John H. “JD” Dedering, age 75, of Kimberly, died early Tuesday, July 28, 2026. He was born on February 24, 1951, in Sheboygan, WI, to the late Armin and Margaret (Thiedemann) Dedering. John attended Kiel Schools, graduating with the Class of 1969. Upon his graduation, he proudly served with the United States Marine Corps from 1969 through 1973, which included time spent overseas in Vietnam.

After returning home, John joined the Calumet County Sheriff's Department in 1976 as a dispatcher/jailer. The following year, he became a patrol deputy, serving in that role until 1996. During those years, he was one of the department's first formal Field Training Officers, a member of the original Calumet County Drug Prevention Task Force, and a proud member of the Calumet County Honor Guard. In 1996, John transitioned to the role of Investigator, where he served until his retirement in 2010.

On July 12, 2003, John married the love of his life and best friend, Heather Beyer, at Crystal Springs Golf Course in Seymour. John enjoyed fishing and never missed an opportunity to cheer on the Milwaukee Brewers. Above all else, however, his life centered on his three sons. Every year, he looked forward to their trip to the Indianapolis 500 and was determined to make the trip one final time this past May, knowing it would likely be his last. In true John fashion, he had already purchased the boys' tickets for the 2027 race, ensuring the tradition he loved so much would continue.

In John’s own words: “As proud as I was of my service with the Sheriff’s department, I was much more proud of my accomplishments as a husband to Heather, and as a father to my sons Matthew (Matt), Michael (Mickey), and Cole (The Slaw Man).”

John is survived by his wife of 23 years, Heather; his three sons: Matthew, Michael, and Cole; and his two grandchildren: Matthew Lu Maye and Max Dedering. He is further survived by his siblings: Thomas (Laura) Dedering and Carol (Joseph) Kubale; his siblings-in-law: Stephanie (Ross) Jens and Erica Beyer; his parents-in-law: Larry and Sven Beyer; and his nieces and nephews: Kim (Terry) Precourt; Mark (Jodi) Kubale; Scott (Laura) Kubale; Bryce (Jacklyn) Jens, and their son Hudson; Alex (Alaina) Jens; Kennedy “Rosie” (Bronson) Jens; and Emma and Jackson Beyer; and his dog, Odie, along with other relatives and friends.

In addition to his parents, John was reunited with his brother-in-law, Lance Beyer, and his beloved furry companion, Stella, whom he missed so much.

A private funeral will be held. Committal Riverside Cemetery. A celebration of John’s life will be held at a later date.

John’s family would like to thank the staff at Little Chute Health Services and Unity Hospice, and Dr. Abbi and the team at Ascension of Appleton for the exceptional care he and his family received in his final days.