John Bernard Brickner

John Bernard Brickner, age 56, of Ellsworth, Wisconsin, passed away on Thursday, April 2, 2026, in Lubbock, Texas.

John was born to Jerome and Loretta Brickner. He grew up in Ellsworth, attending St. Francis Elementary School and later graduating from Ellsworth High School with the Class of 1987. John was a man who deeply valued his family and lived life to the fullest.

Throughout his life, John dedicated himself to serving others and his community. He worked as a custodian at St. Francis School, where he continued to live out his faith while helping those around him. He also worked at the local creamery and spent time as a truck driver. John took pride in supporting local businesses and even volunteered his time with the fire department.

John had a true passion for semi-trucks and a love for adventure. He enjoyed traveling, whether it was camping with a campfire and a cold beer in hand or simply relaxing and appreciating life's moments. He embraced life on the edge and found joy in the freedom of the open road.

A man of strong faith, John was always willing to give to others. He was especially devoted to his family, taking great pride in teaching and guiding them, whether it was riding ATVs or helping them navigate life's challenges. He cherished his role as an uncle and found fulfillment in supporting those he loved.

In his free time, John enjoyed traveling in his camper and playing chess, finding both adventure and quiet moments of reflection.

John is preceded in death by his mom and dad Jerome and Loretta Brickner; paternal grandparents John and Marie Brickner; maternal grandparents Bernard and Marie Armbruster; aunt and uncle LeRoy and Dianne Brenner; and dear friend Pat Brickner.

Left behind to mourn are his sister Valerie (Alan) Przybylski, brother Randy (Julie) Brickner, sister Theresa (Dan) Thom, sister Joanie (Robert) Heacox; many loving nieces and nephews: Josh (Darla) Przybylski, Tracy (Tony Burich), Joe Crosby, Brianne (Ben) Gaard, Jacob (Shannon) Brickner, Brandon (Jenna) Thom, Travis Thom, Ashlyn Kaltenbrun, Emmarie (Carlton) Lokken, Alec Heacox; great nieces and nephews: Max, Ellie, Sophie, Camille, Mykenna, Landyn, Matthew, Graciella, Ada, Maeve, Clint, Clare, Lacy, Mabel, and Hadley; aunt Mary (Dennis) Kees, uncle David Armbruster, and aunt Patsy (Steve) Linehan; and many cousins.

A Service of Christian Burial will be held at 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, April 19, 2026, at St. Francis Catholic Church, 231 W. Woodworth Street, Ellsworth, Wisconsin. A visitation will be held from 1:00 p.m. until the time of Mass at the church.  The mass will be livestreamed at: John's Funeral Service. Burial will be at a later date at the parish cemetery.

Arrangements are entrusted to O'Connell Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Ellsworth. For more information or to share a memory, please visit www.oconnellfuneralhomes.com or call 715-273-4421.