John "Jack" Townsend

Townsend, John “Jack” G.

Madison / DeForest:  John “Jack” G. Townsend, age 94, passed away peacefully on Monday, January 18, 2021 at home. Jack was born January 22, 1926 in Montfort, WI.  He is the 3rd youngest of 10 children.  Jack graduated from Dodgeville High School in 1943, and worked along with his siblings on the family’s 500 acre farm.  He joined the US Navy in 1946 and was stationed in Norfolk and then the Mediterranean on the USS Midway.

Jack met the love of his life on a blind date in 1948.  And as they say, the rest is history.  Jack and Gladys enjoyed dancing and ball games, going to the theatre and listening to big bands. Their favorite was country music, and they enjoyed trips to Nashville and Missouri.  Jack was the owner of Bavaria Meat Market on the West Side of Madison for many years. Jack loved trains, airplanes, fishing, and visiting with friends and family. He also liked to cheer on the Packers, Brewers, and the Cubs.  Jack and Gladys raised their 4 children, 3 girls and 1 boy, in the Madison area. Later they were truly blessed with seven grandchildren, and nine great grandchildren.  They had also lived on Lake Wisconsin, and in Waunakee for 28 years before moving to DeForest where Parkside Retirement Community was their home for nine years.  Jack’s kitty companion, Boots, was his personal 5am alarm clock, and alerted Jack to any storms coming.   Jack and Gladys shared 67 years together until Gladys passed away August 29, 2015.

Jack is survived by his two daughters, Cynthia (Don) Moore, Melissa (John) Brunker, seven grandchildren, nine great grandchildren, and his sister, Margery DeMuth, of Dodgeville.  He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife of 67 years, eight siblings, his daughter, Jacalyn Guist, his son, Jeffrey Townsend,  and his faithful companion, “Boots.”

A private family service was held, followed by burial at Roselawn Memorial Park. The service will be available to view at 5:30 pm. January 22, 2021. Follow the link to register for the service to watch the service. https://event.forgetmenotceremonies.com/ceremony/?c=2b4b1e9a-dc2d-487d-80c5-c275d26f9cf3 , The family would like to thank Parkside Assisted Living for their love and outstanding compassionate care, and also Dr. Thompson and staff of SSM Health of Waunakee, and Agrace HospiceCare for their compassionate care they provided for Jack in his last days.

Jack’s advice to younger generations:  “Enjoy Life, it only comes around once.”

Please share your memories at www.cressfuneralservice.com

Winn-Cress Funeral & Cremation Service

5785 Hwy Q, Waunakee

(608) 849-4513