John Quimby

May 6, 1946 - December 28, 2020

John Leroy Quimby, age 74, passed away on December 28 due to glioblastoma cancer. The eldest of 5 children born to Wilbur Quimby and Mary Quimby (Fuchs) in Frederic WI, on May 6, 1946, John honed his good-natured personality and storytelling aptitude on his family farm in Clear Lake WI.
Earning back-to-back scholarships to attend the University of Wisconsin Farm & Industry Short Course and graduating in 1966, John met his two other loves: Bucky Badger and Martha “Marty” Edwards of Union Grove WI. John and his city bride returned to the family farm. In 1979, they moved to Cottage Grove WI, where John found farming-related work with Hanley Implement in Sun Prairie. John shortly thereafter began a 28-year career working for the Department of Agronomy, UW Research Farm in Arlington and spent many years sharing his farming passion with like-minded co-workers, professors, and visitors. He retired in 2008.
A Little League coach and board member, John tried to use his farmer demeanor in an attempt to impart his jack-of-all-trades wisdom on cars, home repair, and farming on his two sons. When that was unsuccessful, Bucky Badger and football season tickets fortunately bridged that insurmountable gap. Never a satisfied Badger fan, John questioned the 3 points in a 56-3 win. More pride and joy arrived with grandchildren Ethan, Damon, and Cameron. He enjoyed hauling the boys in a wagon behind his tractor, going hunting, attending Badger games, and watching them play sports.
The defacto “Mayor of Marick Court” mowed his dandelion and weed-free lawn religiously two times a week, gave a neighborly hand to everyone by blowing snow or fixing something broken, and co-hosted with Marty memorable holiday parties for many years. John was your man! The family has witnessed John’s kindness repaid numerous times with assistance this past year.
Dealing with his diagnosis in his quiet and unassuming way, John coined a new phrase, “Life is life”. He shrugged off never winning at Scrabble and his inability to describe a Catch Phrase clue. Life is indeed life, Dad, and it is emptier without your spirit.
John is survived by his wife of 53 years, Marty (Edwards) Quimby of Sun Prairie WI; 2 sons, Scott (Jenifer Behling) Quimby of Waterloo WI and Michael Quimby of Sun Prairie WI; 4 siblings, Betty Porter of Green Bay WI, Patty Eller of Chico CA, Jim (Pak Jang Su “Suki”) Quimby of Valdosta GA, and Jody (Ralph) Karlen of Mahtomedi MN; 3 grandchildren, Ethan (Brittany Flores) Quimby of Deerfield WI, Damon (Stephanie Schimmel) Quimby of Waterloo WI, and Cameron Quimby of Waterloo, WI; many nieces and nephews from around the country; a great granddaughter who lit up his eyes, Faye Marie Quimby; and his beloved “boy” Joey the cat. A celebration of Life will be held at a later date. The family suggests memorials can be made to Agrace HospiceCare Inc. in John’s name.

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Donny and I truly enjoyed having John as our friend and neighbor. We also enjoyed a dandelion-free yard, thanks to John! Our hearts are with Marty and family.

Hi Scott, so sorry for your loss, may God's Peace and Grace get you through this difficult time..

John was the epitome of a 'cheerful giver'. I was fortunate to have worked with John for many years and marveled at his willingness to give of his time and talent to help out in most any task. He was also a complete joy to be around during Agronomy events, farmer markets and other activities outside of work. What earth has lost, heaven has gained - a wonderful human being! God Bless you on your journey and you will be sadly missed.

I am so sorry for your loss. I really enjoyed John , we had many fun nights bowling and having a few beers. I am so sorry he was a wonderful friend . Mike Taylor

In memory of John Quimby, Susie Erickson lit a candle

My condolences to the family of this kind and loveable husband, father & grandfather...I will miss his most welcomed calls to see how I was doing every so often. He will always be remembered by me. Rose Wegner

John will be sorely missed on Marick Ct. where he was aptly named the mayor. When we moved to the Ct. 22 years ago John and his wife Marty were the first people to say hello and welcome us to the neighborhood. The friendship continued from that day forward. You could never ask or hope for a better neighbor. We will miss going out for Friday Fish, chats about our gardens seeing him manning the polls at the town hall on election days and all the ways our friend John was a true friend and neighbor! RIP John, hope to meet again on the other side.

We met Marty and John on a trip to Mexico 44 years ago. They are family. We have gone through so much together. Watching our kids grow up, going on trips together, the passing of my husband, marriages. We shared so much. John will be missed very much. Our sympathies to the family. I can't express how bad I feel, but John isn't suffering. He was like Jim, if he couldn't be busy doing something they weren't happy. You gained your angel wings John. You and Jim are probably already talking about farming. Prayers, hugs and love to the family.

My deepest condolences to the Quimby family. I met John at the Arlington station in 2008 and listened/joked with him until retirement. Always ready to help and share stories you would never hear from anyone else. He just brought smile to every face he met. He will be missed. Please stay strong and united in his honor. Rest in peace John!

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.