John F. Feuling

John F. Feuling, 85, of Columbus passed away on Saturday, January 20, 2024, at his home.

John was born in Columbus on February 22, 1938, to Eugene “John” and Dorothy (Murphy) Feuling. He was a 1956 graduate of Columbus High School. John honorably served in the Wisconsin Air National Guard from 1960 – 1966. He was married to Mary Debbert.

John was a mail carrier in Columbus for many years. From 1989 to 2001, he owned and operated Village Liquors in Cambridge. He enjoyed being a part of these communities and made many long-lasting relationships.

John had an enduring passion for sports, both on the field and off. During his school years he played baseball, basketball, and football. After graduation he played baseball for the Columbus Home Talent League and coached baseball in Columbus and Marshall. He enjoyed following the sports careers of the players and teammates he worked with and was always happy to reminisce about their games.

When John was not playing or coaching, he was helping young players improve their performance and learn good sportsmanship as a WIAA state sports official. He officiated basketball for 35 years, baseball for 39 years, and football for over 50 years. In 2012, he was recognized by the Wisconsin Conference Commissioners Association as the District 3 Official of the Year. Over his career, he worked in multiple state conferences; officiated four state championships football games and four state championship baseball games. In 1993, he was awarded Umpire of the Year by the Wisconsin Baseball Coaches Association. John made every effort to make fair judgements on the field and took pride in his performance and accomplishments.

These officiating milestones could not have been achieved without the skilled teamwork, professionalism, and fellowship he found among the gentlemen he worked with in his officiating crews and with the members of the Yellow Thunder Officials Association. The friendships he made among his fellow officials, coaches, and athletic association members meant a great deal to him.

From his youth into his early eighties, John was an avid golfer. His golf bag was a semi-permanent passenger in his van; whether to squeeze in nine holes at a local course or to travel to enjoy the challenge of courses around the state. Early on he spent many hours on the course at the Columbus Country Club, where his diligence would later win him multiple championships. John would later serve on the Columbus Country Club board of directors.

Later into his retirement, he looked forward to the weekly get-together with a group of former classmates, neighbors, and friends, at Julie’s Java House and later at the Columbus Senior Center, where important discussions were held over coffee and treats, to dissect the latest game, current events, or trade local news.

John was an active member of St. Albert the Great Catholic Church in Sun Prairie. His faith was an extremely important part of his life and he found great comfort and made many cherished friendships at St. Albert’s.

John is survived by his daughter Jennifer Feuling of Lake Mills; his former wife, Mary Thompson of Lake Mills; other relatives and friends.  He was preceded in death by his parents.

A memorial gathering will be held at the Koepsell-Zeidler Funeral Home in Columbus on Wednesday, February 28, 2024, from 11:30 a.m. until the time of memorial service at 1p.m. Fr. Michael Johnson will officiate. Inurnment will take place at a later date.