John Fermanich

1956 - 2025

John Fermanich

September 19, 1956 - October 31, 2025

John Fermanich, age 69, of Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully following a battle with cancer, with his family by his side Friday, October 31, 2025 at St. Clare Hospital, Baraboo, Wisconsin.

Funeral services will be held Thursday, November 6, 2025 at 12 p.m., at Picha Funeral Home, 120 East Adams Street, Lake Delton, Wisconsin, with Reverend Matt Gehrke officiating. Visitation will be held at the funeral home on Thursday from 10 a.m. to the time of the service at 12 p.m. There will also be a luncheon after the service. John, lovingly referred to as "Birddog" by his friends and family, was born September 19, 1956 in Mattoon, Wisconsin, the son of Gerald and Ethel (Stone) Fermanich. He grew up in Mattoon and graduated from Antigo High School in 1976. Then went on to begin his career as a maintenance technician at the Vulcan. In May of 1980 he married the love of his life Deborah Baken in Mattoon. They relocated in 1987 to Plymouth Wis., for 12 years where he worked at Richardson Brothers. Settling in Wisconsin Dells in 1999 where he worked at Grande Cheese for 5 years, then moved onto Smurfit Stone West Rock for more than 20 years. Here he made many friends and acquaintances and FINALLY retired in October of 2025. John had many accomplishments, achievements and successes during his life. His family was his pride and joy. Spoiling his grandkids was his favorite pastime along with Sunday dinners with friends and family. John had a heart of gold and the purest soul…maybe not as innocent in his younger years but a saint no doubt. He never let anyone down always there, always reliable, always willing. The very essence of a role model who his kids, grandkids and many others looked up to and strive to be even a little bit as good as he was. He was the guy that did everything he could to help, no matter who you were. A real 'Jack of all trades' and everyone's first go to in just about any situation. He somehow always had the right answer…even if it was probably some smart remark or "have a Coke." Our lives will never be the same, there will always be a void. But we will keep his memory alive and carry on his legacy. The Man. The Myth. The legend.

"When the road looks rough ahead, remember the man upstairs and the word 'hope,' hang onto both and tough it out." - John Wayne

John is survived by his wife, Deborah; daughters, Amanda (Santiago) Rinaldi, Katie Fermanich (Derek Burdick); son, Brent (Genevieve) Fermanich; and daughter Bailey (Guy) Zieler; grandkids, Blain, Nicolas, Mason, Andrew, Cheyenne, Ashton, Kensley, Henry, Zoewie and Aiden/Bob; his dog Crow; siblings, Jim (Judy) Fermanich, Don (Cathy) Fermanich, Joe (Kathy) Fermanich, Karen Fermanich, Gerri Fermanich, Mary Lombardo, Kass Fermanich, Carol (Rick) Mattmiller, Betty Stephanie; brother in laws, Pete Steckbauer, Mark (Cindie) Baken and sister in law, Barbie (Mike) Chowaniec. He was preceded in death by his parents; siblings, brothers: Bob Fermanich, Wes Fermanich, sisters: Theresa Strassburg, and Donna Steckbauer; brother in-laws Royce Stephanie, Tom Lombardo, and parents in law, Eugene and Helen Baken. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to Picha Funeral Home would be appreciated. For On-Line condolences and information, go to www.pichafuneralhome.com.

Picha Funeral Home - Lake Delton