John Lloyd Counter, age 79, formerly of Milton, died Friday, November 18, 2016, at his home in Friendship. He was born on December 3, 1936, in Wabasha, MN, the son of William J. and Hazel Counter. He married Jean Ann Tefft on February 4, 1961 at St. Jude Catholic Church in Beloit, WI. He served in the Marine Corp, was an active member of UAW Local 95 and retired from General Motors. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, politics and sports.
He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Jean Counter of Friendship, WI; three children: Greg (Michelle) Counter of Edgerton, WI, Sharon Johnson of New Berlin, WI, and Gary (Julie) Counter of Rancho Santa Margarita, CA; six grandchildren: Dylan Counter, Ben Counter, Alex Johnson, Kate Johnson, Trenton Counter, Addison Counter; brother: Kenneth (Barbara) Counter; sisters: Maxine Garvalia and Mary Bersing; many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his daughters: Susan Counter and Jacqueline Counter; his parents; a brother, William H. Counter; and sisters, Geraldine Counter, Kathleen Nandory; several brother-in-laws.
A memorial mass will be held on Wednesday, November 23, 2016, at 11am at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Milton, WI. Family and friends may call on Wednesday, November 23, 2016 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church at 10am. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to any Hospice Organization. The family would like to thank the staff of Hospice Touch, Tomah, for their care and comfort.
We are so sorry for your loss. We are unable to be at John’s funeral, but please know that you are in our thoughts & prayers.
My heartfelt condolences to all of you. John a was a very good man and wonderful Grandfather to my children. John was a man of principle and values and was never shy about telling you what he thought. I will always remember his sense of humor and his kindness to me and my family. He was not always easy to understand but he was very easy to love. Godspeed John.
We are very sorry to hear of the passing of Mr. Counter, he was a great guy, our thoughts and prayers are with his family.
John was a great union UAW Local 95 leader and brother. John was a true example of the quote by UAW International President Walter Ruether, “There is a direct relationship between the ballot box and the bread box, and what the union fights for and wins at the bargaining table can be taken away in the legislative halls”. John was instrumental in eliminating Wisconsin’s waiting week for unemployment benefits for all Wisconsin workers and true to Walters words, the waiting week was eliminated by Gov. Scott Walker in 2012. Rest in peace John.