John William Eggleston, 73, of Antigo, went to his eternal home on January 15, 2009 after a courageous battle with cancer. He died at home in the care of his family and LeRoyer Hospice.

John was born on June 29, 1935 in Marion, Wisconsin to the late Leonard and Frieda (Beyer) Eggleston. He was raised on a farm near Westfield, Wisconsin and graduated from Westfield High School in 1954. After joining the Navy in 1955, he served aboard the U.S.S. Cook (APD 130) as a Boiler Tender Third Class (BT3), and was honorably discharged in 1959.

On Nov 11, 1967 John married his sweetheart, Jane, and together they raised seven children. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, friend and devoted Christian. He was fun-loving, hard-working, and was often up before the sun as he was a farmer for many years. He also drove truck for several years and retired from Big Red Trucking (Riiser Oil Company) in 2000. John enjoyed his retirement; he and Jane traveled the country in an RV for several years, spending three winters in Arizona. They settled in Arkansas in the spring of 2007 and returned to Antigo in the fall of 2008. John enjoyed traveling, working around the yard and spending time with his family. He liked playing games, telling jokes, laughing and making others laugh.

John is survived by his loving wife of 41 years Jane (Spinler-Knowles) Eggleston, seven children - Sharlyn (Terry) Pence of Bradley, Illinois, Dan (Melissa) Eggleston of Minot, North Dakota, Mark (Sharon) Knowles of Baraboo, Wisconsin, Ken (Cindy) Eggleston of Burlington, North Dakota, Tim (Catherine) Knowles of Mattoon, Wisconsin, Penny (Jay) Hartman of Green Bay, Wisconsin, Lori (Jeff) Nichols of Cato, Wisconsin and 17 grandchildren.

He is also survived by two of his brothers Leon (Adlaide) Eggleston, Edgar (Jan) Eggleston, and two of his sisters Lila (Lyle) Smith, Vivian (Earl) Schultz as well as many nieces, nephews and extended family.

He was preceded in death by two brothers Wesley Eggleston and Roy Eggleston and his sister Betty Filter.

Funeral services will be held Monday January 19, 2009 at 11:00 am at Bradley Funeral Home, Hwy 45, Antigo, WI with Rev. Bob Mitchell officiating. Visitation will be held from 10:00 am to 11:00 am at the funeral home. Burial with military honors will be held in the spring at Woodlawn Cemetery, Mattoon, WI. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to LeRoyer Hospice 112 E. Fifth Avenue, Antigo, WI 54409. The family wishes to especially thank LeRoyer Hospice for their dedicated and respectful care.

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