John Andrew Dohogne

John Andrew Dohogne passed peacefully in his sleep surrounded by beloved family in the early morning of May 10, 2024.

John’s story began in Moline, Illinois. He was born to Alice and William Dohogne on August 23, 1948. During the course of his life, John proved to be a “people person” – always eager to meet and assist someone new. Those that spent time with him saw that he was an inspiration and friend to many.

As a child, John’s naturally free and adventurous spirit began to emerge … perhaps originating from time spent with his dad, uncle, and their closest hunting buddies. As a result of that mentoring, John developed a lifelong love of both pheasant hunting and fishing. Many of us remember glorious days spent with him enjoying these pursuits.

His parents had instilled in him a passion for education. As such, John was the first in his family to attend college – culminating in a degree in Veterinary Science from Western Illinois University.

Summers found John working in construction for his uncle Andrew Poelvoorde. Everyone hopes to find a profession that best fits them. John was born to build things. Companies. Buildings. Relationships.

While waiting for a draft call that was narrowly missed, he started working for a family friend (Buddy Shay) at Low-Temp Insulation. The connections made during these formative years led to long-lasting bonds with future business partners.

It was at this time that he also met the love of his life – Diane. They were married on November 8, 1975. Her bright smile from across the room always melted his heart – and Diane’s heart was his home.

A year later, they welcomed their daughter Michelle. It is said that there is a special bond between a father and a daughter. Nowhere is this more evident. John brought her to the office before there was a “Bring Your Daughter To Work Day” because he enjoyed her company. They truly had fun together – and as a father, he couldn’t be prouder of her.

In 1982, John and Diane took a great leap of faith and moved their family to Wisconsin to start Delta T Construction. A decade later, he inspired the founding of Environmental Structures. Hundreds of people and their families can attest to directly benefiting from his entrepreneurial spirit.

Whether he was spending time with his wife and dog by the pool – or out on a lake scoping out new fishing spots with his son-in-law – or connecting with his brothers and buddies over the news of the day, John showed us how much he loved life. Like the fires he built on many cool nights, he uniquely lit a fire in us … making us feel both supported and seen. By letting us know that he believed in us, he often brought out the best in us.

John’s infectious personality, warm smile, generous heart and unrelenting optimism remain with us. He was also a fantastic storyteller. His sincerity, delivery and humor often had all of us laughing until our sides hurt. Now the hurt we feel is due to the silence in his absence.

John often ended a conversation with a wish of “always forward – never straight”. He found that “straight” was much too confining. We commit to move “forward” now in his name.

In addition to his wife Diane, he leaves his daughter Michelle (Brian), and his brothers William and Patrick - as well as four nieces and countless friends, hunting buddies and fishing partners. John was preceded in death by his parents.

The family would like to thank the medical teams at Froedtert, ProHealth, and Waukesha Memorial ICU. You held John in your heart as well as your hands. For that, the family is forever grateful to you.

Per John’s wishes, private graveside services will be held at a later date. The family is also planning a “Celebration of Life” with a date to be announced. He requested that any memorial be directed to one of two causes that are dear to the family. The first is to the Humane Society of Waukesha (which is located at 701 Northview Road, Waukesha, WI 53188). Alternatively, he would ask you to direct your kindness to the local branch of the American Cancer Society (which is located at N19W24350 Riverview Drive, Pewaukee, WI 53072).