John 'JT' McWilliams
John (JT) McWilliams, 67, of McGregor, passed away peacefully on Feb. 24, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.
John was born on Oct. 11, 1957, in McGregor, to the late Jack and Ellen (Jacobson) McWilliams. He was a lifelong resident of McGregor, where he enjoyed the beauty of the Mississippi River and built his home on a hillside property from the ground up with the help of family and friends. As a young teenager, John purchased his first flatbottom boat and explored every backwater slough in the McGregor/Marquette area.
John graduated from MarMac High School and went on to complete the auto mechanic program at NICC Calmar. Throughout his career, John worked for Bituma and served as a railroad mechanic for over 30 years before retiring from CP Railroad in 2017.
In 1986, John married Cynthia (Jackson) Lindner, and together they had two daughters, Amanda and Katherine. John’s family was his greatest joy. He was a loving and devoted father and papa. He will be remembered for his unwavering support and dedication to his children and grandchildren, often stepping in as a “Papa daycare” for his grandchildren and spending time with them on boat rides, annual family vacations and daily visits or phone calls. His humor, stubbornness and independence were defining characteristics that will be fondly remembered by his loved ones.
John had a passion for motorcycles, especially his Honda, and he loved cruising both locally and across the country. He was also committed to his community, annually participating in the Memorial Day service at the McGregor riverfront, laying the wreath in honor of those who served.
John is survived by his two daughters, Amanda (Mark) McWilliams of Poynette and Katherine (Kevin) Achenbach of Prairie du Chien; his grandchildren, Boston McWilliams and Aubree, Kinslee and Olivia Achenbach; his sister, Mary (Bruce) Novey; niece, Sarah Novey (Cory Gapstur); and nephew, Grant (Jessie) Novey.
John was preceded in death by his parents, Jack and Ellen McWilliams; brother-in-law, Bruce Novey; son-in-law, Mark Rosanske; and dear friend, Jill Gingerich.
A funeral service will be held at the First Congregational Church of McGregor on March 22, at 10 a.m. A celebration of life will also be held on March 22, from 1 to 4 p.m., at the McGregor Community Center (330 Ann St.)
