John Douglas Maksyn, age 69, of Waupaca, Wisconsin passed away peacefully in his home, Saturday, March 23, 2024.
John, more commonly known as “Johnnie Luv” was born September 16, 1954 in Chicago, Illinois to John and Ann Valaria (Val) Maksyn whom lived in Cicero, Illinois.
He attended Morten East High School and graduated in1972. He moved to the Waupaca area in 1980. John spent most of his working years as a truck driver. He most recently worked part-time for Kathy Nickel assisting with farm trucking needs, he had experience hauling milk and drove for several businesses including Alliance and Paradise Trucking. At one time, John owned his own bar and grill, Gill’s Landing, he made instant friends with his patrons with his quick-wit and flashy smile.
John loved being on the road, whether a truck, his Mini-Cooper or one of his motorcycles. The more style, comfort, and distinctiveness the machine had, the better he liked it. He favored driving his Yamaha motorcycle because it was a “smooth ride.” John enjoyed buying goofy and unique items, shaking for shots, and just tinkering around. He had a love for native American décor and you would commonly find him wearing a piece of turquoise jewelry. John had a style and flare straight out of Old Hollywood. He could imitate and sing just like Frank Sinatra. Johnnie always an entertainer himself, liked to share a few cold ones and would often get on a roll with the many fun voices and characters he could imitate. He enjoyed recent annual trips to Dunnellon, Florida to visit his pal, Dale and hanging out at Swampy’s Bar. Time spent with John was time filled with plenty of laughter, kicking back, and just being … delighted.
Survivors include his sister, Shirley (Dennis) Kub of Peoria, Arizona. His niece and nephews: Daniel Kub of Peoria, Arizona, David (Dawn) Kub of Orlando, Florida and Shelly (Kenneth) Gordon of Peoria, Arizona. John is further survived by “the daughter he never had” Leigh Jacobson (significant other, Jacob Carriveau) and her two children, Josie and Frances and many great nieces and nephews.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, April 6, from 11:00 AM until 2:00 PM at Hidden Waters Golf Course and Resort in Waupaca, Wisconsin. There will be no official services as per John’s wishes. Holly Funeral Home will be assisting the family and friends with arrangements.
“May the wind be at your back and the sun in your face and the winds of destiny carry you aloft to see the stars.”