W. John Counsell

Willard John Counsell, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, peacefully entered into eternal life on Tuesday, December 16th, 2025. John was born October 13, 1942, in Oconomowoc, WI, to Bill and Julia (Kimball) Counsell and to an idyllic childhood in Lake Country, growing up on Lac La Belle. He attended elementary and middle school at St. Jerome Parish School before becoming a standout 3-sport athlete at Oconomowoc High School, where he was recently inducted into the Athletic Hall of Fame. From there, he was recruited to the University of Notre Dame to play baseball while earning a bachelor's degree in business.

John was devoted above all else to his family. He cared for his wife with extraordinary love, patience, and tenderness throughout her illness, a reflection of the deep bond they shared ever since meeting in Oconomowoc back in 1964. They married in 1967 and moved to Orlando as he began a career in professional baseball. Their story came full circle when John and Jeanette returned later in life to the place where he grew up and where they first met - home in every sense of the word.

Nothing brought John more joy than following the lives of his six grandchildren. He took great pride in watching them grow, cheering them on in their activities - especially sports - having inside jokes or nicknames, and supporting them in any way he could. He was at his best just showing up for them, driving them, offering words of encouragement, long text messages, and giving his time and energy. Every kid on their teams knew him; he was everyone's cheering section.

John built a long career in the sports world - starting off by playing professional baseball within the Minnesota Twins organization, coaching for the Notre Dame baseball team, working in the Milwaukee Brewers front office, and finishing within the world of professional golf. John worked around his passions, and he had an easy ability to connect with people. He always wanted people to enjoy the love and experience of sports.

He found peace in simple pleasures - fishing on Lake Oconomowoc, playing cribbage with friends, spending time with family, attending basketball games, volunteering, and cheering for Notre Dame.

Above all, John will be remembered for his warmth, his humor, his smile, his generosity, and the love he gave so freely. His presence filled a room, and his absence will be deeply felt by all those who knew and loved him.

He is survived by his children, Jennifer (Michael) Hughes and Craig (Michelle) Counsell; his six grandchildren, Brady, Jack, Finley, Hayden, Rowan, and Devyn; and his brothers and sisters, Mary Stump, Susie Sorenson, Ellen Swaine and Charlie Counsell. He will join his wife, Jeanette, along with his parents in God's kingdom. He is survived by loved nieces and nephews and cousins. Join us in the celebration of John's life on Saturday, January 10th, at 9:30 a.m. for visitation with a Funeral Mass to follow at 11 a.m. at Holy Family Parish, 4825 N Wildwood Ave, Whitefish Bay, WI 53217. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in John's name to St. Joan Antida High School https://www.saintjoanantida.org/support