Obituary
John Patrick McConaghy
John Patrick McConaghy, age 81, of De Pere, WI, passed away peacefully in Green Bay, WI on August 13, 2026.
John was born November 20, 1944, to James and Adeline (Oestreich) McConaghy. He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Jane (Ron) Elton, sister Patty and brother-in-law Bob Kayser, and his father-in-law and mother-in-law Nick and Josie Ruppert.
He is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Jan (Ruppert) McConaghy, his son David McConaghy, and daughters Lynette (Tom) Leinss, Jolene (Bruce) Meissner, and Nicole (Johnny) Harlos. He is also survived by his grandchildren Brendan (Julia) Meissner, Nick (Jocelyn) Meissner, Jackson, Peyton, and Lauren Harlos, and JT and Katelyn Leinss. He is further survived by his brother Dick (AiLing) McConaghy, sisters Phyllis Neberman and Julie (Michael) Freeman, several nieces and nephews, sister-in-law Karen Ruppert, and brother-in-law Ron Elton.
John entered the Navy at age 17 and spent much of his enlistment aboard the USS Boston, travelling extensively in the Caribbean and Mediterranean Seas. He was on duty during the Cuban Missile Crisis and told those stories many times.
John met Jan through his cousin Nancy. On their first date, they went to the movies, and he gave her an “engagement” ring from a gumball machine. He knew right away she was the one. They were married a year and a half later on May 31, 1965, in Rochester, MN. They raised their family in Onalaska, WI.
John was a welder for many years at Trane Co. in La Crosse, and then a welding inspector before his retirement. He had a dedicated work ethic and a passion for golf and reading. Anything he did, he was all in.
John was most proud of his family, and in later years when travel was difficult, he was thrilled when the kids and grandkids came to visit. Grandpa John was known for his “McConaghy Goodbyes” that could stretch from the front steps to the driveway to your car, lasting half an hour from the first farewell to the final hug.
He was also known for making us laugh until we cried. An avid storyteller, he loved to sing and dance. Even when his mobility was limited, he would use his walker to dance to any genre of music. We are at peace knowing he is now dancing in heaven.
The family wishes to express their sincere gratitude to the doctors, nurses, and staff at Bellin Memorial Hospital and Unity Hospice for their loving care and support for John and his family.
His mass of Christian Burial will be on Thursday August 20, 2026, at St. Patrick’s Church in Onalaska, WI. Visitation will be from 10 to 11 AM with Mass at 11 AM by Msgr. Steve Kachel with a luncheon to follow.
Coulee Region Cremation Group is serving the family
133 Mason Street, Onalaska, WI; (608) 788-2188
Online Obituary, Condolences, Directions @ www.couleecremation.com
John was a classmate at Aquinas High School in La Crosse. My sympathy to his family.