John H Givens

John H. Givens, formally of Ixonia, passed away peacefully at the age of 94, on February 15, 2024 at The Marquardt in Watertown.

John was born May 26, 1929 in Hollywood, California, the son of the late Octavus and Sally (Perry). He attended Hollywood High School, Los Angeles State College and UCLA. He proudly served four years in the United States Navy during the Korean Conflict as a Radarman, and was honorably discharged, leaving as a Petty Officer First Class.

In California, he was employed by Pacific Telephone, TRW Semiconductors, and Lindberg Hevi-Duty in Los Angeles, before being transferred to Watertown. He worked for Lindberg for 20 years, before continuing his career at Wisconsin Oven Corporation in East Troy, retiring after 17 years as a Senior Sales Executive.

John enjoyed his time as a charter member of the Watertown Amateur Radio Club, volunteering for their duties at area events and communicating with people all over the world. He also served the Town of Ixonia, as the Town Supervisor and former Chairman of the Industrial Park Board.

John is survived by his children, Jason (Kaye) Givens of Cambria; Joneen (Michael) Carnes of Sullivan; granddaughters, Megan (Andrew) Merkel of Jefferson and Kaylynn Peot of Sullivan; great-grandsons, Eli and Owen of Jefferson; niece, Lynn Smith of Rochelle, IL; nephew, Mic Brooks of Rochelle, IL; friend and neighbor, Jeff Wegner of Ixonia and many other friends and family.

John was preceded in death by his parents, Octavus and Sally Givens; brother, Norman Givens and loving friend, Iris Jahnke.

The family of John would like to thank the staff at The Marquardt for the care they gave John.

A celebration of life will happen Saturday March 2nd at Pagenkopf  Funeral Home in Oconomowoc. It will go from 3:30 to 5:30 and folks will be encouraged to share their John stories and will complete with a military honors send-off.