John Power Bickers

John Power Bickers August 15, 1946 — May 3, 2026

John Power Bickers, of Madison, Wisconsin, passed away on May 3, 2026, at the age of 79, surrounded by his four children and devoted wife. Born in Chicago, Illinois, on August 15, 1946, to James Franklin Bickers Jr. and Emily Power Bickers, John lived a life defined by family, laughter, and an unwavering loyalty to the people and teams he loved.

John attended Culver Military Academy before graduating from the University of Wisconsin, where he became a proud member of Sigma Chi — a brotherhood he cherished throughout his life and one that has carried on through his sons John Jr. and James, his son-in-law Jason, and his grandsons Biagio and Jack. His time in Madison also began a lifelong devotion to the Badgers that would be matched only by his love for the Brewers and Packers. A walking encyclopedia of sports statistics from an early age, he could recall a box score or a season record with the same ease most people remember their own phone number.

John met Karen in June of 1972, and they married on Memorial Day weekend in 1973. He liked to say she was "geographically desirable" by NYC standards, but the truth is they instantly knew they were meant to be. What followed was nearly 53 years of marriage, four children, and a family that became the center of their world.

John began his R. R. Donnelly and Sons career working in the NYC and Boston offices before becoming Senior Vice President in the Chicago Corporate office in 1988. He later moved his family to Wisconsin to start his own business, AlphaGraphics Madison & Milwaukee, which his children James and Elizabeth now own and run—a legacy that continues to reflect his entrepreneurial spirit and dedication to family.

Those who knew John knew his humor first. He had a gift for making those around him laugh and he used it generously. Beyond sports, he loved golf, movies, enjoyed a wide variety of music, and above all, time spent with his family. He spoke often and admiringly of his father, Jim, who inspired him throughout the course of his life.

John is preceded in death by his parents, James Franklin Bickers Jr. and Emily Power Bickers. He is survived by his beloved wife of nearly 53 years, Karen; his siblings, Barbara Bickers and James Franklin Bickers III; his four children, John Bickers Jr. (Lilly), James Bickers (Katie), Elizabeth Gargano (Pete), Sarah Slott (Jason) and his twelve grandchildren, who were the pride and joy of his life: Biagio, Peter, Emma, Jack, Chris, Annie, Miles, Margot, James, Teddy, Ford, and his most recent love, Palmer.

The family extends a heartfelt thank you to Dr. Samuel Trump and his entire UW-Health team for their extraordinary and compassionate care of John.

A Memorial Service with be held on Saturday, May 16 at 2pm at MAPLE BLUFF COUNTRY CLUB, 500 Kinsington Dr. Madison, WI 53704 with a Celebration of Life reception to follow. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Agrace Hospice Care, 5395 East Cheryl Parkway, Fitchburg, WI 53711, and/or the Maple Bluff Fire Fighters Association c/o Village of Maple Bluff, 18 Oxford Place, Madison, WI 53704.

Cress Funeral & Cremation Service

3325 E. Washington Ave.

Madison (608) 249-6666

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