John F. Trager died September 11, 2025, at the age of 94.

An entrepreneur and optimist, John lived his entire life in Mazomanie WI.   Born in 1931 to Harry and Gretchen Trager, he lost his father at a young age.   An avid storyteller, he loved to recall the antics of his childhood and life, which he highlighted in an autobiography.   He attended the University of Wisconsin and Madison Business College.  His business interests were many, including Trager Supermarkets, G.P.F. Office Equipment, real estate and banking.     He proudly served his country in the US Army from 1951-53.   Service was paramount to John, and he gave countless hours to his community and church.    John shared his adventurous life with his Hiya, his beloved wife of 63 years, who preceded him in death in 2023.    His kindness, generosity, and gratitude left a lasting impression on friends and family.

John is survived by three children and their spouses; Ellen (Jeff) Segar, Brookfield WI, Ken (Julie) Trager and Piri (Ron) Kerr, all of Mazomanie WI; 7 grandchildren, Emily (Chris) Peterson, David (Elizabeth) Segar, Camila Segar (Alex Rendon), Andy (Anna) Kerr, Sarah (Dan) Arndt, Matthew and Mitchell Trager, and 14 great grandchildren.   For the last year he resided at Pines Assisted Living and was in the care of Agrace Hospice, to whom the family expresses gratitude.

Services will be held at St Andrew Lutheran Church, Middleton WI, on Saturday, September 27 at 4:00 pm with visitation beginning at 2:30 pm. Following the service, the family will host John's Last Brat Fest at the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the St. Andrew Building Fund, the Wisconsin Heights School District Educational Foundation-Trager Scholarship Endowment, or local initiatives which John was instrumental in founding such as the Mazomanie Fireworks Forever Committee or the Wild West Days Association.  If you prefer to donate your time instead of money, that would be truly appreciated by John.