Jonathon R. Vinje

Jonathon R. Vinje, affectionately known to many as "Old Man Vinje" or simply "OMV," passed away peacefully at home on August 15, 2026, surrounded by his wife and children after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. He was 70 years old.

Jon was born on May 10, 1956, to Robert and Joan (Hein) Vinje in Madison, Wisconsin, and was raised in Sun Prairie. He graduated from Sun Prairie High School in 1974, where he was a member of championship football and basketball teams. He went on to attend UW-La Crosse and UW-Madison before earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration from UW-Platteville.

Jon's working life reflected his strong work ethic and gift for connecting with people. Over the years, he held a wide variety of jobs, including maintenance work at a porcelain factory, baking, delivery driving, and, most notably, men's clothing sales and fitting, which he learned the ropes from his Uncle John at his clothier in Sun Prairie. Wherever he worked, he earned the respect and friendship of coworkers and customers alike.

In 1978, Jon met Nancy Odell at a housewarming party in Platteville. They married in 1984 and shared 43 years of partnership, laughter, and unwavering devotion. Together they traveled throughout the United States, visited Costa Rica with their children, and explored Ireland, creating memories that would last a lifetime.

Anyone who knew Jon knew his love of sports. A lifelong Packers fan, he won Packers season tickets in a radio contest while still in grade school and remained devoted to the team for the rest of his life. He was also an enthusiastic supporter of the Badgers, Brewers, and Bucks. For Jon, sports were more than games. They were a source of community, connection, and what he often viewed as life's larger truths.

Jon was a man of strong convictions, a love of loud music, a sharp wit, and a deeply generous spirit who could toe the line between best dressed in the room or extra comfy at home. He could be curmudgeonly when the occasion called for it, but beneath that exterior was extraordinary kindness, steadfast loyalty, and one of the strongest moral compasses those who knew him had ever encountered.

During his final days, Jon remained at home, comforted by the care of Agrace Hospice and surrounded by the people he loved most. The outpouring of visits, stories, texts, calls, laughter, and support from friends and family served as a powerful reminder of how many lives he touched over the years.

Jon is survived by his beloved wife, Nancy Odell; his children, Robyn Vinje and Mark Vinje; his sister, Becky (Elisabeth) Juen; brother-in-law Tom Juen; nephews Brent (Dawn) Oashgar, Brian Oashgar, and Brad Juen; cousins Wendy Oostlund, Jodie Medina (Tim Jensen), and Bob Hein; and many dear friends who became family.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Joan Vinje; his sister, Jayne Oashgar Benoy; his uncle, John Hein; his aunt, Audrey Hein; and his grandparents.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the physicians, nurses, and staff at SSM Dean Clinic, St. Mary's Hospital, SSM Home Care and Agrace Hospice Care for their compassionate care throughout Jon's illness.

In keeping with Jon's wishes, no formal funeral service will be held. Instead, family and friends will gather later this fall for a celebration of his life on Sunday, September 20th at the VFW Post 8483, 5737 County Road CV, Madison, from 1 PM to 5 PM to watch the Packers together, honoring one of Jon's favorite pastimes and the sense of fellowship and connection it brought him.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Jon's name to a food pantry or any organization that serves those in need.

As some of his dear friends often said, "You gotta love Jon." Those who knew him certainly did, and his humor, generosity, and singular spirit will be deeply missed by all fortunate enough to have loved him.