Juan Jose Arriola, age 73, was welcomed into Heaven surrounded by his wife, Shirley, and his family on Sunday, December 25, 2022.

Juan was born in Guatemala City, Guatemala on April 16, 1949. After graduating with a degree in accounting and starting his career, Juan moved his young family to Laurel, Mississippi. After 20 years in Mississippi, Juan transferred to Wisconsin in 1994, retiring in 2018.

Juan had a great passion for martial arts. He began his journey into Shotokan karate as a teenager in Guatemala and that passion continued after moving his family to Mississippi. Juan ended his martials art career as a 3rd degree black belt. Juan was a multi-year Mississippi state champion in “kata” and shared his love for karate through teaching others as well as attending numerous events and seminars across the United States.

His greatest love of all was his family. He married Shirley (Shows) on August 8, 1970. He was proud of being present for the birth of both of his children, Alejandro and Susana, which was not the norm in Guatemala in the early 70s. Later in life, he found exactly what he was meant to be – the GREATEST grandfather. Everything took a back seat to his love for his 5 grandchildren. Whether it was spending time with them, picking them up from school, watching movies, or being “forced” to buy them food or treats while they were together, THEY brought him his greatest joy.

Juan’s proudest personal accomplishment was confirming his Catholic faith on April 3, 2021.

Juan is survived by his wife, of 52 years, Shirley. His son Alejandro (Helen) Arriola, his daughter Susana Gardner, grandchildren Thatcher Gardner, Carlos Arriola, Diego Arriola, and Isabel Arriola.

Juan was preceded in death by his mother, father, sister, three brothers, and grandson, Juan Jose Arriola.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary Catholic Church at 229 Columbus Street, Sun Prairie on Tuesday, January 17, 2023, at 11 am. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider a donation in Juan Jose Arriola’s name to the Sun Prairie Explore Children’s Museum, 1433 W. Main Street.