Darlington, WI – Francis John Reichling, known to many as John, was born on May 18, 1960, in Darlington to Francis “Popeye” and Janice Reichling. He graduated from Darlington High School in 1978 and went on to attend the University of Wisconsin-Platteville. Following school, John began working at Glendenning’s Redi-Mix. On July 5, 1980, he married the love of his life, Ann Burke, at Our Lady of Hope Catholic Church in Seymour Township, Shullsburg, WI.

John’s professional career began when he was hired by the Lafayette County Sheriff’s Department as a jailer/dispatcher. He furthered his training by earning his certification at Western Technical College in La Crosse. Over the years, John rose through the ranks, becoming Jail Administrator, Undersheriff, Emergency Management Director, and eventually Chief Deputy, retiring after 35 years of dedicated service. John was passionate about his community and enjoyed teaching DARE to fifth graders in local schools, as well as coaching his children in a variety of sports. A devout member of Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus, John found great joy in his faith and in serving those around him.

John is survived by his loving wife, Ann, at home; his children and grandchildren: Christopher, Kamber, Lauryn, and Beau Reichling of Sherrill, IA; Colleen and Jeremy, Marty (fiancé Allison Horne) Williams of Darlington, WI; Patrick, Kim and Evelyn Reichling of Darlington, WI; Jeffrey, Abby, Stella, and Harper Reichling of Onalaska, WI; as well as his siblings and in-laws: Sue & Russ Elzen of Darlington, WI; Don (Mary Kurth) Whitford of Darlington, WI; Karen & Richard Anderson of West Bend, WI; Stacey & Steve Seffrood of Gratiot, WI; Jim & Mary Ann Reichling of DeForest, WI; Frank & Ann Burke of Lake Forest, IL; Joe & Julie Burke of Dodgeville, WI; Tom & Connie Burke of Madison, WI; Mary Burke of Onalaska, WI; and Kathy & Joe Laubmeier of Madison, WI. He is also survived by many cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.

John was preceded in death by his beloved daughter, Katherine Ann, on December 11, 1981; his parents; two sisters, Luanne Whitford and Patti Reichling; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Larry and Claribel Burke; his brother-in-law, Monsignor Michael Burke; his sister-in-law, Margaret Burke; and his special nephew, Jason Burke.

A lifelong sports enthusiast, John had a special love for golf, where he recorded three holes in one over the years. He was also a devoted Redbird fan. Above all, John cherished his children and grandchildren, who were the light of his life. He brought immense joy to everyone around him with his giving nature, and he will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

The family would like to thank all the medical professionals who helped John during his journey, including Dana Gruenenfelder (APNP), Lucas Suthers (APNP), Haley Gertsch (PT, DPT) and nurse Lindsey Mau, Dr. John Whalen and his care team: Wendy, Jeremy, Kristi, Troy, Brenda and Heidi,

A Mass of Christian burial will be held on August 5, 2025, at 10:30 AM, at the Holy Rosary Catholic Church, (104 E Harriet St. Darlington, Wisconsin). Visitation will be held at Holy Rosary Catholic Church, on Monday, August 4, from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM, with a Rosary at 2:30 PM. A visitation will be from 9:00 AM to 10:15 AM the morning of the funeral. Burial will follow at Our Lady of Hope Catholic Church Cemetery, Seymour Township, Shullsburg, WI. The Erickson Funeral Home in Darlington is serving the family. Online condolences can be expressed at www.ericksonfuneralhome.com

In lieu of flowers please consider a memorial gift in John's memory.

F. John Reichling

May 18, 1960 - July 31, 2025

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