John Willard Earl

                                                                                                       Madison - John Willard Earl, age 85, passed away peacefully on Thursday, July 23, 2009 in Madison after a short illness.   John, the son of George and Mary Katherine Earl, was born on July 26, 1923 in Fennimore, Wisconsin.   After graduation from Fennimore High School in 1941, he attended Hamline University in St. Paul, Minnesota until he was called into service in 1942.   John served as a pilot of C47s in the Troop Carrier Command of the U. S. Army Air Corps until the end of WW II.   In 1946, John enrolled in the University of Wisconsin and was awarded a degree in Commerce in 1949 and a Master's Degree in Social Work in 1953.   His career in social work included positions with the State Division of Children and Youth and the Dane County Mental Health Center.   On June 23, 1951, John married the love of his life, Patricia (""Pat"") Salisbury, and they enjoyed 58 years together.   John was an active member of the Friendship Force of Wisconsin, serving as both ambassador and host and participating as chairman of the organization's Adopt-A-Highway program.   A gracious, warm and open-hearted man, John was an avid gardener, traveler and bridge player.   After retiring in 1985, he and Pat attended Elderhostels throughout the United States.   He enjoyed the outdoors in all seasons and his favorite activities included camping, canoeing, biking and skiing.   John is survived by his loving children Janet (Roger) Hunerdosse, Madison, and Douglas (Carrie), Brookfield, cherished grandchildren Rachel and Philip Hunerdosse and Brian and Allison Earl, cousins, and many nieces and nephews.   His wife Patricia, his son James and his brother Edward preceded him in death.   Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, July 29, 2009 at the OAKWOOD VILLAGE WEST CHAPEL, 6201 Mineral Point Road, Madison at 12 Noon. A visitation will be held on Wednesday at Oakwood Village West Chapel from 11:00 a.m. until the time of services.   Burial will follow at Forest Hill Cemetery.  The family requests that in lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the National Parkinson Foundation (www.parkinson.org), the Nature Conservancy (633 West Main St., Madison 53703) or to a charity of one's choice.