John Bestul was born and raised in Wisconsin. After graduating from the University of Wisconsin-Platteville with a degree in Radio and Television Broadcasting, he began working as a news reporter in La Crosse, Wisconsin. After earning a Master of Science degree from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse in Educational Media, he worked as a state consultant in educational technology as well as a school technology coordinator.

While in college, he was also enrolled in the Army Reserve Officer Training Corps. After receiving a commission as a second lieutenant, he served in the 389th Engineer Battalion and the 432nd Civil Affairs Battalion. While with the 432nd, he was assigned to the European Command in Germany in support of Desert Storm and was a member of the IFOR peacekeeping forces in Bosnia-Herzegovina, attached to the 2nd Brigade, First Armored Division.

Since retirement, Bestul and his wife, Becky, reside in Ave Maria, Florida. They have three children and eight grandchildren.