John James Maser

John James Maser, born April 12, 1950 in Rice Lake Wisconsin, at the age of 71, passed away while peacefully resting on Saturday July 24, 2021 in Madison Wisconsin. John was raised by his parents Dr. James and Marguerite "Peg" Maser, and grew up as the "baby brother" to his two older sisters, Pamela and Ann Maser.

The neighborhood in Rice Lake Wisconsin fostered warm, kind, loving friendships that lasted John throughout his lifetime. John attended St. Joseph's grade school. He had close friends Steve and Paul, spanning a timeline of 70 years and would talk on the phone with them daily, up to the day of his passing.

As a child, John experimented with wholesome mischief, like lighting a stink bomb inside the house when his parents were away. At home and at the cabin, John's family adored him and cared for him, enjoying his adventurousness of barefoot water skiing and water skiing in pyramids with his friends at the cabin. John was a natural outdoorsman and grew up fishing and hunting under the guidance of his father.

In his teenage years, John graduated from Rice Lake High School in 1968. He attended River Falls State University, then later received his business degree from Marian College.

One day in his late teens, John returned home from an evening out and told his sister, smitten, "I met the most beautiful woman tonight", who would later become his wife, Candace (Candy) Kirkeby. Together they raised 3 children, James, Ann and John, as well as dogs and cats. Later in life, John's daughter Tiffeny reunited with the family. A memorable story and example of John and Candy's love was an instance when Candy asked John if he would take the garbage out, and he looked deeply into her eyes, smiled and simply stated, "I'd love to".

John enjoyed spending time with his children. He never appeared rushed or hurried when it was time to be with them. He passed on the tradition of hunting and knowledge about animals and nature. Holidays like Christmas and the 4th of July were all-out expressions of John's love for his children, and perhaps a little pyromania. John loved his children very much and spoke of them with nothing but love.

John was classy, charming, kind, caring, warm-hearted and interested. He embodied wholesome mischief and dry, gentle humor. His friend remarked that John always had something intelligent to offer and add to any conversation. He was a loving host to his friends and relatives.

In addition to hosting family and friends, John maintained long-term warm connections through travel and outdoor apparel business. John connected with business associates in China. His friends in China would host John and offer him food that he would always try, and never shied away from adventurous eating. He held his business associates in high esteem and spoke of them with love and honor.

John Maser made friends into family and cared deeply for all of his family. He is preceded in death by his parents and wife. His life will be honored and survived by: his two older sisters Ann Gallagher and Pamela Baker, his four children Tiffeny, James, Ann and John; His grandson Dylan, as well as his extended family, very close friends and special people.

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