John Lewis Talbert

John Lewis Talbert Sr., age 73 of Antigo, passed away December 16, 2025, peacefully following a brief illness at Aspirus Wausau Hospital. He was surrounded by his loving friends and family.

John was born on March 28, 1952 in Waukegan, IL to the late Anna (Theyerl) and Samuel Talbert. He was united in marriage to Julie Talbert on June 13, 2009 at the Payne Art Center in Oshkosh.

He graduated from Mary D. Bradford High School in Kenosha, where he grew up, and then went on to receive multiple certificates from the Technical College. Most recently, John worked as a supervisor at Badger State Highway Equipment, where he dedicated approximately 25 years of service. Prior to his career there, he was employed at JI Case in Racine in the testing department for over 10 years, Hoffmeister Implement, and Polar Welding. John considered his greatest career accomplishment to be helping his son Sean start Double T Trucking. He treasured his time spent assisting Sean whether it was bookkeeping, running errands, or most of all working alongside him in the shop.

John had a soft heart for animals and dearly loved his canine companions, Addie and Gito. Gito was there to welcome John to Heaven as he passed while John was still in the hospital. He also loved his grand pups: Ivy, Ruger, Gunner, and his grandcat Remington. John treasured his friendships and was there to help family and friends with anything they needed. He was also the kind of person who would offer help to strangers. John enjoyed old cars and his two firetrucks and liked attending car shows. He was a proud supporter of the Town of Antigo Fire Department. John also enjoyed road trips and trying new places.

In addition to his wife Julie, John is survived by sons Sean (Taylor) Talbert of Antigo and John (Stephanie) Talbert of Colorado, step children Grace (Dylan) Setzer of Belgium, WI , Colin Warren of Massachusetts, and Garrett Warren of Oconomowoc, WI grandchildren Ian Talbert, Laura Talbert, and Landon Setzer, brothers Melvin (Bonnie) Talbert of Racine and Earl (Diane) Talbert of Kenosha, sister-in-law Linda Talbert of Mosinee and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents and Gito, John was preceded in death by his girlfriend and mother of Sean, Laura Yaeger on November 19, 2012, an infant granddaughter Cecilia Setzer, brothers Lee (Joan) Talbert, David Talbert, Leonard Talbert, and Wayne Talbert, and sister Tola Mahoney.

In accordance with John’s wishes, a small private family gathering will be held.