Obituary: John P. "Jack" Fitzpatrick

MIDDLETON [Wisconsin] - John P. "Jack" Fitzgerald passed away on Sunday, August 4, 2002. He was born to John M. Fitzgerald and Ida Dahl Fitzgerald on June 16, 1918. John graduated from Madison Central High School and attended the University of Wisconsin. He served his country in the U.S. Army Signal Corps during World War II, having been honorably discharged as a 1st Lieutenant. He was united in marriage to Elaine Florence Ottum at Camp Forest, Tennessee on May 18, 1943. John continued as a Captain in the United States Army Reserve for 18 years after the war teaching in the U. S. Armed Forces Institute. John was a Registered State of Wisconsin Professional Engineer. He was employed by the Wisconsin Power and Light Company for 36 years as a radio and television specialist, retiring in 1984. He also owned and operated the Badger Safe Protector Company for many years. He was a member of the Zor Shrine, a lifetime member of the Hiram Masonic Lodge, F & AM #50, and a member of St. Luke's Lutheran Church. John is survived by his loving wife, Florence; his sons, Kim (Kristine) of rural Waunakee, Jay of Middleton, and Todd of New Berlin, Wis.; seven grandchildren, Adam, Grant, Mark, Abby, Erica, Alex and Eric. The family expresses heartfelt thanks to the caring staff of Encore Living Village and Dr. Tom Hyzer who were very supportive over the last two years. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in John's memory to the Shriner's Children Hospital, 2211 North Oak Park Avenue, Chicago, IL 60707-3391. Funeral services will be private. Gunderson West Funeral Home 7435 University Ave., Middleton, 608-831-6761

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on August 6, 2002; submitted by Michael Vahldieck (Class of 1968)