Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
FUNERAL HOME
John McNelis Obituary
John Vincent McNelis
67, died peacefully December 8, 2013 in Carmel, IN. He was born on August 27, 1946 in Indianapolis, IN, the youngest of six children, to Thomas Patrick and Charlotte Louise McNelis. John was preceded in death by his parents and two siblings, Thomas Joseph McNelis and Mary Catherine Garvin.
John graduated from Cathedral Grade School, The Latin School, and Butler University in 1969, with a business degree. He was a member of Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity and a charter member of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church, having served on its finance committee.
An astute businessman and entrepreneur, John began his career in the wine and spirits industry at the Bottle Shoppe. He eventually managed the store and was instrumental in its expansion. He was co-owner and Executive Vice President of Olinger Distributing Company and was a co-founder of Tri-Mack Barricade Corporation. John prized education, financially supporting scholarships for countless students. His generosity, work ethic, sense of humor, and faith knew no bounds.
Visitation will be on Tuesday, December 10, 2013, from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. in St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church. Mass of Christian Burial will be on Wednesday, December 11, 2013, at 10:30 a.m. in St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church, 10655 Haverstick Road, with visitation one hour prior. The Peace Meal will be served immediately following the Mass. Burial will follow the meal in Calvary Cemetery, Indianapolis.
He is survived by three sisters, Rose McNelis (his devoted caretaker and nurse), Helen (Jim) Adams, and Rita (Ted) Heede; six nieces and nephews, Sheila Gamache (Bob) Bates, Michael (Angela) McNelis, Timothy (Sheila) McNelis, Daniel McNelis, Kathleen (Tom) Gallagher and Patrick (Betsy) Adams; and 18 great nieces and nephews.
The family would like to thank Dr. George Elmes and a host of caregivers for their many years of service.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Cathedral High School, 5225 E 56th St., Indpls., IN 46226 or St. Theodore Guerin High School, 15300 Gray Rd., Noblesville, IN 46062, in support of Catholic education and scholarships. Condolences may be offered at:
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John McNelis
May 22, 2014
Good Morning Ms. McNelis;
Just read of John's passing in the Butler Magazine. John and I were Fraternity Brothers at Lambda Chi and co-workers at The Bottle Shoppe our Jr. & Senior years...John was my Best Man at my wedding. He was always a great friend and one of whom I have many found memories...we even got robbed together one night at The Shoppe.
My email is [email protected] and if you can provide any details of John's passing it would be appreciated by me. I would like to be sure he is remembered by Lambda Chi at Butler also. While we only communicated by Christmas card, I am sure he remembered the great times we shared.
We have definitely lost one of the "Good Guys"
Al Veeck
December 12, 2013
Helen, so sorry for your loss, sorry I was unable to attend his services. Maureen Schulz Elliott
December 11, 2013
McNelis family, We are so sorry for your loss. You all are in our thoughts and prayers. Jim and Cindy O'Donnell
Melody Mumbi
December 11, 2013
"Rosie and family, i am so sorry for your loss. May God's blessings be upon you all. I had a wonderful time being with John and i will miss him" Melody
y bundles
December 11, 2013
so sorry for your loss. may you find comfort in God's word, the Bible (romans6:23)
Jeane Russell
December 11, 2013
I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your bother John. Your families are in my thoughts and prays.
L. Richard Wong
December 11, 2013
The only person who knew the Olinger warehouse like the back of his hand; no computers and he knew the complete inventory, which location and shelf it was on; a gem of a gut. You will be surely missed; see you up there.
Phil
December 11, 2013
I am sorry to hear of the passing of John , he will be greatly missed. May you keep the fond memories you have of him always in your heart. James 4:8 invites us to "draw close to God and he will draw close to you", especially during this sorrowful time.
