John Scott Stellmacher, formerly of Jefferson, passed away at home surrounded by his family on Tuesday, July 2, 2024, after a courageous battle with cancer.

John was born on October 10, 1960, in Ripon, Wisconsin to Howie and Mae (Stumpf) Stellmacher. The oldest of four boys, he grew up in Baraboo, Wisconsin and was a tremendous athlete from a young age. John excelled in sports at Baraboo High School, earning letters in track, football, and basketball as well as All-Conference honors in both football and basketball.

John graduated from UW-Madison in 1983 with a Bachelor’s degree in Secondary Math Education and a minor in Coaching. He immediately began his teaching and coaching career at Jefferson High School, where he would spend more than 33 years. John was a dedicated teacher of geometry, algebra, and applied math, who cared deeply about his students and their success. He went on to earn his Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction from UW-Whitewater in 1998.

While at Jefferson High School, John spent countless hours dedicating his time and talents to coaching. He coached both basketball and football for 9 years before deciding to focus exclusively on football. John coached football at JHS for a total of 33 seasons, 28 of which he served as the defensive coordinator at the varsity level. He achieved significant success during his time as a football coach, amassing 14 playoff appearances, seven conference championships, and a state championship in 1991. He was a two-time recipient of the Rock Valley Assistant Coach of the Year award and was named the Wisconsin Football Coaches Association (WFCA) District XVII Assistant Coach of the Year in 2016. After retiring, he was inducted into the WFCA Hall of Fame Class of 2018, and plaques bearing his name continue to hang in both Camp Randall and Lambeau Field. Among those who played for him and coached with him, John will forever be known for his tireless preparation, dedication to his players, and legendary pregame speeches. 

Never one to be able to sit still, after retiring from teaching in 2017, he returned to his beloved college summer job at the Original Wisconsin Ducks in Wisconsin Dells and worked there as long as his health allowed. John found great enjoyment in the people he worked with and the many tourists he met while working at the Ducks. He also made a brief return to coaching for one season as an assistant football coach at Wisconsin Dells High School.

John married his high school sweetheart, Jeanna, on August 4, 1984. They were blessed with two children, Michael and Bailey, making their family complete. John was a dedicated family man who would do anything for those he loved. Nothing brought John more happiness than spending time with his family, from Stelly game nights to enjoying live music together to cheering on the Packers and Badgers.

John also enjoyed spending time in the great outdoors—boating, kayaking, waterskiing, hiking, snowmobiling, downhill skiing, taking scooter rides or long walks with his radio, and caring for his lawn, both at home and at his favorite place on Earth, the family cabin.

John is survived by his wife of 39 years, Jeanna; children, Michael (McKenzi) and Bailey; brothers, Brian (Crea), Ken (Tracy); sister-in-law, Beth; many cherished nieces and nephews; and his beloved canine companion, Cooper.

He will be greeted in Heaven by his parents, Howie and Mae; brother, Rob; and family dog of 14 years, Murphy.

A memorial mass will take place on Saturday, July 13, 2024, at St. Lawrence Catholic Church in Jefferson at 10 a.m. with a one-hour visitation held prior to the service, beginning at 9 a.m. There will also be a visitation on Friday, July 12, from 4-7 p.m. at Schneider-Michaelis Funeral Home in Jefferson.

Memorials can be made in John’s name to UW-Madison Carbone Cancer Center or the Jefferson High School Football Program.

The family would like to give special thanks to John’s oncology team at Carbone Cancer Center, especially Dr. Uboha; his doctors and nurses at Meriter Hospital, the UW Hospitals and Clinics in Madison, Sun Prairie, and Johnson Creek; and the staff at Rainbow Hospice for their exceptional care and support of John and his loved ones. They would also like to express their deepest gratitude to all of John’s extended family, friends, colleagues, former players, and students for offering their unwavering support to him and his family during his battle with cancer.

Schneider-Michaelis Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences can be made at www.schneidermichaelisfuneralhome.com.