JOHN ALBERT DENO
JOHN ALBERT DENO
John Albert Deno passed away Dec. 16, 2023, at his home in Black River Falls at the age of 74, under the care of St. Croix Hospice.
John was born July 6, 1949, to Richard and Irene (Laughnan) Deno in Black River Falls and spent his youth on the Deno family farm in Pine Hill. John attended Pine Hill Grade School and graduated from Black River Falls High School in 1968.
On August 12, 1972, John married Barbara Gile. After they divorced, John set his sights on Janice Lamp. Unable to resist his charms, they were united July 2, 1977, and they were blessed with their daughter, Amber Marie, in 1980. They divorced a few years later. Never one to just give up John, gave it a go once again! On Oct. 9, 1992, he married his longtime friend, Patsy Simplot Hizer, and gained two bonus daughters, Maria and Mindy (Hizer), whom he loved dearly. Unfortunately, some things are not meant to be, and in 2001 another one bit the dust! John spent his twilight years living the bachelor life.
John worked at the Jackson County Iron Mine, Bar-B Travel Plaza, First and Last Chance, Leeson Electric and Finches Cranberry Marsh; he also spent several years as a reserve officer for Jackson County and a police officer for the Township of Millston.
John had a love for the great outdoors and enjoyed hunting, fishing and trap shooting. John loved to fish any species; he spent many hours fishing for muskies on the Black River.
John bagged his first buck at the age of 13 with his dad near Robinson Creek. Besides Wisconsin, he was able to hunt in several western states for deer, elk and antelope. He could tell you where every set of antlers he had mounted came from and the story behind each hunt. The Black Hills in South Dakota held a very special place in his heart.
In his retirement years, John enjoyed watching old westerns, including Gunsmoke and Longmire. He was an avid Milwaukee Brewers and Green Bay Packers fan!
John is preceded in death by his parents, Richard and Irene Deno.
John is survived by his daughter, Amber (Greg) Christesen, with granddaughters Aumeira, Ainsley and Avynlei; his bonus daughter, Maria (Nick) Hizer Shaw, with numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and his bonus daughter, Mindy (Luke) Eide; his brother, Dick (Kyle) Deno; nephew Travis (Shelly) Deno; nieces Brandi (David) Hofer, Moriah Deno; and other relatives and friends.
A memorial service for John Deno will be held Friday, Dec. 29, beginning at 11 a.m. at Torgerson’s Funeral Home of Black River Falls. Visitation will be held from 10 a..m until the start of service.
John’s daughter, Amber, would like to add an extra special “THANK YOU” to Aunt Kyle for all of the care and support she provided for John throughout his life, but especially the love and care she provided at the end! I cannot express the amount of gratitude and appreciation I have for all of the extra help, support and guidance you’ve provided to get through this very difficult time. Thank you.
The Torgeron’s Funeral Home is assisting with arrangements, 715-284-4321.