It is with sorrow and much love that we announce the passing of John (Jack) Francis Doyle, 83, of Amherst, Wisconsin. He passed away on June 16, 2026 in the arms of his loving wife, after a long battle with Parkinson’s Disease.
Born on November 29, 1942 in Waupaca, Wisconsin, he was the son of Clarence and Anna (Bauer) Doyle. He graduated from Waupaca High School in 1961 and went on to earn a degree in Dairy Science from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. After college, he served in the medical corps of the Army as an occupational therapy Specialist 5 where he helped returning Vietnam soldiers rehabilitate from injuries. While serving in the Army, Jack received special dispensation to use his dairy experience showing stud bulls across the country. On September 26, 1970 he married JoAnn Barden, the love of his life and best friend. Even after 55 years, their love story continues.
Jack was a dedicated and innovative dairy farmer. He will be deeply remembered for his love of agriculture, his neighborly generosity, and strong sense of community. He was an involved member of the local Farm Bureau, the Waupaca-Waushara Holstein Association, and the Waupaca-Outagamie Farmers Organization. Jack mentored hundreds of young people, including his own children, through 4-H, the Junior Holstein Association, and the FFA Alumni, instilling in them a love of the dairy industry, quality showmanship, and dedicated hard work.
Throughout his life Jack was passionate about shooting pool with neighbors, watching a good Packer and Badger games with friends, and spending time with his family, especially the grandkids. Along with being an avid rodeo fan, he could be found in the stands of many local animal shows and cattle sales. Jack was a devout Catholic and a long-standing member of St. Maximillian Kolbe Catholic Church. In recent years, most days you would find him on his John Deere lawn mower. He took great pride in a beautifully mowed lawn and a welcoming home to enjoy the company of friends and family.
Jack was a devoted and guiding force to his family. He taught his children, and grandchildren, the value of hard work, to follow their passions, and that sometimes, consequences are worth a little bit of mischief. He leaves behind a beautiful legacy and will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 55 years, JoAnn; children, Amy Jo (Daniel), Scott (Jessica), and Tim (Jenny); and his grandchildren, Joseph, Anna (Tyler), John, Tanner, Jamieson, Matthew, Riley, Isaac, Breleigh, and Oaklee; his sisters Marjorie and Kathrine; his brother Thomas (Patricia) and his sister-in-law Rose. He was preceded in death by his parents, Clarence and Anna; his brother, James; his sister, MaryAnn; in-laws, Franklin (Bud) and Ann Barden, Chuck Zarter, Dave Kampke, Jim and Peggy Barden, Tom Barden, and John Barden.
The family would like to thank The Willows Assisted Living and Memory Care, Iola, WI and St. Croix Hospice for his care for the past nine months. You were his walking angels.
A funeral Mass will be held on Wednesday, June 24 at 11AM at St. Maximilian Kolbe Catholic Church, 8611 St. Hwy 54, Almond, with burial and lunch to follow. Visitation will be held Tuesday, June 23 from 4-7PM, AT THE CHURCH, with an American Legion Service and rosary to follow. Visitation will also be held Wednesday from 10-11AM at the church. Burial at St. Patrick’s Cemetery following the funeral with military honors. All who knew and loved him are invited to attend and celebrate his remarkable life. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund is being established. The Maple Crest Funeral Home of Waupaca assisted the family with arrangements.
