John W. Mccann

It is with great sadness and heavy hearts that we announce that John W. McCann, aged 71, of Onalaska, WI unexpectedly was called home to be with his Heavenly Father on August 5, 2024. John was recovering from a hemorrhagic stroke and was working hard with medical staff and therapists at regaining his strength and his cognitive functions. Even through this time of recovery he still was able to bring joy, laughter, and many stories to others.

John was born on January 17, 1953, in La Crosse, WI to Edith (Hubbard) and Robert McCann. He grew up in Onalaska fishing on the lake which later brought many fish fries and stories. When he was young, he enjoyed being a paperboy. While in high school he worked at Service Drug and the canning factory, enjoyed playing football, was a fantastic wrestler, and worked on a teacher’s farm who later became a good friend. After high school, John attended Winona State College and Western Technical College to pursue a teaching degree in woodworking. Throughout his life, John made many lasting friendships. He was an avid hunter, enjoyed playing the mandolin, woodworking, and creating beautiful stained-glass pieces.

John would say that the greatest blessing of his life was marrying his wife, Bonnie J. Berg, in 1973 at Lewis Vally Lutheran Church and later the births of his wonderful daughters, Amy and Brooke and the additions of his six grandchildren and two great grandchildren. He was so proud of all of them and involved himself in all their activities, especially show choir events, and chaperoning. The joy and love they brought him made his heart so full. As he spoke about them his eyes would sometimes fill with loving tears. He always let them know how very much he loved them.

John also enjoyed snowmobiling, camping, swimming, canoeing, motorcycling, roller skating (he had some amazing tricks such as skating backwards), hunting, target shooting, and driving the dune buggy he built in parades.  He loved traveling including attending the 1996 Olympics, hunting out west, many shooting events, and many, many auctions. John was a huge Green Bay Packers fan and went many times to see them play at Lambeau Field. He was known for his polka dancing and was always the best host to his many family and friends. For many years John was the president of the Holmen Rod & Gun club and before his passing was the vice president of the La Crosse Rifle Club. He was such a fantastic shot that he was invited to compete at Camp Perry in Ohio as a High Power Master and was a Hunter Safety Instructor for 35 years. John worked over 30 years at Trane Co, but also worked at Machine Products, John Deere, Drugan’s Golf Course, and Hardware Hank. He always kept busy and played Santa at friends homes, his granddaughters schools, Festival Foods, and many other places around the area.

John was noted for his love, kindness, and caring for his friends and family and even those he didn’t personally know. He is lovingly survived by his wife Bonnie (Berg) McCann, daughters Amy (Neil) Davidson and Brooke (Brady) Westling, grandchildren Brett (Cassie) Helseth, Austin Helseth, Gavin Helseth, Lillie Helseth, Ivy Helseth, and Arduinna Westling, great grandchildren Maxwell and Olivia Helseth, siblings Sandy Anderson, Bob McCann, Dave (Sue) McCann, Debbie Bertelsen, siblings in law Ellen (Jerry) Allen, Steven Berg, Tom Bernatz, Cheryl (Jeff) Nordie, and numerous nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, and other relatives and friends.

John was preceded in death by his parents Edith Hubbard and Robert McCann, parents in law Harris and Bonnie Berg, Brother in law James Berg, Sisters in law Diane Bernatz, Nancy Berg, and Sally McCann.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 pm on Saturday, August 10 at the Holmen Lutheran Church, 228 Morris St, Holmen, WI 54636. Visitation will be held from 11:00 am until 1:00 pm at the church. Pastor Matt Toso will officiate.