John D. Dempsey
John D. Dempsey “Butch” passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Saturday, September 29, 2018.
John was born February 9, 1948, in Fond du lac, WI, the son of the late Edward Dempsey Sr and Vianalda “Vi” Erke Dempsey.
In John’s younger years, he loved playing softball and was a very avid player.
John was a railroad man all of his life. He worked in the railroad industry for 36 years with his retirement in 2000. John was a second generation Dempsey working the railroad, following in his father’s footsteps. John started his railroad career with the SOO Line RR, where he worked as a mechanical welder. John was known as one of the “Best Damn Welders” on the railroad. There was no project he couldn’t tackle with perfection. John ended his career as a Mechanical Supervisor with the Wisconsin Central RR.
John found his passion as an outdoors man. He spent a lot of time in the North woods, specifically the Eagle River area. He enjoyed fishing, hunting; especially his trips to South Dakota, pheasant hunting, and trap shooting. He also enjoyed spending time with his friends playing sheepshead and liars dice.
John was a proud member of the Masons, a member of Fond du Lac Masonic Lodge No.26 F. & A. M. and was also a member of the Eagle’s Club Lodge #270. John was a member of the Wescot and Van Dyne Sportsman’s Clubs.
On June, 24, 1986, John was united in marriage to Patricia “Patty” Boeder and they were happily married until her death on June 25, 2005.
John is survived by his daughter Shannon (John) Bowen and his three grandchildren; Shawn, Alex, and Nathan of Forney, Texas, brothers Bob (Nancy) Dempsey of Fond du Lac, Richard (Mary) Dempsey of Mt. Calvary, his nieces Heather (Kevin) Campbell of Madison, Jessica (Jon) Miedema and great niece and nephew Alexa and Tyler of Indiana, and nephew Richard, Jr. (Cassy) and great niece Grace Dempsey of Fond du Lac, stepdaughter Kimberly Gattis and his three step grandchildren Jacob, Mollee, and Addisyn of Fond du Lac, stepdaughter Kendall Sinclair and his three step grandchildren Mike, Ashley, Corey of Milwaukee, stepson Jeff Boeder and his two step grandchildren Alex and Madeline of Fond du Lac, stepdaughter Wendy Lee and his stepsons Colin and Mick of Milwaukee, nephews Kevin & Dennis Dempsey of Fond du lac, and niece Mary Dempsey of Fond du Lac. He is also survived by Maggie, his beloved furry baby girl and love of his life, and his lifelong friend of 51 years, Dale Pierce of Fond du Lac. John is further survived by many nieces and nephews. John wanted to express his thanks to Kelli, Hanna Jo, and Andrew Anderson for their friendship and support with his healthcare needs. Thank you to Gary Gravelle for giving Maggie her new home. A special thanks to Don Kurki and staff for their assistance. The family thanks all of those who have provided support to John over the years.
John was preceded in death by his wife, mother, father, brother, Edward “Eddie” Dempsey Jr; sister, Marilyn (Carl) Beringer; and special nephew; Mike Dempsey.
John’s legacy left behind is his infectious smile, his sense of humor in that you were never sure what was going to be said next, and his kind heart, soul, and spirit. John was a generous man and truly one of a kind.
VISITATION: Family and Friends may call on Saturday, October 13, 2018 from 9:30 – 11:30 a.m. at Kurki-Mach Funeral Chapel, 31 East Division Street, Fond du Lac.
SERVICE: Masonic memorial services will be held at 11:30 a.m. at Kurki-Mach Funeral Chapel, followed by a prayer service with Outreach Chaplain Karen Kraus officiating.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made on-line https://www.gofundme.com/memorial-fund-for-dad-john-dempsey.
Kurki-Mach Funeral Chapel & Crematory is serving the family, www.kurkimachfuneralchapel.com. 920-921-4420