John A. Christopherson

John A. Christopherson was born July 24, 1939, and was raised in Stoughton, Wisconsin. He graduated from Stoughton High School in 1957 and went on to serve in the United States Army and the Wisconsin National Guard.

Christopherson served with Stoughton’s Company E, 2nd Battle Group, 128th Infantry, part of Wisconsin’s famed 32nd “Red Arrow” Division. During the Berlin Crisis, the division was activated for federal service and sent to Fort Lewis, Washington. While there, Christopherson served as a rifle squad armorer and was promoted to Staff Sergeant. He ultimately attained the rank of Staff Sergeant E-7.

After his military service, John returned to Stoughton. While working at Kohl’s Food Stores, he met Kathleen “Kathy” Olson. The couple married on May 1, 1971, and raised three children, Leslie, Eric and Jill. John and Kathy were married for 41 years before her death in 2012.

John became a member of American Legion Post 59 and remained part of the Post for 38 years. He served as Post Commander during the 1981–1982 term, but his contribution to Post 59 extended far beyond his time in office.

For decades, John was one of the familiar faces in the Post 59 kitchen. As head cook, he and his crew prepared Legion dinners and helped make countless Post events possible. John and his longtime kitchen crew officially retired on December 12, 2016, after an extraordinary 37 years of service.

His volunteer work extended throughout Stoughton. John prepared and cooked annual free Christmas dinners, helped with numerous fish boils at area churches and Skaalen Home, cooked and served American Legion dinners, participated in funeral rites for deceased veterans and helped elderly residents with transportation around town. His service to others eventually earned him recognition as Stoughton’s Volunteer of the Year.

John enjoyed spending time at the Legion with his friends, watching NASCAR and attending races, following the Chicago Cubs and watching his grandchildren participate in sports. A lifelong Cubs fan, he had the satisfaction of seeing them win the World Series in 2016.

John A. Christopherson died October 5, 2017, at Agrace HospiceCare following a stroke. He was 78 years old. Military honors accompanied his memorial services, and he was later laid to rest at Lutheran South Cemetery.

John's 38 years with American Legion Post 59 tell only part of his story. He served as Commander, but much of his legacy was built quietly — in the kitchen, at veterans' funerals, at community dinners and wherever someone needed a hand. His 37 years cooking for Post 59 and his recognition as Stoughton’s Volunteer of the Year reflected a lifetime of service to veterans, the Legion and the community he called home.