John R. Caldwell, age 94, passed away on Saturday, February 4, 2017. He was born on April 25, 1922 in Columbus to Robert and Lois (Folsom) Caldwell. He graduated as Salutatorian in 1940 from Columbus High School. John played the French horn in the University of Wisconsin marching band while studying at UW-Madison. He graduated with a bachelor's degree in 1944 and master's degree in 1947, both in chemical engineering. He served in the U.S. Navy from 1944 to 1946 during WWII. During this time, he met Ensign Katherine Blackburn at the Naval Ammunition Depot in Hawthorne, NV. They were married on May 20, 1950 in Quincy, IL. John served in the Korean War from 1951 to 1953 and continued in the Naval Reserve for 27 years until 1971 retiring at the rank of Lt. Commander. He joined his father and brother at Caldwell Lumber Co. in Columbus in 1951, helping to maintain the family business for close to 100 years-retiring only recently-and was past president of the Wisconsin Retail Lumber Association. John was an active community leader. He was a longtime member and past president of the Columbus-Fall River Rotary International Club and a 70-year member of the Masonic Lodge F&AM #75 where he served as past Master. John was also a member of the American Legion Post 62 serving as Master of Ceremonies for the Columbus Memorial Day observance for 20 years. He was the first chairman of the board of directors of the Columbus Community Hospital as well as serving on the board of directors for the First National Bank in Columbus for 20 years. In addition, he served as chairman of the United Fund and was past president of the Columbus Chamber of Commerce. John was the 2009 4th of July Parade Marshall and flew on the Badger Honor Flight in 2013. John was an active member of the Olivet Church in Columbus. He enjoyed golfing, stamp collecting and was an avid Packer, Brewer and Badger fan. He also enjoyed traveling with family and friends. His many excursions included a family cruise in the Caribbean celebrating John & Kay's 50th wedding anniversary, numerous car trips with his young children across the country and international travel. Survivors include his three sons Robert (Mary) of Lafayette, Colorado; Douglas (Sharon) of Markesan; Thomas (Jennifer) of Columbus; his daughter Susan Wingers of Columbus; 12 grandchildren; 4 great-grandchildren and other relatives and friends, including special caregiver and friend Kathy Baerwolf. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife in 2009 and brother Bill and sister-in-law Lois; brother-in-law Joe Bonansinga and sister-in-law Pat Bonansinga. A memorial service was held at 11:00 A.M., on Saturday, February 11, 2017 at OLIVET CONGREGATIONAL UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST, Columbus. Rev. Beth Voigt officiated. Visitation was from 4:00 P.M. until 7:00 P.M. on Friday, February 10, 2017 at the Olivet Church and from 10:00 A.M. until 11:00 A.M. at the church on Saturday. Inurnment was in Hillside Cemetery with full military honors. Memorials may be made to the Olivet Church, Rotary International or the Columbus Community Hospital Foundation.