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Obituary for John A. Withers


I died today, May 4, 2023. I was born March 25, 1936, in Chicago, Illinois, to Roscoe and Marie (Haraldsen) Withers.

I am survived by my wife, Diane (Vaaler) Withers; two daughters, Julia (Eric) Stockmaster and Justine Withers; their mother, Laura (Cech) Withers; two grandchildren, Luke and Griffin; the gift of my extended family, step-daughters, Sarah and Ann-Marie and their families; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

I am preceded in death by my parents; my brother, Glen; and my sisters, Doris and Joan.

I remain grateful for my close friends and wonderful neighbors and all the people who have made me who I am.

I give thanks to the Chicago School District of the 1940s and 50s, notably Lane Technical High School.

I served in the United States Air Force post Korea and during the Cold War, from 1954 to 1962. I was assigned to the 13th Air Force in the Far East, based in the Philippines (at the time), and Tactical Air Command in the United States and Europe.

I worked for Xerox from 1963 to 1985 and Tri-State Business Machines from 1986 until retirement in 2000. I then volunteered at Western Wisconsin Technical College.

I enjoyed genealogy and writing and am happy to be able to pass these on to my family and be with them as a leaf on the family tree.

The funeral Mass will be at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, May 9, 2023 at Roncalli Newman Catholic Parish, 1732 State Street, La Crosse. Father Billy Dodge will officiate. A visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. until the time of mass, Tuesday at the church. Following the Mass, military honors will be rendered at the church. Following a time of food and fellowship, a graveside service will be at 2:00 p.m. at Mormon Coulee Memorial Park Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred. Online condolences can be offered at www.fredricksonfuneralhomes.com