John Charles Trogner

John Charles Trogner, 87, of Oregon, Wis., died August 5, 2026, at home.

John was born on December 20, 1938, to Michael (John) Trogner and Edith Seelow Trogner at home in Neillsville, Wis., where he spent his childhood. He worked at the Farmer's Store during high school before taking a job with Nelson Muffler in Neillsville.

On May 28, 1960, he married his high school sweetheart, Darlene Williams, at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Neillsville. He continued with Nelson Muffler until he was called up for National Guard duty and sent to Tacoma, Wash., where Darlene and their son, Scott, joined him. On his return to Neillsville, he was transferred to the Nelson Muffler home office in Stoughton, Wis. He later managed the company's Black River Falls plant for several years before returning to the Stoughton area, where he spent many years as purchasing agent and manager for Nelson Muffler/Cummins. He retired after 48 years with the company to spend more time with his family.

For nearly 10 years, John and Darlene were foster parents, welcoming 24 foster babies while raising their own three children. He also served 10 years as assistant scoutmaster for Troop 57 in Stoughton, helping his son, Scott, earn his Eagle Scout rank. A jack of all trades, he was always fixing or remodeling something, and he never turned down anyone who needed a hand.

His family was his joy. Their place at Lake Camelot was a gathering spot for family and friends, and John was happiest when surrounded by the people he loved. He and Darlene traveled widely, taking big family trips through 32 states and visiting Jamaica, Hawaii, Alaska, the Bahamas, Mexico, and Disney several times over. He made many fishing trips to Canada and Key West with friends, and every year he looked forward to deer hunting with buddies and family. In later years, he and Darlene spent winters with their daughter, Julie, in South Carolina. He was a member of American Legion Post 59 in Stoughton. In May of 2025, surrounded by their whole immediate family, John and Darlene celebrated 65 years of marriage.

John is survived by his wife of 66 years, Darlene; and children, Scott (Nanette)Trogner of Fort Atkinson, Wis., Julie Warren of Clover, S.C., and Lisa (Dennis) Dayton of Neillsville, Wis. He is further survived by eight grandchildren, Shawna (Todd) Powell, Tony (Jen) Trogner, Kali (Thomas) Charon, BJ Warren, Cory (Crystal) Trogner, Cody (Mollie) Dayton, Evan (Bridget) Dayton and Jared Dayton; great-grandchildren, Paetyn, Alivia, and Taytum Powell, Lucas Trogner, Ryen Czape, Amerie Trogner, Lilith and Davyn Charon, Kinley and Freya Trogner, and Savannah, Rosalynn, Graynnger, and Karriann Dayton; sister-in-law, Judy Williams; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his son, Michael John Trogner; daughter, Darla Jo Trogner; parents, Michael (John) and Edith Trogner; sisters, Jean Kuhn and Elizabeth Trunkel; mother-and-father-in-law, Ina and Melford Williams; brothers-and-sisters-in-law, Ernest Kuhn, Nicholas Sydorowicz, John Trunkel, Ardena (Dick) King, Dawn (Herb) Smith, Chet Williams, Orin Williams, Roy Williams, Clarence Oberman, and Earl (Doris) Williams; nephew, Paul Kuhn; and many aunts, uncles and cousins.

A memorial service will be held at GUNDERSON STOUGHTON FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 1358 Highway 51 N. at Jackson St., Stoughton, at 11 a.m. on Saturday, September 5, 2026. A luncheon will follow at AMERICAN LEGION POST 59, 803 N. Page St., Stoughton from 1 p.m. until 4 p.m. Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the service on Saturday.

A celebration of life will be held in Neillsville, Wis., at a later date.

John's family would like to thank his home-care and hospice teams for their wonderful care.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to Highgrounds Veterans Memorial Park in Neillsville, Wis., Shriners Hospital, or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson Stoughton

Funeral & Cremation Care

1358 Highway 51 N. at Jackson St.

(608) 873-4590

Feel free to contact us with questions and/or comments.