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.
Thank you
What a great guy! He sure loved his , Jan and his family. We have so many great memories with our McConaghy cousin’s every weekend after church and during the holidays. There’s nothing like a long McConaghy good bye! We’ve all brought that tradition along with us to enjoy with our own family’s and friends.
Sending love to all of you. We know for sure Uncle Romie, Adeline, Jimmy, Patty, Jane and Granny greeted him with open arm. Until we meet again.
Thank you Susie
It is often said that it isn’t what you get from life, rather it is the contribution of yourself for the good of others that has the greatest value. I only knew John for a short four years at Aquinas yet I read the gifts of loving, family and all the good he accomplishes and I salute him as one to admire. Best him and his family I pray.
Thank you
Jan and family, I was so shocked to come across John’s obituary. My heart goes out to all of you. May his soul rest peacefully in the loving arms of our Lord.
Nancy Osweiler Schreier
Thank you Nancy
I played many rounds of golf with John at Coulee when I was a teenager which was many years ago now. I am sorry to hear of his passing and offer my condolences.
Thank you!
I fondly remember John—he had a great sense of humor and was a truly decent guy. He will be dearly missed. Sending my deep sympathies to his family.
– Bob Noelke, Classmate at Aquinas
Thank you, he spoke of Aquinas often.
John was a servant leader who always had other in mind before himself. I am thankful I got to know him many years ago.
Thank you!
Jan & Family So very sorry for your loss. You are in my thoughts & prayers during this difficult time 🙏
Thank you Terri, there’s not many of us left from our old group, so it’s good to hear from you.
My condolences to Jan and family. I got to know John when we delivered newspapers as I had to pickup my batch at the McConaghy house. They had a lively family and John was a joker. It was at John and Jan’s wedding where I got re-aquanited with the gal I married. I am so grateful for having been invited to their wedding. I enjoyed being his friend and only regret I didn’t get to know him more. May he rest in peace.
Thank you Chuck. I’m glad John and I had some part in you getting together with Carol. May she and John both rest in peace🙏
Jan and family, I am so sad to see that John has passed. I wish you many years of happy memories of your good times with him. Kathy Ristey
Thank you Kathy