John W. Guddie

October 3, 1924 - December 3, 2020

John W. Guddie, 96, of Naples, FL passed away peacefully on Thursday, December 3, 2020. Formerly of Milwaukee, WI he began wintering in Naples 36 years ago before making it his permanent home. John was born October 3, 1924 in Milwaukee, WI one of three children of the late Joseph and Alice (Acker) Guddie. He attended St. Lawrence grade school (1938) and Boys Technical High School (1942). John enlisted in the United States Army in 1942, completed parachute training at Fort Benning, GA and was assigned to the 17th Airborne Division, which later became the 82nd Airborne Division. He fought in three battles in WWII, including the Battle of the Bulge before being honorably discharged in 1946. In 1949, he accepted a commission as a Second Lieutenant and served 13 years in the Army Reserve retiring as a Major in 1963. John obtained his Bachelor’s Degree in Education from Marquette University before attending the University of Notre Dame where he earned his Master of Science degree in Education. His career started as a teacher for the Milwaukee Public School System and after 28 years of service he retired as an elementary school Principal. John was a devout catholic and his true passions were his family, especially his grandchildren and Notre Dame football. John also was a worldwide traveler, fitness fanatic, lover of biblical history and archeology, and German Shepherds. John was affiliated with the Naples Conservancy, Naples Council on World Affairs, Habitat for Humanity, and St. William’s Rosary Makers. He also enjoyed attending the Naples Players Theatre and the Philharmonic. Survivors include his beloved wife of more than 40 years, Nancy E. Nodell; loving daughters, Susan (Christopher) Perini of Naples, FL and Christine (Andrew) Sorenson of Hubertus, WI; and cherished grandchildren, Christopher, Thomas, and Megan. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife of 25 years, Bernadette (Egolf) Guddie, and brothers Robert and Joseph Guddie. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, December 18, 2020 at 10:00 AM at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, 625 111th Ave. N., Naples, FL 34108. Additional services and burial will be held in Milwaukee, WI. Arrangements are being handled by Shikany’s Bonita Funeral Home, Family Owned and Operated Since 1978.