John Michael Dwyer passed away on September 1, 2026, in Appleton, Wisconsin.
John was born in Wisconsin to Mary Farmer Dwyer and Charles Dwyer on May 28, 1942. He spent his early years in Madison and on his grandparents' farm in Wilton, Wisconsin, before attending school in Kendall from sixth grade on. A natural athlete, John loved all sports and excelled in baseball, basketball, and football.
He went on to attend Loras College in Dubuque, Iowa, before graduating from Marquette University. John served his country in the Air Force Reserve. He spent many years at Caterpillar Tractor Company in Milwaukee and later worked for the automobile manufacturer Tower, first as a tool and die maker and later as a manager for many years — a career that reflected both his precision and his steady leadership.
John was a widower and, later in life, married Linda Jacobs who preceded him in death in 2022. Together they shared twenty-five years of adventures — traveling regularly to Europe, reading side by side, and opening their homes in Wisconsin and Florida to family and friends. John’s daughter Julia Carlson (Jim), and their children Sophie, Leo, and Cody Carlson were the great joys in his life. He also embraced Linda's family as his own, and was a beloved presence in the lives of his step daughter Elizabeth Konick (Alex), and their children Abe and Cassie.
John is survived by his daughter, Julie; his brother Joseph (wife Cynthia); his brother Jim (wife Ann); and his sister Sally (partner Don), along with the extended family he gathered through his marriage to Linda.
John cherished time with his grandchildren above almost everything else, and delighted in retelling their sayings to anyone who would listen. An avid reader with a lifelong love of history, he built a treasured collection of book reviews on his blog, sharing his love of stories with a wide circle of family and friends. He relished a good conversation about geopolitics, enjoyed hosting people, and found some of his greatest peace simply sitting and taking in the view of Lime Kiln Lake from his house.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Mary and Charles, his sister Susan, and his wife, Linda.
A memorial gathering will be held on the Chain O’Lakes in the summer of 2027. A save-the-date will follow. The Maple Crest Funeral Home assisted the family with arrangements.
