John Bell Sr.

Sun Prairie - Dr. John C. Bell, Sr., Ed.D. ("Jack") of Sun Prairie, WI died peacefully at University of Wisconsin Hospital in Madison on Friday, February 10 at the age of 84. Jack was born on November 1, 1932 in Warsaw, NY to John and Beulah Prentice Bell. After graduating from Geneva High School in 1950, he enlisted in the US Marine Corps for three years, serving a tour of duty in the Korean War. Upon completing his honorable service to our country, Jack enrolled in college at SUNY Geneseo, graduating in 1957 with dual Bachelor Degrees in Education and Mathematics. He taught junior and senior high school for several years in various school districts in New York State before attending the University of Louisiana-Lafayette, where he received his Master's Degree in Education in 1968. While continuing to teach intermittently, Jack earned a Doctorate of Education from New Mexico State University in 1972. After receiving his Ed.D. and moving to Green Bay, WI, he was employed by the State of Wisconsin-Department of Public Instruction for 28 years, where he traveled the state and dedicated himself to working with school districts to ensure quality student testing standards. He retired from DPI in 1999. An avid collector of military and sports memorabilia, Jack was a big Wisconsin Badgers and Green Bay Packers fan and enjoyed attending games whenever he could. He loved to play softball and was a fixture in the Sun Prairie softball league for over 25 years. Jack also enjoyed his trips back home to the Finger Lakes region of New York to visit family and friends. He was a generous and witty individual who was passionate about education, the military and service to others. Jack was an active and dedicated member of his school alumni associations and often volunteered at The Colonial Club in Sun Prairie. He continuously donated to several charities throughout his life.

Jack is survived by his children, John Bell, Jr. (Sheryl) of DeForest, WI, Matt Bell (Stacy Pete) of Poynette, WI, Mark Bell (Christy) of San Antonio, TX and Lisa Frearson of Kendall, NY; his brother, Brian Bell (Mary Ann) of Geneva, NY; grandchildren, Andrea, Andrew, Alex, Alexis, Clancy, Tytan and great-grandchild, Kali; numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his daughter, Tami Lee Bell.

A celebration of Jack's life is scheduled for Wednesday, March 22, 2017 from 6:00pm-9:00pm at the VFW Post 9362, 349 S. Walker Way in Sun Prairie, WI. All are welcome to attend. Additionally, there will be a second celebration July 16 at 4191 Glass Factory Bay Road on Seneca Lake in Geneva, NY.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to The Colonial Club Legacy Fund, 301 Blankenheim Lane, Sun Prairie, WI 53590. In addition to the support of family and friends, we would like to thank the staff at University of Wisconsin Hospital for their caring and compassion during his stay there.

Cress Funeral & Cremation Services
1310 Emerald Terrace Sun Prairie
(608) 837-9054