John W. Colby

On May 28, 2014 John W. Colby, 83 surrounded by family departed for eternal life leaving behind blindness and his prosthetic leg. John was born in Milwaukee, the son of John and Margaret Colby. His family moved to Madison where they joined Our Lady Queen of Peace parish as charter members. John attended Madison West, graduating in 1949. In 1951, John married his wife of 62 years Gretchen (Briggs). In the same year he joined the Air Force serving on active duty and the National Guard for 9 years. John completed his plumbing apprenticeship program through Madison Area Technical College and became a Journeymen Plumber in 1958. John specialized in commercial and industrial plumbing, and was most proud to be the foreman for plumbing during the construction of the Holy Name Seminary. During his career he served as the Local 167 Business Manager and on the Union's Executive Board and as a Board Member of the Madison Area Construction Employees Trust. He retired from the trade in 1994. After retirement, John enjoyed playing Euchre with the Old Labor Skates group. John very much enjoyed the family cottage near Eagle River. When he was more able, you would find he and Gretchen there as...[more]

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e first signs of spring appeared and leaving when getting water to the cottage was no longer possible. There, he enjoyed watching his grandkids learn to play cards, fish, swim, make new and lasting friendships and delight in all that the summer had to offer. His devotion to his grandchildren was second to none. His legacy is defined by those he left behind. John is survived by his wife, Gretchen, brothers Tom, Mike and Mark, sons Tom (Lou Ann), Dave (Linda), daughter Jill (Peter) Joswiak; 8 grandchildren: Robin (Bobby), Brian (Jill), Kim (Jeremy), Mark (Cameron), Dana, Kevin, Kyle and Helen and 4 great grandchildren, Ben, Jack, Grady and Evelyn. Memorials in John's name will be made to his favorite organizations and charities.