John Thomas Downs

John Thomas Downs of Wolf River, passed away unexpectedly on December 24, 2022 at the age of 70. John was born on February 6, 1952 in Milwaukee. On September 9, 1976, he was united in marriage to Gaynell Carman. She survives.

He graduated high school and served in the U.S. Marine Corps. He worked for Michel’s Pipeline in Milwaukee and then went on to work in trucking and commercial snowplowing, owning and operating Down’s Trucking Inc.

Following retirement, John and Gaynell moved to the Town of Wolf River in 2004. He then raised beef cattle for several years.

John enjoyed horseback riding, hunting, snowmobiling, kayaking, snowshoeing, traveling, riding bike in Florida, and visiting family in Louisiana and Florida.

In addition to his wife, John is survived by sons, James Downs and Michael Downs as well as his extended family in Wisconsin and Louisiana.

In accordance with his wishes, no services will be held.

John’s family would like to extend a special thank you to the Langlade County Sheriff’s department officers, the first responders from the Town of Wolf River, and Larry Shadick, for their efforts and compassion during this difficult time.

“God looked around his garden- And found an empty place,

He then looked down upon the earth- And saw your tired face.

He put his arms around you- And lifted you to rest.

God’s garden must be beautiful- He always takes the best.

He saw the road was getting rough- And the hills were hard to climb.

So he closed your weary eyelids- And whispered, ‘Peace be thine’.

It broke our hearts to lose you- But you didn’t go alone,

For part of us went with you- The day God called you home.”

-Anonymous