John Moreland

1938 - 2026

John Moreland

May 28, 1938 - January 31, 2026

John Evans Moreland, age 87, of Hayward, WI, passed away peacefully at his home on Saturday, January 31, 2026.

John was born on May 28, 1938, in Madison, WI, the son of Ernest and Mary (Waters) Moreland. In his youth, his family moved to Hayward, WI, where both his parents were originally from.

John attended Hayward public schools for all his education. He was active in sports, and in high school was the starting quarterback for the football team for all four years. He also played basketball and baseball. After graduation, he played summer baseball for the Seeley Loggers. He graduated from Hayward High School in 1956 as Valedictorian.

John attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where he earned a bachelor's degree in mathematics education and physical education.

On December 5, 1959, John was joined in marriage to Joyce Aasmundrud in Dubuque, IA. John joined the U.S. Army on July 4, 1960, and served at Fort Huachuca in Arizona for two years as a Military Police Officer. He received the rank of Captain, and after his honorable discharge he served in the Army Reserves.

John worked as a high school math teacher and coach-his two passions-first in Spencer, WI, and later in Mt. Horeb, WI. He also continued his education at Carleton College in Northfield, Minnesota, and then for three summers at Stanford University in Palo Alto, CA, where he received his master's in education.

John coached high school basketball, baseball and football. Summers, he also coached Little League and Babe Ruth baseball in Hayward. He was named conference Coach of the Year several times. He always tried to set a good example for his players through his conduct and by never smoking or drinking. He was named "Coach of the Year" several times. He was also proud of his work as a union leader at both the local and state levels.

Upon retirement, John and Joyce returned to Hayward and built a log home on the Namekagon River. John was an active volunteer throughout his life. In Hayward, he helped establish a chapter of Habitat for Humanity and he was active in Lions Club. After skiing in 15 Birkebeiners, served as race chief for all Birkie food stations for many years.

He was an avid sports fan and followed the Milwaukee Brewers, Green Bay Packers and Wisconsin Badgers very closely. From his youth on he loved attending sporting events. He loved his memories of attending Milwaukee Braves as a child, and he was a season ticket holder for many years for the Brewers and Badgers football and basketball.

He was a great father to his two sons and a good example to those he taught and coached. He was a faithful Christian man, and an active member of First Lutheran Church in Hayward.

John is survived by his wife of 66 years, Joyce; two sons: Bart Moreland of Hayward, and Jeff Moreland of West Allis, WI; and two grandchildren, Anna and Eric Moreland.

John was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Diane (Moreland) Martin of Milwaukee.

A memorial service celebrating John's life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, February 13, 2026, at the First Lutheran Church in Hayward with Pastor Joel Bacon officiating. The service can be viewed online at https://flchaywardwi.org/worship/. Visitation will be held from 9:30 to 11:00 a.m., before the service. Interment will be in the Greenwood Cemetery in Hayward.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Hayward Meals on Wheels program, Northwood Humane Society, or First Lutheran Church.

Online condolences may be left for John's family at www.bratley-nelsonchapels.com.