John Boyle Wickhem

John Boyle Wickhem, of Janesville, WI, passed away on October 25, 2026, surrounded by his loving family.

John was born on July 10, 1948, to John C. and Mary Wickhem. He grew up in Janesville and graduated from Janesville High School in 1966. A proud University of Wisconsin–Madison graduate and University Alumni Association member, he remained a lifelong Badger fan and never missed a chance to wear his infamous “W” pants to a Badger football game. John devoted himself to his family, career, and community. He founded the John Wickhem Insurance Agency in 1985 and served as IIAW President in 2015. He also served as the Janesville Rotary Club President and volunteered at Rotary Botanical Gardens and Camp Rotamer. His volunteer work extended to Ducks Unlimited, The United Way, GIFTS Men’s Shelter, The Boys & Girls Club, The Red Cross, Boy Scouts, Jaycees, Knights of Columbus, and St. John Vianney Parish.

John enjoyed golfing, hunting, fishing, and traveling, and cherished his annual trips to Wickhem’s Folly in Lake of the Woods, Ontario. Those who loved him will remember him dancing, out on the golf course, catching 50-inch muskies, and always “getting his steps in.” He embraced life’s adventures and found joy in celebrating the people he loved, showing up with unmatched enthusiasm for every milestone.

John is survived by Donna, his loving wife of 51 years; his children, Holly (Jake) Davie, Derek (Kaelie) Wickhem, and Sean (Elissa) Wickhem; his grandchildren, Ashley Davie, Brooklyn Davie, Fay Wickhem, and John ‘Oren’ Wickhem; his step-grandchildren, Ethan and Elijah Schluter; his siblings, Jim (Barb) Wickhem, Maryanne Kessel, and Patty (Steve) Schumacher; and many nieces, nephews, and cherished friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and his stillborn son John S. Wickhem.

A Mass of Christian Burial honoring John’s life will be held at noon on Thursday, November 5, at ST. JOHN VIANNEY CATHOLIC CHURCH, 1250 E Racine St, Janesville, WI 53545. Visitation will be held at the church from 10 a.m. to noon. The Wickhem family is being assisted by HENKE-CLARSON FUNERAL HOME. Condolences may be sent to www.henkeclarson.com.

In lieu of flowers, please consider honoring John’s memory with a contribution to Rotary Gardens, GIFTS Men's Shelter, or to a charity of your choice. The family is grateful to St. Mary’s Hospital in Madison for the kind care John received.