John L. Pittman

John L. Pittman passed away on Thursday, April 1, 2021. He would always say that “the number one thing in life is family and friends, and nothing else matters", and his 65 years on Earth bore that out daily.

John was born September 19, 1955 in St. Paul, Minnesota, and spent much of his childhood in Afton with his three sisters and brother. He served his country by enlisting in the Navy, where he was a Boatswain’s Mate Seaman, as well as a cook and a boxer.

John was an entrepreneur but more recently retired from his satellite business. Before opening his own business, John built grain elevators all over the country.

Outside of work, John was an avid and skilled hunter and fisherman. He took his talents all over the world for hunts and fishing trips in the US, Canada, South Africa, Scotland, and Argentina. He passed this passion down to his sons and grandsons. He also shared a passion of trap shooting and western shooting with close friends, his wife, and his son.

Even with his world travels and running his own business, John was never too busy to help anyone in need. He gave generously of his time and raised money for charities including The Sparrow Foundation, The Shinsky Orphanage, Ronald McDonald House, and Ele’s place to name a few.

After his time in the service, John met the love of his life. He and Penny raised their two children in Boyceville, Wisconsin. He was the patriarch of his family, the glue that held them together, a true family man. The greatest joy in his life were his grandkids. He loved every grandchild with his whole heart, including his foster grandchildren. He was the best poppa in the world, and taught life-long lessons to each of them. He made it a point to talk to his children and grandchildren every single day.

John was preceded in death by his parents, John and Beverly Pittman; his sister, Marlene Roepke; and brother-in-law, Randy Leckel.

He will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 42 years, Penny (O'Brien) Pittman; his children, J.D. (Heather) Pittman and Katie (Matt) Ryan; his grandchildren, Makenzie, Jamus, Elonna, and Nolan; his brother, Robert Pittman; his sisters, Eileen (Mike) Lundin and Jean Leckel; several nieces, nephews, cousins, and many friends.

Memorial Visitation will be held on Thursday, April 8, 2021 from 4pm to 7pm at Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes, Mason Chapel, 621 S. Jefferson St. in Mason. A Funeral Service will take place in Wisconsin at a later date.