John George Mack passed away into eternal glory on December 24th, 2024.
John was born December 1, 1963, in Fort Atkinson, WI to Ronald and Mary Alice (Hanson) Mack of Whitewater. John was a 1982 Whitewater High School graduate. In 1983 just out of high school John started his first wood company selling wholesale through all the major gift markets including Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, Los Angeles and New York. At the time his clients included 8 out of the 10 retail chains and several thousand independent stores nationwide. John had so many wonderful customers and associates.
As the wholesale gift market shifted to cheaper overseas production John knew it was important to keep building locally in the U.S. and sell direct to the customer online through his own website and then started with Etsy in 2008. John was always grateful for his growing customer base who truly appreciated the quality of design and American craftsmanship which he continued to make with his love up until a few weeks before his passing.
John leaves behind a loving mother, Mary Alice (Hanson) Mack his most favorite caretaker. John has two loving sisters and their husbands who also witnessed and were part of his courageous walk-through life. John’s loving family members are Laurie (Dave) Kyle, Elkhorn and Lisa (Mark) Riggs and his nephew Brady of Ft. Atkinson. John leaves behind his nephew Hayden Kyle and Devin Peter (fiancé) and their son Finley of Elkhorn and Mackenzie (Logan) Benter of East Troy and his nieces Hadley and Wrenley. John is also survived by his two daughters Samantha and Amanda Mack.
John was diagnosed with a rare brain cancer four years previous and walked the path of hope, love, joy and grace each day. John’s walk is a true testament to what he believed was important in life. The time before his passing he shared several laughs and reminiscing time with friends and family. Family and love were the two most important loves in his life. John was a warrior for living the best life. That is his parting gift into eternal life.
Thank you to the Rainbow Hospice crew who helped the family during this time. Special thanks to University of Wisconsin Madison who were an integral part of John’s care and helped to give us the extra time with John. John had 3 special angels in the neighborhood where he resided, and they are Michelle, Kathy and Dick. John’s special friend Dave was a great support and confidante and always went above and beyond with the coffee and special treats he delivered and shared with John.
A Celebration of John’s Life will be at Haase Lockwood Funeral Home, 730 N. Wisconsin St., Elkhorn, which starts with a visitation Saturday, January 11, 2025, from 10:00 AM- 12:00 PM. The Memorial Service will be at 12:00 p.m. at the funeral home with Pastor Tom DeGroot of St. John’s church officiating. The celebration will continue at Perkup Elkhorn coffee shop at 27 N. Wisconsin St., Elkhorn. Online guest book at www.haaselockwoodfhs.com.
The Mack girls were blessed to have John in their life.
Blessed be his memory!
