John Alan Averbeck

John Alan Averbeck June 22, 1957 – May 25, 2026 John Alan Averbeck, 68, of Cascade, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully on May 25, 2026, surrounded by his family, after a brief but courageous battle with stomach cancer. Above all else, John was a family man. He modeled what it means to truly love your partner, sharing a remarkable 46-year marriage with his beloved wife, Susan Averbeck. He was an extraordinary father, grandfather, and friend whose steady presence, humor, wisdom, and unconditional love shaped the lives of everyone around him. Born in Fond du Lac on June 22, 1957, to Ernst and Evelyn Averbeck, John contracted German measles as a young child, leaving him deaf in one ear and with hearing loss in the other. Despite the challenges this created, he excelled academically, earning his bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin - Oshkosh with a 3.8 GPA. He spent more than 20 years at Krones Inc. rising to the level of Operations Planning Supervisor and building a career in manufacturing he was genuinely proud of. John possessed one of the sharpest minds those closest to him have ever encountered. He read The Wall Street Journal cover to cover every day, followed current events closely, and had a remarkable understanding of the world around him. Yet despite his intelligence, he remained humble, approachable, and endlessly curious. What people will remember most, however, was the joy John brought into a room. He was genuinely, disarmingly funny, with a quick wit that made every conversation memorable. Whether it was a day on the pontoon, time with his beloved Chinatown community, a sunset walk with Susan along St. Pete Beach, cheering on Wisconsin sports teams, enjoying a concert, or gathering with family and friends over dinner, John knew how to fully enjoy life and make others feel welcome beside him. He was also extraordinarily tough, having once walked more than a mile on a broken leg to reach medical help while out hunting. Even in his final illness he faced severe pain with a composure that left his family speechless. John simply was a man who did not complain, often citing ‘I am as healthy as a horse.’ More than anything, John loved without condition. He accepted people completely, showed up for those he cared about, and lived with a reliability and integrity that felt absolute. His family will remember not only his wisdom and strength, but also his laughter, warmth, and unwavering presence. John is survived by his loving wife Susan; son, Joshua (Lora) Averbeck; daughter, Alexis (Kevan) Toby; and his grandchildren, Colton and Dominic Toby. As well as his many brothers, sisters, nieces, and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ernst and Evelyn Averbeck; a sibling lost in infancy; and many beloved aunts and uncles. A celebration of John’s life will be held on Sunday, June 7, 2026, at Whispering Springs Golf Club. The venue opens at noon, with a brief remembrance at 1:00 p.m. and lunch to follow. John would not want people gathered in sorrow alone, but in gratitude, laughter, storytelling, and love. His family invites all who knew him to raise a glass, share a memory, and celebrate a truly remarkable man who will be deeply missed and forever remembered. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in John’s memory to the Kettle Moraine Angels. (https://www.kmangels.org/) Please take a moment and listen to a song at John’s request: Dust in the Wind “Now don’t hang on. Nothing lasts forever but the earth and sky…”

John Alan Averbeck

June 22, 1957 - May 25, 2026