Jon A. “Jack” Withrow, 77, of Platteville, died peacefully Saturday morning, April 14, 2018 at his home surrounded by his family. Funeral services will be at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 21, 2018 at the Melby Funeral Home & Crematory, Platteville. Immediately following the service there will be a Celebration of Jack's life at the Arthur House. Burial will be at a later time at the Nip-n-Tuck Cemetery, rural Platteville. Friends may call from 4:00 – 8:00 p.m. on Friday April 20, 2018 at the Melby Funeral Home & Crematory, and from 9:00 a.m. until the time of service on Saturday. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Jon “Jack” Withrow Memorial Fund. Online condolences can be made at www.melbyfh.com.

Jack was born on March 27, 1941 in Potosi, Wisconsin, son of John and Lou Ella (McPherson) Withrow. He was united in marriage to his best friend and love of his life Shirley Steffen on May 12, 1962 at St. Mary's Catholic Church, Platteville. After high school Jack attended vocational school in Madison. He worked for Jim Trentz “the best guy I ever worked for” at Trentz Texaco in Platteville as a technician. Jack's passion was farming and he started farming in 1966. They lived on that farm until 1992, when Jack and Shirley then moved to a smaller farm nearby where he continued raising horses. He also went to work at Southwest Supply in Platteville, as an agronomist for 10 years, retiring in 2007. Jack was a member of the AQHA and APHA. He had a love for raising and breeding Quarter Hoses. Jack owned and operated his horse feed service, J&W Horsecare, out of his shop on the farm. Jack also worked for Lima Township as a patrolman, as well as for Schaefer farms and Trumpy farms. Jack was an avid deer and rabbit hunter, and was a lifelong member of the NRA. In his younger years Jack played a lot of baseball/softball, and loved watching the Badgers and Brewers.

Jack was generous, always willing to help his neighbors and friends at any time. He also never hesitated to let you know what his thoughts were, whether, good or bad. Jack was very proud of his family and looked forward to having everyone at home.

Jack is survived by his wife of 55 years, Shirley; five children: Jona (Scott) Austin of Platteville; Jim Withrow and Janice Withrow of Platteville; Jill (Greg) Hubbard of Belleville, WI; Jami (Josh) Noble of Belleville, WI; and Joni (Chad) Mueller of Middleton, WI; 12 grandchildren: Katie (Dan) Kirschbaum, Jacob (Brittany Gladden) Withrow, Emilie and Luke Withrow, Halli Austin, Shelby, Baily and Rylee Hubbard, Brady and Blake Noble, Easton and Hadley Mueller; great-grandchildren: Lydia, Kyler, Sara, and the fourth arriving in July. Jack is further survived by brother Gary (Sharon) Withrow of Platteville; three sisters: Peg (Dick) Meyer, Pat (Jim) Bruun and Barb Browning all of Platteville; brother-in-law, Dean Collins of Platteville; sister-in-law Rosemary Digman, of Platteville, brothers-in-law Tom (Gloria) Steffen of Deerfield, Fr. Francis Steffen of Sinsinawa Mound, step-sister Carol Schardt, CA; step sister-in-law, Marge Felderman, Bellevue, IA; and many nieces and nephews. Jack was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Lynn Collins.

Jack's family would like to thank the staff at Mercy Hospital as well as the wonderful people at St. Croix Hospice. Jack was truly one of kind and will be missed. May the stories and memories live on.

Jon Withrow

March 27, 1941 - April 14, 2018

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