Age 61, of Wauwatosa, WI, died Friday August 15 at Zilber Family Hospice in Wauwatosa. Beloved husband of Janis, adoring father to Lauren and Jenna. Brother to Steve (Cathy), Joe (Mary E), Mike (Carolyne), Tom (Toni), Greg (Lisa), Mary B (Roger 2012), Jeanne (Rick), and Peter (Tim). Brother in law to Vincent (Chris), Dennis (Kelly), and Patty.  Nephew of Joseph R and Bonnie Sweeney, and amazing uncle to many nieces and nephews. Additionally survived by so very many friends and professional colleagues. Preceded in death by his parents Mary Jeanne and Atty. Roy B. Hovel, and his brother Leo.

John attended the University of Wisconsin at Madison, receiving undergraduate, graduate, and law degrees. Following a clerkship for the U.S. Court of Appeals, 9th Circuit, he practiced law in Milwaukee for 30 years. Many friends and family recognized him for his quick intellect and even quicker wit, as well as an unparalleled positive attitude. John’s love, capability, and confidence in his roles of husband, father, brother, uncle, and attorney will be missed. 

Besides his immense love for his family, John had a special passion for soccer.  Coaching his daughters, a niece, and many other young athletes for over 20 years fostered this love of ‘football’. John loved studying and watching the beautiful game, and developed players who had a similar passion for the tactics and strategy of the sport. One of his happiest experiences was going to Brazil for the World Cup with his wife and daughters in June 2014.  It was exciting for John to see the best players in the world in person while sitting among an international audience of joyful fans.

Visitation is at Schmidt & Bartelt Funeral Home, 10121 W North Ave, Wauwatosa WI on Wednesday August 20 from 4 to 7 pm, concluding with a prayer service. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Christ King Parish, 2604 N Swan Blvd on Thursday, August 21 at 10 am, followed by burial at Holy Cross Cemetery. Memorials can be made to The Triumph Fund (thetriumphfund.org), a charitable fund established by John, his wife, and daughters to support cancer research and clinical trials at the Medical College of Wisconsin Cancer Center.  The “Honoring the Lorax” event will proceed tonight as planned.  John created this fund in gratitude for the exceptional care provided by Dr. James P Thomas, Yee Lan Wong PA, and all the physicians and their teams at the Faith Clinic.  Additional thanks to the nursing staff at 4NW of Froedtert Hospital.