John Bradford Bowditch, Janesville, WI (1949-2015)

July 16, 2015

1949 - 2015

On Monday, July 13th, 2015, heaven gained an incredible angel as John Bradford Bowditch Jr. passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family, at Wisconsin Heart Hospital in Wauwatosa, WI. John was born on Sept. 19, 1949, in Libertyville, IL, the son of the late John and Mary (McKinney) Bowditch, Sr. John graduated from Janesville Parker High School in 1968, and married Susan Elizabeth Fjelstad on Dec. 12, 1970. John and his beloved "Redhead" went on to raise two amazing sons, Brian and Matt, and spent many years in the Milton/Janesville area, before finding their second home in Sarasota, FL. John was the definition of a genuine hard-working, family man. He had a love for cars at a very young age. He learned from one of the best, Mr. Charlie Everhart, where he began washing cars at Charlie's dealership. He soon moved up through the ranks and his entrepreneurial spirit led him to purchase Burtness Chevrolet in Orfordville, WI, in 1978, and later expanding in 2007, to the Whitewater, WI area. He continued to lead the company for the past 38 years, and has had the pleasure to work side-by-side with his sons. He enjoyed traveling to many destinations, golfing with his buddies and being the quiet instigator during crazy adventures with his pals. His love for his five grandkids made him a permanent fixture at most baseball, basketball, football, swim meets and horse riding lessons. To this day, when his family and friends see a shiny Corvette, Grandpa John will be on their minds. John was a very humble, genuine and true gentleman. He will be greatly missed by all who were blessed to call him a friend, dad, grandpa and husband.

John is survived by his wife of 44 years, Susan; son, Brian (Deb) and their children: Mark, Brad and Nate; son, Matt (Sunshine) and their children, Audrey and Blake; a sister, Jeanne (Jon) Bartel; a sister-in-law, Suzy Bowditch; nieces and nephews: Erin (Greg) Flottmeyer, Ben Bowditch, Molly Bowditch and Anna Bartel. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Tom Bowditch; sister-in-law, Jean Bowditch; and brother-in-law, Bill Fjelstad.

The family wishes to thank the wonderful care team at the Wisconsin Heart Hospital in Wauwatosa, WI.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in John's name to the Wisconsin Heart Hospital, Attn: Foundation Office, 10000 W. Bluemound Rd., Wauwatosa, WI 53226.

www.mywheaton.org/wisconsin-heart-hospital/give-to-whh/

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, July 18, 2015, at the WHITCOMB - LYNCH FUNERAL HOME with Rev. John Froiland officiating. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. until the time of the service at the FUNERAL HOME. Entombment will be at Milton Lawns Memorial Park. A Luncheon will follow the service at Burtness Chevrolet, Orfordville.

"Carry On, Mr. Bowditch"

Whitcomb - Lynch Funeral Home & Cremation Services

21 S. Austin Road, Janesville, WI (608) 752-2444