John S. Petry

John Stanford Petry, 82, went to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, on May 1, 2025, after a brief illness.

John was born on April 13, 1943, in Toledo, Ohio to Oliver and Eva Jean (Kitoff) Petry.

Surviving Children: David (Joellyn) Petry and Karla (Mark) Heckler; his beloved grandchildren: Josh (Danielle), Ashley (Tyler), Matthew, Michael, Nikki (Justin), along with his precious great-grandchildren, Alex, Austin, Cole, Blain, Lucille, and Mackenzie. Surviving Brothers are Bob (Liz) Petry of East Moline, IL and Ed (Tina) Petry of Angola, IN. He was preceded in death by his parents.

John graduated from Fremont High School in 1961, being a Class Officer in his senior year; participating in track/basketball, lettering for three years in each sport-- basketball being his lifelong passion; Other activities included: band, Letterman’s club, Latin club. He received many academic certificates and awards during his high school years. After high school, he attended Tri-State University and IUPU Fort Wayne.

John was employed at International Harvester/Navistar where he was a highly respected, successful Product Engineer. After Navistar retirement, he was in Sales at Midland Grau for multiple years, for a combined 40 years of work life.

He thoroughly enjoyed lake life: boating, skiing, entertaining family and friends; cherishing every family function, especially spending time with his grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.  He was the proud owner of a beloved 1954 Corvette convertible, doing a lot of local travel with it: enjoyed traveling whether it be for relaxation, sightseeing, meeting up with old friends, or snowmobiling. He was an avid follower of the Boston Celtics and hard-core Green Bay Packers fan. Volunteered as a greeter/usher, a Youth bus driver, as well as took donated clothing to a Shipshewana distribution center, member of a Fairview Missionary Church Men’s group; Additionally, he went to a couple of “Promise Keeper” meetings; was an avid Euchre player and was a top-notch neighbor and friend.   

John was a member of Fairview Missionary Church in Angola, IN; Fremont Moose #2387, most recently stepping down from the Chaplain position; Steuben County/Potawatomi Snowmobile Club; Jimmerson Lake Association.

He will be remembered for the love he had for his family, as a trusted friend, who touched the lives of many people. One of his greatest personal accomplishments was that he was a devoted Christian for over 30 years.    

A Celebration of Life will be 2-6 PM, May 31, 2025, at Club Paradise, 3861 N. Bay View Road, Angola, Indiana 46703.  Please Park in the back parking lot and use the Banquet Room entrance.