John Robert Downing, age 65, of Friendship, Wisconsin died Friday, May 9, 2008 at the University of Wisconsin Hospital in Madison, Wisconsin.
Funeral services will be 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, May 15, 2008 at the St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Friendship, Wisconsin. Father James P. McNamee will officiate. Interment will be at the St. Leos Catholic Cemetery, Twp of Adams, Wisconsin. Military rites will be offered at the graveside service by the Adams VFW Post #6279; the Adams American Legion Red Cloud Post #250; and the Grand Marsh American Legion Snyder-Richardson Post #273.
Visitation will be 4 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday at Roseberry’s Funeral Home. A prayer service will be held at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday evening.
John was born November 2, 1942 in Chicago, Illinois to Robert L. and Vernice R. (Clifford) Downing. He was a veteran of the Vietnam War serving in the U.S. Army. John worked for NCR for 32 ½ years. He married Donna Day on October 10, 1970 in Chicago, IL. John and Donna moved to Friendship
John enjoyed restoring books, inventing, reading, maintaining and building his personal library, writing, helping others, completing the Chicago Marathon. He received the Volunteer of the Year Award from the Adams County Chamber of Commerce this past year because of the many things he did for others. He worked with AARP to do taxes for seniors and for low-income parents. John, on behalf of AARP, also gave presentations to area groups about ways to prevent credit fraud.
John was a member AARP, the Adams County Library Board, and the VFW Post#6279.
John was preceded in death by parents, Robert and Vernice Downing; and his sister, Mary Downing;
Survivors:
Wife: Donna Downing of Friendship, Wisconsin
Son: Daniel R. (Denise) Downing of Melrose Park, IL
Daughter: Patricia A. Candella of Friendship, Wisconsin
Grandchild: John D. Downing
Grandchild: Katherine M. Candella
Brother: Daniel M. (Marcella) Downing of Hancock, Wisconsin
Sister: Betty (Darryl) Swartz of Merrillville, IN
Further survived by numerous family and friends.
Roseberry’s Funeral Home is assisting the family. Visit www.roseberrys.com for online condolences and further information.
May the Irish hills caress you.
May her lakes and rivers bless you.
May the luck of the Irish enfold you.
May the blessings of Saint Patrick behold you.
My sympathy to Jeana and her family on the loss of her father. May God be with you always. Rest in Peace John.
To my niece and nephew my heartfelt condolences. Dad I will miss you always and will always love you. Your wit and wisdom will be sorely missed. Love always, Your Firstborn
To Katherine and John Daniel, my heart goes out to you both. Dad, I loved you dearly, and will miss you always. Never will I forget the many conversations we shared, the knowledge and advice you imparted, your wit and wisdom, and your wonderful sense of h
I want to express my deep sympathies to you and your family in your time of loss. The process of grief is a hard one and takes time. The one thing I know for certain is this: the love you have for the departed and they for you will stay with you forever.
John was such a wondeful person to do taxes with with AARP. He will truely be missed by all. His wisdom, patience, and sense of humor always brightened our days. My condolences go out to his family. He will made a difference in many peoples lives, incl
My Sympathy to all.John was allways willing to help others.
Please accept my deepest sympathy. May God be with you in this, your time of need.
My thoughts and prayers are with your family. John was a treasure, a fine man. Knowing him was absolutely a joy. He will be so very, very missed.
My sympathy and condolences to Jeana and James Evrard on the loss of her father, to her sons on the loss of their grandfather, and to Thomas on the loss of his great-grandpa. You all are in my thoughts and prayers.
On the behalf of the Reynolds family we would like to give our condolence to Jeana Evard on the passing of her father John Downing . Jeana know that you will always be in ours prayers.