John Alexander Zaganczyk, Jr.

John Alexander Zaganczyk Jr., age 37, of Franklin, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully on Sunday, February 1st, 2026 surrounded in love by his family and dogs at home. John was born on December 9th, 1988, to Leslie and John Zaganczyk.

John was the kind of person who showed up fully in everything he did. From an early age, he was active, driven, and determined, playing many sports and continually pushing himself both physically and mentally. A proud 2007 graduate of Franklin High School, John was a member of the 2006 Wisconsin High School Football State Championship team—an achievement that reflected his discipline, teamwork, and perseverance. Also, John was the Captain of the Varsity Basketball team his senior year. These formative years shaped a man known for his strong character, work ethic, and quiet confidence.

John valued learning, discipline, and growth. That same determination carried into his academic life at the University of Wisconsin–Whitewater, where he built a strong foundation achieving his undergraduate and MBA—a reflection of his intelligence and commitment to building a strong future. He began his career at We Energies, a 4th generation Zaganczyk, where he worked for nearly 18 years and was known for his reliability, dedication, integrity, and leadership, last serving as a Principal Commodity Specialist in Procurement.

On June 8, 2024, John married Mckenzie on a day many will never forget. It rained all day. We waited, prayed, and trusted that the rain would pass—and it did. The sky cleared, and John and Mckenzie were married outside in a beautiful botanical garden, exactly as they had hoped. That day now feels symbolic of John’s life: unexpected storms, challenges that required patience and strength, and moments that demanded faith. From the very beginning, their connection was electric, grounded in shared values and a love that showed up in everyday ways.

Just a few months after their wedding, John and Mckenzie learned they were expecting their first child, their sweet daughter, Mariana. Soon after, they received the devastating news that John would face another battle with brain cancer. John never gave up. He fought with everything he had, holding tightly to the values that defined him—faith and family. “Zaganczyk Strong” wasn’t just a phrase; it was how John lived.

Above all, John loved his family. He adored Mckenzie, and though their time together was far too short, it was filled with devotion, laughter, and deep, genuine love. Becoming a father to Mariana was one of the greatest joys of his life. Even in his hardest days, his love for her never wavered—it lived in his determination, his faith, and the future he dreamed for her.

John was a doer. He didn’t just say he loved you—he showed it through acts of service: always fixing things, helping out, and finding ways to take care of the people around him. He loved the outdoors, hunting, Wisconsin sports, and time spent with friends and family—with a Miller Lite in hand at the best bar in town, at home - JohnnyMac’s. Country music was always playing, especially if John had control of the jukebox—which he usually did.

John’s true happy place was the woods. Hunting wasn’t just a hobby—it was where he felt most grounded and at peace. Time spent hunting with his dad and brother was deeply meaningful, filled with quiet mornings, shared tradition, and an unspoken bond. Those moments reflected who John was at his core: steady, present, and deeply connected to family and the outdoors. John was very proud of his Polish heritage as well and was a lifetime member of the Polish Community Center.

John is survived by his loving wife, Mckenzie, and his cherished daughter, Mariana; his parents, Leslie and John Zaganczyk.; his siblings, Anna (Josh) Sheteron, Zach (Cassandra) Zaganczyk, Jason (Amber) Geske, and Nicole Geske; his parents-in-law, Linda and Robert Jellis; and his brothers-in-law, Eric (Ashley) Jellis and Bobby Jellis. He was a devoted uncle to his nieces and nephews and was especially proud to serve as godfather to his niece, Palmer, and his nephew, Freddie. John also shared close and meaningful relationships with many extended family members and friends who will forever carry his memory in their hearts.

John leaves behind a legacy of strength, loyalty, and love in action. He will be remembered in the stories we tell, the values we carry forward, and the way we show up for one another—just as he always did.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, February 7th, 2026 at 9 AM at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, 3722 S. 58th St., Milwaukee, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11 AM. Interment at St. Adalbert Cemetery, 3801 S. 6th St., Milwaukee.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in support of Mariana Zaganczyk, to help provide her with meaningful life experiences in honor of her father’s legacy. To contribute online, please visit: https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-mariana-zaganczyks-future

Though our hearts are broken, we are deeply grateful for the time we had, for the love we witnessed, and for the privilege of knowing John. He will be missed beyond words and remembered always—held in perfect love.