John Michael Przybyla

John M. Przybyla, 69, of Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, formerly of Dayton, Ohio; passed away peacefully on the morning of Friday, May 3, 2024, at the Aurora Zilber Hospice Facility.

John was born on January 9, 1955, in Midland, Michigan, the son of the late Richard L. and Bess L. (Powers) Przybyla. He married Linda K. (Herron) Ramey on March 20, 2007, in Mesa, AZ.

John attended Michigan State University, graduating with a BS and MS in Civil Engineering. While working on his thesis research, John became fascinated with computers and technology, which, coupled with his love of learning, any kind of map, and engineering background, led to John becoming an early innovator and leading professional in the field of Geographical Information Systems (GIS). John retired as a Senior VP with Woolpert Inc. after more than 30 years of dedicated professional service. John enjoyed his work, being highly regarded by his colleagues and many clients across the country for his problem-solving abilities and his integrity.

When John retired in 2017, his suitcase was still used frequently. He and Linda continued to travel and had many interesting adventures, which they both enjoyed greatly. John was an avid reader and collector of maps, resulting in him being well-versed in the history of each destination.

He enjoyed sharing his knowledge and discussing history, politics, science, technology, travel, etc. He and Linda loved exploring beautiful places in nature, gardening, home remodeling, doing woodworking projects, and golfing together. Whether it was on TV or in person, they enjoyed watching many different sports – rooting for the Cincinnati Reds, the Michigan State Spartans, the Wright State Raiders, the ACHS Sequoits, and, most recently, the Augustana Vikings. Music was another one of John’s interests. He and Linda frequently attended live concerts to hear their favorite groups like Chicago.

John loved being a parent, and his children were a great source of pride for him. He shared his enthusiasm for sports by coaching their T-ball teams and his keen interest in history and nature by taking them on numerous camping adventures, tours of historical battlefields, and visits to Native American cultural sites. While Ben, Laralynne, Becki, and Stephanie may not have shared his enthusiasm for these events as children, they are now recounted as cherished memories.

In addition to John being an amazing husband and loving father, he was a wonderful grandfather. Over the years, he could be found sitting on the floor reading a children’s book, building with Legos, playing with trains and Matchbox cars, battling with Nerf guns, and organizing backyard water wars. He delighted in attending numerous school concerts, plays, graduations, and athletic games. He often wore his Chewbacca t-shirt that read Party Animal, which perfectly captured his fun-loving spirit.

John never stopped living life to the fullest, always being his loving, optimistic, generous self even while bravely battling cancer for nearly eight years. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends.

John is survived by his loving wife Linda; children Benjamin (Shiulin), Laralynne (Luke), Becki (Shawn, partner), Stephanie (Nick), Nikki (Phil), Paul (Becca), and Barret; grandchildren Meghan, Benjamin, Grayson, and Eileen. He is also survived by siblings James Przybyla and Anne (Paul) Heyt, nieces Jamie and April, nephews Richie, Chris, and Jake, other relatives, and many friends.

A private Celebration of John’s Life will be held at Lazarczyk Family Funeral Home of Lake Geneva, WI, in June of 2024. Burial arrangements are pending.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to Carbone Cancer Center , University of Wisconsin or The Nature Conservancy in memory of John.

Lazarczyk Family Funeral Home of Lake Geneva assisted the family.