John B. Townsend

John Bentley Townsend, 89, of Coon Valley, WI, formerly a resident of Portage for many years, passed away on December 8, 2017 at Norseland Nursing Home in Westby. He graduated from Portage High School in 1946, where he excelled in boxing. John served his country in the United States Army during the Korean War. John loved the outdoors and was an avid hunter in his younger years. He also was an excellent golfer. He enjoyed playing cards; euchre being his game of choice. John was very involved in his grandchildren's lives and took them camping, to Brewer's games, fishing, hunting, golfing, and, of course, taught them all how to play euchre. John loved dogs and had numerous four legged friends; each his favorite at the time. John worked for the Milwaukee Road Railway System, out of Portage, as a conductor, retiring in 1989.

John is survived by his wife of 40 years, Arlene (Strangstalien); his daughters, Wendy (Tom) Pink, of Sun Prairie, and Patti (Bob) Bryan, of Pardeeville; step children, Mark Herman, Mike Herman, Mathew Herman (Rob Dean), and Paul (Shari) Herman, and step- daughter Lori (Mike) Roach; his grandchildren, and great grandchildren. He is also survived by his brothers in law, Roger Strangstalien (Donna), Larry Strangstalien (Rachel), Dennis Strangstalien (Suzanne), and sisters-in law Gloria Storey (Floyd), and Marie Strangstalien.

He was preceded in death by his first wife, Myrna (Paske), his parents, many very close cousins, and his dear Aunt Char and Uncle Delos Loomis, who raised John.

Memorial services will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday December 13, 2017 at the Coon Valley Lutheran Church with Rev. Mitzi Miyamoto officiating. Friends may call from 10 a.m. until service time at the church. The Seland Funeral Home in Coon Valley is assisting the family. Online condolences may be offered at selandsfuneralhome.com. A gathering to celebrate John's life will be held in Portage at a later date.

A special thank you to the staff at Norseland Nursing Home whose kindness and care were a blessing to John in his final months.