John Douglas Anstett

John Douglas Anstett
December 9, 1958 – April 20, 2026

NORTH FREEDOM - John Douglas Anstett, age 67, of North Freedom, passed away on April 20, 2026, at St. Mary’s Hospital in Madison, after a long life marked by health complications and multiple surgeries.

John was born on December 9, 1958, in Baraboo, to Edith M. (Schulze) Anstett and Fredrick (Fred) Anstett. He grew up in North Freedom and graduated from Baraboo Senior High School in 1977. In June 1977, John met the love of his life, Sandy Washburn, and they were married on October 11, 1980. Together, they built a life full of love, family, and community.

After high school, John worked at the Badger Army Ammunition Plant, the Baraboo Street Department, and in the Public Works Departments for the Villages of West Baraboo and North Freedom. In his retirement years, he also worked briefly at Baraboo Bluff Winery. John dedicated 20 years as a volunteer firefighter with the North Freedom Fire Department, a role he held with pride and devotion.

John had a wide array of passions and hobbies. He loved hunting, cutting wood to keep a warm home, and spending time on the family farm. He enjoyed taking his dog, Charlie, on truck and UTV rides. Known for his clever nicknames, he affectionately called his father “Moon,” his mother “Buck,” his wife Sandy “Stubby,” his daughter Ashley “Squirrel,” and his son Nick “Hammerhead.” John was a thoughtful planner who approached life with practical intelligence and always had a smile to share.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Sandy; his son, Nicholas (Nickie) Anstett; his daughter, Ashley Anstett; and his two grandchildren, Reid and Ryker Anstett; as well as his faithful companion, Charlie. He is further survived by his siblings, Frank (Lois) Anstett, Dennis (JoEllen) Anstett, Susan (Terry) Burroughs, Cindy (Mike) Kaufman, and Julie (Paul) Hasenstab; as well as many nieces and nephews. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, Fredrick and Edith Anstett; his daughter, Andrea Anstett; and his grandparents.

Funeral Services will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, April 27, 2026 at Redlin-Ertz Funeral Home in Baraboo. Visitation will be held at the funeral home on Sunday, April 26, from 1 p.m. - 4 p.m., and on Monday, April 27, from 10 a.m. until the time of funeral services. Burial will follow at Oak Hill Cemetery in North Freedom. In honor of John, guests are encouraged to dress casually and, weather permitting, bring their classic or sports cars to celebrate his life.

Memorials may be made in John’s memory to the North Freedom Fire Department or the Sauk County K9 Unit.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the compassionate teams at Reedsburg Ambulance Service, Baraboo Ambulance Service, St. Clare Hospital, and St. Mary’s Hospital for the care and support given to John throughout his journey. A sincere thank you is also extended to Anna and the staff at the Anticoagulation Clinic for their dedication, kindness, and attentive care.