John Allen “Papa” DuBois, age 82, passed away peacefully May 16, 2026 with his daughters by his side. He was born on January 28, 1944, in Madison, WI. He lived a life centered around family, hard work, laughter, and pride in the simple things that mattered most to him.

A graduate of Monona Grove High School, Monona, WI. John began his career in the automotive industry as a teenager, pumping gas and washing windows. Through dedication and determination, he went on to own and operate DuBois Auto Clinic for 51 years, earning the respect of customers and friends alike through his honesty, work ethic, and care for others.

John was an avid outdoorsman who loved hunting and golfing. One of his proudest golfing achievements was scoring a hole-in-one at Springs Golf Club in 1985. He also took great pride in maintaining a beautiful lawn and could often be found outside doing yard work.

A lifelong Ford truck owner, John cared for his truck meticulously and remained proud of it until he was no longer able to drive. He was a devoted Wisconsin Badger sports fan who loved both football and basketball, and family members knew he always had the best tailgate vehicle at the games and knew exactly where to park.

Family meant everything to John. He coached his children’s basketball and little league teams, creating memories that lasted a lifetime. In the 1970s, he even took his daughters to the airport to see Elvis Presley arrive, a story fondly remembered by his family. Saturday night card club gatherings, family picnics, and grilling the perfect steak were some of his favorite traditions. He believed steak should be eaten hot, and if you let it get cold, you risked being “kicked out of the kitchen.” He was also famously known for making the best garlic chip dip and proudly passed down the recipe from more than 150 years of DuBois family tradition.

Known lovingly as “Papa,” John was a huge jokester and especially adored by his grandchildren, who knew him as the “tickle bug.” At every family picnic, he was known for piling his plate high and always making sure he finished every bite.

John is survived by his children, Dawn (Jeff) VanderWeele, Keri-Jo (Mike) McCarron, and Jason DuBois. He was the proud grandfather of Marissa VanderWeele (Tommy Rivera), Colin VanderWeele, Dylan VanderWeele, Karsyn VanderWeele, Jonny Beale (Kasey Lane), Joe Beale, Josh Beale (Sidney Seymour), Jordi Beale. He was also the cherished great-grandfather of Mason, Maverick & Sullivan Beale and Lee-Joseph Beale.

He is also survived by his siblings Jimmy (Becky) DuBois, JanElise Reed, Jeff DuBois, Jean Skram, Judy DuBois, and Chuck Dipiazza. John was one of seven brothers and sisters and had many nieces and nephews. He treasured the bond he shared with his family throughout his life.

John was preceded in death by his parents, John G DuBois and Laverne Hoveland DuBois, his sister, Jennifer Dipiazza, and many four-legged friends.

John will be remembered for his quick wit, sarcasm, generous heart, strong work ethic, love of family traditions, and the countless memories he created with those he loved most. His legacy lives on in the stories shared around family tables, at tailgates, on the golf course, and in every laugh inspired by memories of “Papa.”

We will be holding an Open House celebration of Life for our beloved Father and Papa in McFarland, WI. Please join us as we gather to honor and remember him. In tribute to our Papa, we invite everyone to wear their favorite Badger gear.

Lunch will be served at Maple Tree Supper Club

June 20, 2026 12:00-3:00pm

6010 US-51 McFarland, WI 53558