
John M. Crowe MD
June 16, 1942 - October 20, 2026
Obituary
John Michael Crowe, MD, died on October 20, 2026, at age 84, a testament to the impact one man can have with a good sense of humor, an inventive mind, and sheer stubbornness. He leaves behind a legacy of a family that is able to laugh at themselves, long-lasting friendships, and patients who felt supported and cared for even in their darkest hours.
Born in Manitowoc, Wisconsin, to Harold and Laura Crowe, John graduated from Lincoln High School, where he ran the student radio program. He went on to the University of Wisconsin, earning a degree in philosophy before attending the University of Wisconsin Medical School. He completed his surgical residency at the University of Colorado in Denver and joined the Nicolet Clinic in 1973. He devoted the next 25 years to the practice of general and vascular surgery caring for his patients with exceptional skill, compassion, and dedication at Theda Clark in Neenah.
Outside of medicine, John had a lifelong passion for sailing. A lifetime member of Neenah Nodaway Yacht Club, he enjoyed sailing on Lake Winnebago, in Door County, and throughout the British Virgin Islands. He also loved reading, taking walks, woodworking, cooking, and spending time with dogs.
John shared 62 wonderful years of marriage with his high school sweetheart, Jane Ellen Scholten. Together, they raised three children and delighted in their nine grandchildren, who brought them great joy. His family, sailing adventures, and many other interests enriched a life marked by his quick wit, caring nature, and infectious laugh.
John will be deeply missed by his beloved wife, Jane; his three children, CC (Dan) Travers, Katie (Ben) Cleveland, and Mike (Nikki) Crowe; and eight grandchildren Ben (Aimee) Travers, Kristen (Jack) Dolan, Jenna (Raul) Travell, Connor and Libby Cleveland, and James, John, and Savannah Crowe. He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, sisters; Pat Miller, Jeanie Miller, and MaryAnne Kiley, brother, Michael Crowe, and his granddaughter, Madeleine Travers.
On November 13, there will be a visitation beginning at 9:30 AM and a funeral mass at 11:00 AM with a luncheon following, all at St. Patrick Catholic Church, 320 Nicolet Blvd, Menasha. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Heckrodt Wetland Reserve, Fox Valley Humane Association, or Fox Valley Memory Project.