I grew up with John in WFB, lived on Shoreland Ave 2 doors down from the Swenson from 4 yrs old until I was 12 yrs old. Hide n seek, Capture the flag, ding dong ditch, tree climbing, kick the can, all the best childhood memories I shared with Johnny. My heart goes out to the entire Swenson family. In my thoughts and prayers.
kevin t kelly
Dewitt, MI
Posted: 2/5/2025
I attended high school with John and we dated for a bit. I have not seen or talked with John for 35+ years, but in recent decades, I’ve followed snapshots of life, his kids, and what Facebook would bear through his lovely wife Cherie’s posts. I’m happy to know he had such a full life and had a chance to contribute to others through direct service—such important and edifying work. As so many of you have written, John is to this day one of the kinder people I’ve met in all my years. I’m sorry he had to go too soon, but glad he was afforded so much love in life and as he struggled with illness. He lives on in his family and in all of our memories. Rest in peace, old friend.
Heather E Hughes
Mill Valley, CA
Posted: 1/12/2025
Hello, my name is Penelope Ashford. I worked with John at Waukesha Comprehensive Treatment Center. I ended my employment there in April, 2024, but I kept in contact with John. I had messaged John on 12/13/2024 while he was in the hospital. I was up at about 4:30a and he popped into my head. We exchanged a few messages before his nurse came in. John was a good friend and he will be missed dearly. I am so sorry for your loss. I will keep you all in my prayers.
Penelope Ashford
Waukesha, WI
Posted: 1/10/2025
We are so sorry for your loss.
Tegtmeyer Family
Steamboat Springs, CO
Posted: 1/8/2025
John was one of the most calm, understanding, and respectful men I’ve ever known. He will be missed by so many. My heart goes out to his entire family. I’m so sorry for your loss.
Kathy ~ Waukesha
Kathy
Waukesha , WI
Posted: 1/7/2025
Cherie $ family,
We were so sorry to hear about John's passing. We are keeping you in our thoughts and prayers.
Tom & Joyce Christie
Wauwatosa, WI
Posted: 1/6/2025
John and Cherie raised an amazing colleague, daughter, and friend in Maggie. Thank you, John, for sharing your kind and creative hear with your loved ones. In your memory, they will continue to impact lives and make the world a better place.
Isaiah 43:1-7
Kelly
Milwaukee, WI
Posted: 1/6/2025
John was an amazing person and I am so sorry to hear this! He was my counselor and no one will compare to him!
Jessica
Waukesha, WI
Posted: 1/4/2025
I had the privilege of working with John at Bunzel's and feel blessed to call him a friend. We shared so many good times and stories over the years. His wry sense of humor and easy going manner will provide me with many happy memories going forward. My condolences to all of you.
Julie K Shanahan
MILWAUKEE, WI
Posted: 1/1/2025
My memories of John are all from when we were pretty young. Once we hit our teens none of us saw each other much. Too far away, I guess.
John was always the most daring and mischievous. If we ever got in trouble it was inevitably because John talked us into doing something we all knew we probably shouldn’t have done. Like when he said we should sit on Ed and Marcia’s new fence. Of course it broke!
Although I haven’t spoken to John in years, he will still be missed. I know that if, somehow, we ran into each other tomorrow, we would be able to find that rapport and feel like we were picking up right where we left off years earlier.
My deepest and most sincere condolences. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Dan & Karen Swenson
River Falls, WI
Posted: 12/28/2024