John S. Anhalt

John Scott Anhalt, 74, of Fort Atkinson, WI, passed away on February 9th, 2026 surrounded by his family. John and his six siblings were raised in Kiel, WI, a small town where you can still hear stories of his legend, from rambunctious child to homecoming King. John married his high-school sweetheart, Jean, and soon after they moved to Fort Atkinson and purchased the Dairy Queen, which was then on the south side of town. John spent his working years as an entrepreneur in the restaurant industry, franchising and owning multiple Dairy Queens and restaurants in southern WI and northern IL. Eventually he purchased the Burger Corner in Jefferson WI, which he owned until his retirement.

In retirement, John dove headfirst into his next calling, running a Christian-based ministry focused on giving individuals a “hand up” when they most needed it. Over the last decade, John helped hundreds of people find Jesus Christ and navigate a new path forward, regardless of how bumpy that path may have been. John played many roles in his life. He was a friend to all, a helper to the helpless and a voice for the voiceless. Out of all the titles John held dear, he will be remembered most as a perfect dad, a playful grandpa, a loving son and brother, a devout Christian and a giver of kindness to all. His life can be summed up with one sentence: To know John was to love John.

John was preceded in death by his parents, Alfred and Sylvia Anhalt of Kiel, WI. John is survived by his brothers and sisters, Steven (Mary Emily) Anhalt of St. Charles, IL; Kevin (Sharon) Anhalt; Keith (Renee) Anhalt of St. Charles, IL; Jean (Ronald) Schad of Three Lakes, WI; Mary (Dan) Hanke of Bloomingdale, IL; Patrick (Jennifer) Anhalt of Wisconsin Rapids, WI; his former wife, Jean (Moritz) Anhalt of Fort Atkinson, WI; his two sons Alex (Meghan) Anhalt of Davenport, IA; Sam (Nicole) Anhalt of Fort Atkinson, WI and his grandchildren, Layla, Vaughn, Grayden, Grace and Ava whom he loved unconditionally.

A celebration of life will be held in his honor, Friday March 20th, 5pm - 8pm at the Fort Atkinson Club River Room, where John requested that everyone get together, share some laughs and have a good time.

In memory of John, should friends desire, please consider a contribution to the family towards a memorial bench/monument along the bike path in Fort Atkinson.

Dunlap Memorial Home in Fort Atkinson is assisting the family.

www.DunlapMemorialHome.com