-9054