Obituary for John R. Voves

John was born March 12, 1969, in La Crosse to John and Patricia (Patsy Bakken) Voves. As a young boy you would find John and his siblings hanging out at the Roller-Skating Rink, camping, fishing or playing football in the front yard, (he was a slippery one to tackle), or hunting Morel`s with his Aunt Susie. In John`s teenage years you would find him on the river raising hell with his brother and best friends Marc (the Booper), Mike, Terry and Woody. One of John's most memorable vacations was with his mom and dad, Tracey and their children, and all his siblings and their families to South Dakota. On this vacation Little John said to his dad as we were driving by a large herd of cows ``Dad, you see that Brown Cow? Is that the cow that Chocolate Milk comes from?” We laughed for hours. John shared his passion on the river with his children boating, fishing and camping.

He gave all his kids the best guidance he could throughout their lives and had a unique relationship with all of them (the sun will be shining a little less bright without you dad), you are our hero!

John was a great role model for his grandchildren and loved it when they stopped by the Logan for a quick visit; he treasured spending quality time with them. “Poppy, we love you and will miss you so much.”

John married his first love, Tracey Wilson, on March 16, 1991. Together they share 3 children, Elizabeth, Teriana (Cody), and John. They later divorced.

John then met Michelle Del Pino, fell in love and married his soulmate and life partner on June 5, 2010. Together with their 6 children they blended and became one happy family. John and Michelle managed a few wonderful vacations together during their busy hard-working life, Las Vegas, Mexico and California.

John worked at Northern Engraving in West Salem as a Maintenance Technician for 26 years where he made many great friends whom he considered his “Northern Family”. He also cooked at Mike's Logan Bar for over 11 years. Friday night fish fry`s were his specialty. He also catered large events with his buddy Dick by his side. Mike Brown, you were not only his employer but a rare and true friend to John. He made many lifelong friends at Logan and considered them family. (If you met John once he would consider you a friend).

Some of John’s passions include The Green Bay Packers, Wisconsin Badgers, River Cleanup, Karaoke, cookouts, and hanging out at Bluebird with Colleen and Friends.

His greatest passion in life was his family. His wife, children and grandchildren were his pride and joy as well as his parents, siblings and extended families. There wasn't anything he wouldn't do for them. John’s legacy will carry on through them forever.

John was a compassionate man who was never afraid to show emotion, to say John was an amazing man would be an understatement. Hug and hold your family close and never forget to say, “I love you.”

John leaves behind, not to mourn him but to keep his memory alive and strong, his wife, Michelle; mom and dad, Pat and Stan Meyer; his mother-in-law, Sharon Del Pino; children, Elizabeth, Teriana (Cody), John, Lakin, Shane, Kaylie, and son-in-law James; grandchildren, Zeke, Paytyn, Amelya, Novah, Henry John, Preston, and Grayson; siblings, Jeff (Lori), Julie (Jim), Jenny; brother-in-law, Joe; sister-in-law, Nicole; John’s amazing God son, Jack; special uncle and aunt, Ron and Mindy; numerous other uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and cousins; his first wife, Tracey and his large Wilson family that he remained very close to.

John was preceded by his father, John Voves; father-in-law, James Ralph Del Pino; mother-in-law, Katie Wilson; grandparents, Ralph and Fern Voves and Roland and Joyce Bakken; uncle, Jeff “Bubby;” aunt, Susie and uncle Bob; and friends, Terry Wilson, Richard Burch, and Tim Wilson.

A visitation will begin at 3:00 p.m. and conclude at 6:00 p.m., with a time of sharing on Wednesday, May 10, 2023, at Fredrickson Funeral Home, Woodruff Chapel, 4239 Mormon Coulee Rd., La Crosse. Following the time of sharing, friends and family are invited to Mike’s Logan Bar, for a time of food and fellowship.

Please join John’s family for a celebration of his life on May 27, 2023, beginning at 1:00 p.m., at Robin’s Nest on French Island. Please wear your favorite Sports Attire (hopefully, Green Bay Packer and Wisconsin Badger) and your Flip Flops.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred.