John W. Laursen Jr.

John W. Laursen Jr., 68, of Beloit, WI, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, August 15, 2025 in his home. He was born May 8, 1957 in Beloit, WI, the son of John W. and Nancy M. (Varner) Laursen Sr. John was a 1975 graduate of Beloit Memorial High School. He married Lynette "Lynne" Henning on July 25, 1981 and together they shared three children. John was formerly employed by General Motors for 33 years, retiring in 2008. He enjoyed making Stained Glass Art, fishing, taking trips to Canada and most recently to England. John was known for his massive Easter egg hunts, turkey shoots and Halloween fun. John loved being a grandpa "Papa" and was a built-in babysitter watching his grandchildren at Papa Bear's Daycare. He supported all his children's and grandchildren's activities to include their plays, theatre and sports. John was their biggest fan! He was a kid at heart and so many kids found joy being around him. He was a ray of sunshine in the neighborhood and will be deeply missed by all. John was a proud supporter of KFAD Theater, Parker Arts Academy and JPAC. He was an avid Green Bay Packer fan. John attends weekly AA meetings and has been sober since June 9, 1996 over 29 years. Survivors include his children, Michael (Rosamaria) Laursen, Aaron (Laura) Laursen and Courtney (David) Beeler; grandchildren, Akelalyn, Sirena, Gavin, Aurelia, Lylah, Ruby, Arthur, Kamden and Lainey; his mother, Nancy Laursen; sisters, Gay (Tim) Jack and Sue (Paul) Yee; many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins. He was predeceased by his father; sisters, Cindy Lee and Kathy Esselman; aunts, uncles, nephew, Joshua Esselman and twin grandsons, Duncan and Draven. A memorial service for John will be at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, August 23, 2025 in the Daley Murphy Wisch & Associates Funeral Home and Crematorium, 2355 Cranston Road, Beloit, WI. Visitation of remembrance will be from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. Friday in the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given in his name to the Janesville Performing Arts Center (JPAC), 408 S. Main Street Janesville, WI 53545. "And remember, my sentimental friend…that a heart is not judged by how much you love, but by how much you are loved by others". -The Wizard of Oz Livestream may be viewed at www.daleymurphywisch.com