John Every passed peacefully on Monday March 31, 2025.  He was born in La Crosse WI to Clayton and Dorothy (Kjos) Every and was a life-long resident on Onalaska.

John graduated from Onalaska High School in the class of 1977.  John was a social butterfly and earned the title of Friendliest Guy in his class.  His outgoing personality brought him many dear friends and it seemed like he knew everybody and everybody knew him.  One of his favorite sayings was “Everybody Loves Johnny”.

John began his career at Every plumbing in high school and worked there until his retirement.  John took pride in serving his community.  He served on both the Onalaska Police Reserve and the Onalaska Volunteer Fire Department.

After receiving a life-saving blood transfusion, John became a dedicated blood donor.  He was recognized by the American Red Cross for donating over 100 pints of blood.  There were times that he was called during the night to come down to the hospital to donate for an emergency and he felt privileged to do his part to save someone else.

John was a member of the Sons of the American Legion and a life-long member of First Lutheran Church in Onalaska.

John lived his life enjoying the times he spent at the Back40 with deer camp and hunting along with corn planting, 4-wheeling and driving around the horn being among his favorite things to do there.  He also enjoyed fishing in the Mississippi River and Lake Onalaska and was well known in his younger days for his pitching skills in pumpkin ball.

He was proceeded in death by his parents, Clayton and Dorothy Every, his maternal and paternal Grandparents, Brother-in-law Richard Fink, and too many of his beloved Aunts, Uncles and Cousins.

He is survived by his siblings Sharon Kjos, Janice Fink, Dennis (Mary) Every, Jackie (Charles) Wallace, his nephews Craig (Amy) Every, Hunter (Kaitlin) Wallace, nieces Penny (Jeff) Alibrandi, Brittany Geary, Brianna (Andy Berzinski) Every, his great nephew Jackson Every and great nieces Riley Every, Nina Alibrandi and Hailee Alibrandi.  He is also survived by his Aunts Marilyn Bott and Avis Czechowicz and Uncle Jerry (Betty) Every and many cousins and dear friends.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the FLC + Foundation which will provide perpetual giving in support of local needs in the community.  Memorials may also be directed to the Onalaska Fire Department or the charity of the donor’s choice.

The family would like to thank the staff at the Gundersen Dialysis Center for the care they provided him for the past 11 years and Mulder Health Care for his most recent care. John thoroughly enjoyed the friendships he made there.  To the class of ’77 for being a special part of his life, love and support through his struggles.

A funeral service will be held on Friday, April 4, 2025 at Noon at First Lutheran Church, 410 Main St., Onalaska with visitation at the church from 9:00 a.m. until the time of the service.  Interment will be at the Onalaska City Cemetery.  Pastor Karyn Bodenschatz and Pastor Jason Stanton will officiate.  Onalaska City Fire Department will hold his last call after the service at the church.  Coulee Region Cremation Group is assisting the family.