John Albert Deno passed away on December 16, 2023 at his home in Black River Falls at the age of 74,
under the care of St. Croix Hospice.
John was born July 6, 1949, to Richard and Irene (Laughnan) Deno in Black River Falls and spent his
youth on the Deno family farm in Pine Hill. John attended Pine Hill Grade School and graduated from
Black River Falls High School in 1967.
John was united to marriage to Barbara Gile on August 12, 1972, and they later divorced. John was
united in marriage to Janice Lamp on July 2, 1977, and from that union Amber Marie was born. They
later divorced. John was united in marriage to Patsy Simplot Hizer on October 9, 1992, and from that
union John gained 2 bonus daughters Maria and Mindy Hizer. They later divorced and John lived the
bachelor’s life.
John worked at the Jackson County Iron Mine, Bar-B Travel Plaza, First and Last Chance, Leeson Electric,
and Finches Cranberry Marsh; he also spent several years as a reserve officer for Jackson County and a
police officer for the Township of Millston.
John had a love for the great outdoors and enjoyed hunting, fishing, and trap shooting. John loved to
fish any species; he spent many hours fishing for muskies on the Black River.
John bagged his first buck at the age of 13 with his dad near Robinson Creek. Besides Wisconsin, he was
able to hunt in several western states for deer, elk, and antelope. He could tell you where every set of
antlers he had mounted came from and the story behind each hunt. The Black Hills in South Dakota held
a very special place in his heart.
In his retirement years, John enjoyed watching old westerns including Gunsmoke and Longmire. He was
an avid Milwaukee Brewers and Green Bay Packers fan!
John is preceded in death by his parents, Richard and Irene Deno.
John is survived by his daughter, Amber (Greg) Christesen; granddaughters Aumeira, Ainsley, and
Avynlei; his brother Dick (Kyle) Deno; nephew Travis (Shelly) Deno; nieces Brandi (David) Hofer, Moriah
Deno; and other relatives and friends.
A memorial service for John Deno will be held Friday, December 29 th , beginning at 11am, at Torgerson’s
Funeral Home of Black River Falls. Visitation will be held from 10am until the start of service.
Torgeron’s Funeral Home is assisting with arrangements, 715-284-4321.