John Streiff

John Streiff’s life stands as a testament to the truth that the accumulation of material wealth does not bring happiness – on the contrary, it is only through generosity to others that we ourselves are richly blessed. John’s life was indeed blessed, and he lived his life fully, embracing the unique moments that each new day brought. Loyal and generous, John loved his family and friends deeply. Although their lives will never be the same without him, the memory of John’s generosity, curiosity, and kindness will live on in the hearts of all those whose lives he touched.

John was born on April 14, 1941, to proud parents Jacob and Anna Marie (Robson) Streiff. He grew up in Madison, Wisconsin, with his sister, Judy. John’s parents, Jacob and Anna Marie, owned and operated the local Quality Hardware Store. The Streiff family lived on Lake Monona, where John’s mom started teaching him to skate when he was four years old. John grew into an excellent skater, and often played ice hockey with his friends (of course, they had to shovel the ice first!).

After graduation from high school, John went on to the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He graduated from the Loyola School of Dentistry in Chicago, and did his general practice residency in The Queens Hospital of Honolulu, Hawaii. While working at the hospital, John met a young lady named Janet Easly, who was an ICU nurse. John and Janet fell in love, and were married on July 5, 1969, in Forest Hills, New York.

Armed with his new degree, John enlisted as a dentist in the U.S. Navy. He was assigned to the U.S. Naval Training Center of San Diego, where he was on active duty for two years. John then applied to the Indiana School of Dentistry, where he completed his master’s degree in endodontics. Upon receiving his degree in 1973, John returned to his hometown to open Madison’s first endodontic practice.

One of the many things that set John apart was his commitment to service, and his strong faith. He was a dedicated member of the Luther Memorial Church, and served the church and his community in many ways. Over the years, he worked tirelessly on the Capital Campaign, the Facilities and Renovation Committee, and the LMC Foundation.

In their free time, John and Janet loved to travel – some favorite destinations included Australia and New Zealand. When driving to a new city or town, John was known for insisting on reading every historical (“hysterical”) marker along the highway. In 1988, they discovered a new form of transport, when John earned his hot air balloon license. John loved soaring above the ground in his balloon, “Jetstream,” and made many happy memories in the vessel with friends and family. John also enjoyed sports such as ice hockey, cross-country skiing, downhill skiing, and sailing. He played hockey in the “Prostatic League,” for a while, but had to quit since the team couldn’t get ice time until 11 p.m. (too late for those who had to get up and work the next day).

Professionally, John was well-respected in his field. He had been inducted into several organizations, and was asked to teach at Marquette University’s College of Dentistry. John often lightened up his lectures with a joke or two, which were often met with groans (John was known for telling the worst jokes). After he retired from general practice in August of 2006, John continued to teach Clinical Endodontics at the university.

Outgoing and friendly, generous and loyal, John dedicated his life to the people he loved. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by his many friends and family members.

John T. Streiff, D.D.S., died on September 10, 2012, at the age of 71. His family includes his wife, Janet; his sister, Judy (Dr. Stephen) Bell; his nephew, Stephen J. Bell; his niece, Suzanne (Stephen) Bell Troy; his grand-niece, Madeline Troy; and his grand-nephews, Jacob and Samuel Troy. John was preceded in death by his parents.

Memorial services will be held at Luther Memorial Church, 1021 University Ave., Madison, at 11 a.m. on Friday, September 14, with the Reverend Franklin Wilson presiding along with the Reverend Brad Pohlman. Visitation will be held at Gunderson West Funeral & Cremation Care, 7435 University Ave., Middleton, from 5 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, September 13, and also at the church on Friday from 10 a.m. until the time of services. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Luther Memorial Church or to a charity of one’s choice. Please visit John’s personal memory page at www.lifestorynet.com, where you can learn more about his life, share a favorite memory or photo, and sign the online guestbook.