December 10, 2013
Rita and Family:
I am saddened to know that John has died. Your big and wonderful family not only formed him but comforted and supported him. There is nothing more important than to know that you have felt the love of your family. That love will continue as you experience the care John will continue to send your way through your memories and your continued devotion to each other. However, my heart cries with you.
Maribeth Ransel
December 10, 2013
our prayers go out to the family.. so sorry to hear/ the scharbroughs
Mike Momberger
December 10, 2013
My condolences for the family. John was my boss and mentor at the Bottle Shoppe and an incredible role model for how to deal with people - all people !! He will be missed.
December 10, 2013
John did a lot of good with his short life and will be missed. Our condolences to his loving family whose care of Johnny in his final years no doubt helped extend his life here on earth. I'm sure that in his now-favored place in heaven he'll not forget that. Much love, Jack & JoAnn Lichtenberg
Dan McCoy
December 10, 2013
Very sad to hear of John's passing. At Latin School, since we often sat alphabetically, John and I frequently had fun at each others expense. I always considered him a good friend. My condolences to all his family.
December 10, 2013
Love and Prayers to the McNelis Family.
Cheri Haddix
December 10, 2013
To John's wonderful family:
My thoughts and prayers go out to you; we've all lost a great man.
Cheri Grierson
December 10, 2013
John, you were a man that lived live to the fullest; enjoyed the finer things, including a passion for Michelob and BBQ Chips. You had a heart that was as big and hearty as your laughter, and oh how I loved to hear you laugh. There were many times when you would have Rosie and me laughing until we cried. I have so many wonderful memories; you, my dear friend will have a place in my heart for ever. I will miss you so very much. Much love, hugs and kisses. Cheri.
James Engel
December 10, 2013
Rose and family. I have many great memories of John all the way from Cathedral Grade through the Latin School and later in life. We had many adventures. May he rest in peace.
Mark Tarpey
December 10, 2013
Dear Rosie, Helen, Rita and all--
May your wonderful memories be helpful at this most difficult time.I thought the wording in the obituary that said "His generosity, work ethic, sense of humor and faith knew no bounds" was a very appropriate summary of his life.
Mark Tarpey
December 10, 2013
Helen & family, I am sorry to hear of the loss of your brother, John. Prayers for John and all of his family are being sent. Billie Sowers
Michael Scanlan
December 10, 2013
Rose, Helen and Rita, I have such good memories of being with John and you guys at your home. So sorry for your loss. He was a very good friend.
Dave Spitzer
December 10, 2013
Johnny was my best friend ever since high school. For at least the last ten years I have endeavored to talk to John at least once per month (sometimes it was with the wonderful Rosie as translator) and visit whenever I was in Indy. My wife and I had the good fortune to visit and have lunch with Johnny this summer. Never did I hear a complaining word from John about his illness or the way his life had changed. (Well, he did mention once that he would rather be playing golf with me in Florida!) Rather there was always the interest in me and my family. He was a wonderful man and good friend and I will miss him. My prayers and thoughts will always be with Rosie and the family.
Betsy Milligan
December 10, 2013
Dear Rose, I was so sorry to read about your brother. I know how much he meant to you. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers. Remember John is in a much better place now and God will take care of him.
Love and miss you,
Betsy Milligan
IU Health
Margo Bey
December 10, 2013
Tim and Sheila, so sorry to learn of your loss. May God comfort you, and give you peace during this difficult time.
Becky Langsford
December 10, 2013
Your family will be in our thoughts and prayers. John's life touched so many people he will be missed dearly.
Barb Mitchell
December 10, 2013
Rosie, so sorry for your loss! May all your wonderful memories sustain you! May Jesus hold you in His loving arms and comfort you!
Love and prayers for you and your family, Barb Mitchell
Showing 1 - 25 of 25 results
Make a Donation
in John McNelis's name
Memorial Events
for John McNelis
Funeral services provided by:
Feeney-Hornak Keystone Mortuary2126 East 71st Street, Indianapolis, IN 46220
How to support John's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor John McNelis's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
