John Segelstrom

John Phillip Segelstrom, 53, died unexpectedly on July 18th at his home of natural causes. John was born in San Jose, CA on December 4, 1962 to Gary and Doris Segelstrom. He was baptized as an infant at First Immanuel Church and confirmed at Faith Lutheran Church in 1978. John graduated from Grantsburg High School in 1981 and moved to Pembrooke Pines, FL shortly after with his soon to be brother-in-law, Duane Melin. There he pursued a short career in bartending. Once John returned to Grantsburg he never left. His world revolved around his family, work, Crex Meadows, and fishing the surrounding lakes and rivers. John spent the bulk of his years working at McNally Industries. Upon his death he had almost 35 years’ experience in the machining industry. He was very skilled at sawing and grinding and was the go-to-guy in that area. John was well liked by his coworkers and took pride in doing a good job. John had a great sense of humor and a big laugh. Once you met John you definitely didn’t forget him! There are few people who enjoyed fishing more than John. It didn’t matter what lake they were on. John was happiest with a pole in his hand and a beer in the cooler! Over the years John fished in many places but the St. Croix River, the Clam Flowage, and Big Wood Lake were always his favorites. In John’s words, “there is nothing better than a Big Wood sunnie!” John took pleasure in the simple things. Reading the paper. A good crossword puzzle. Mary Jane’s biscuits. A Badger or Packer victory. Over the years he enjoyed golf, bowling, cribbage, and reading the occasional book. It didn’t take much to make him happy. As the baby in the family John had a special relationship with his mom. They shared many meals together and he always looked forward to their weekly Saturday lunch, especially when it was fried fish! He loved spending time with his siblings and each one has a “John story” that can make you laugh. John was the uncle every kid loved. When his oldest nephew turned 10 John took him on the river fishing. This started a tradition that each niece and nephew looked forward to. The trip was 100% about them. They didn’t even have to bait the hook they just fished…. and ate snacks! Many treasured memories where made those trips. While that booming voice is gone and those precious hugs are a memory John will live forever in our hearts. There will not be a time when we won’t think of him and “see” that twinkle in his eye or remember that laugh. John’s life was far too short but it was filled with love………..and quite a few fish! Preceded in death by his father, Gary Segelstrom, maternal grandparents; Willie and Lillie Freeman, paternal grandparents; Irene “Granny” Benson and Myron Segelstrom. He will be deeply missed by his family: mother, Doris Segelstrom, brothers Jeff (Debby) Segelstrom, Jim (Lonnie) Segelstrom, and sister Kris (Duane) Melin, nieces and nephews: Alex and Samantha Melin, Erik and Amy Segelstrom, Shari Klasse, Crystal Segelstrom, and 8 great nieces and nephews. Give a man a fish and you’ll feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish and he’ll be gone all weekend! A celebration of John’s life was held at Faith Lutheran Church on Saturday, July 23rd. Arrangements were entrusted to Swedberg-Taylor Funeral Home in Grantsburg. Online condolences may be expressed at swedberg-tayor.com.