John W. Northouse

Bagley, formerly of Fennimore - John W. Northouse, age 78, passed away with his beloved wife and daughter by his side, on Friday October 10, 2025, at Crossing Rivers Health in Prairie du Chien. He was born in Lancaster on November 22, 1946, the son of John “Jack” and Imelda (Riemenapp) Northouse. John was united in marriage to JoEllen Crawford on August 1, 1970, at St. Clement Catholic Church in Lancaster.

John graduated from Fennimore High School in 1964. He enrolled at U.W Platteville and in 1966, he was drafted in the United States Army during the Vietnam War era. John served until being honorably discharged in September of 1968. Returning home, John, went to work for the City of Fennimore, bartended at Tino’s, and was later hired at the startup of Rayovac.

Going back to his roots, John and JoEllen followed his passion and began farming in the Hickory Grove Township, rural Fennimore for 25 years. John was always proud for being recognized as a “Top Herd’ recipient in the county for many years. He and JoEllen then moved to Bagley and John worked for CFN Feeds of Bloomington which transitioned to Premier Co-op for 10 years. He was currently employed at Truvant of Prairie du Chien at the time of his passing.

John was a simple man, dedicated to his family and work. He enjoyed the simple pleasures of watching the trains go by, coffee with the crew on Friday’s, and going every Saturday to Ma’s Bakery. He was a previous 4-H leader with the Plum Valley Boosters, past member of the DHS and served on their board. John was a proud member of the Fennimore VFW and taught CCD classes at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Fennimore.

John was a dear friend to many and will be remembered for that great big smile. He was deeply honored to be chosen for the Grand Marshall for the Bagley Parade in 2023. Anyone who knew John knew how much he loved his sports. Please honor him by wearing your favorite sports attire to the service in his remembrance.

John is survived by his wife JoEllen of Bagley, daughter Amy Northouse of Bagley, and grand dogs Maggie and Ruby, seven siblings: Bob (Jan) Northouse of Dubuque, IA, Karen (Bill) Gebhard of Blue Mounds, Mary (Kenny) Schaefer of Muscoda, Mike (Jeannine) Northouse of Cottage Grove, Gary (Vicki) Northouse of Fennimore, Alan (Mary) Northouse of Stoughton, and Dave (Dee) Northouse of Fennimore, brothers and sisters-in-laws: Jeff Crawford of Gainesville, GA, Linda (David) Looper of Gainesville, GA, and Mike (Kelly) Chadd of Lancaster, along with many special nieces, nephews, and cousins.

John was preceded in death by his parents and mother-in-law Dorothy Chadd.