John Sell

John Sell, age 56, of Roberts, Wisconsin, died Tuesday, November 11, 2025 at his home in Roberts.

Visitation will be on Friday, November 21, 2025 from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. at Zion Lutheran Church in Woodville, Wisconsin.

A memorial service will follow the visitation at 1 p.m. on Friday at Zion Lutheran Church.

Private family burial will be at a later date.

John was born November 14, 1968, to Harry and Ramona (Ebert) Sell in St. Paul, Minnesota. His family moved to a farm in Gilman Township, Pierce County, Wisconsin when he was in third grade. He attended Spring Valley Schools, graduating with the Class of 1987, where he played football and earned the “Best Dressed” award, a reflection of his charm, humor, and confidence.

After high school, John trained as a machinist and tool-and-die maker at 916 School in St. Paul. While in college, he met Michelle, the love of his life, and together they raised three children. They remained close friends even after their separation, maintaining a bond until Michelle’s passing.

John worked at Menards before a 17-year career as a Programmer at J.R. Johnson Company, a job he loved. Though an accident ended his career, he remained deeply devoted to his family, friends, and passions.

John’s passion for life came through in the things he loved most — and especially in the people he shared them with. He loved sports, particularly golf, but it was the outdoors where his joy shone — fishing, bonfires, and pontoon rides, always alongside his children, Chris, Ashley, and Jake. Music was central to John’s life; he collected CDs, attended concerts, and shared the joy of music with friends and family. He also enjoyed cars and revisiting favorite movies and television series.

A devoted father, John encouraged his children to live life to the fullest while teaching respect, kindness, and integrity. He rarely missed a Minnesota Wild game, often watching with his siblings, and welcomed his children’s friends as part of the family. John continued to carry on the laughter and legacy of his youngest son Jake after his passing, reminding him to cherish all the moments in life. 

Preceding him in death were his father, Harry; his son, Jake; brother Don; brother-in-law, Dan Handrahan; Michelle, the love of his life; his father and mother-in-law, Vearl and Marge; and his step father Forrest Olson.

He is survived by his children, Chris Sell and Ashley (Ryan) Ambrose; granddaughter, Audriana Sell; his mother, Ramona Olson; siblings Kathy Handrahan, Milt (Nancy) Sell, Bob (Mary) Sell, Julie (Mike) Bares, Linda (Joe) Traynor, and Janet Flom; sister-in-law Monica (John) Wagener; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

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