Aaron Amptmeyer, age 44, of St. John, IN, passed away on Friday, August 8, 2025 after experiencing a medical emergency while playing hockey with friends. He is survived by his wife Allison Amptmeyer and their beautiful and sweet daughter, Holland Marie Amptmeyer. Also surviving are his father Albert Amptmeyer, Jr., brother Albert (Lorie) Amptmeyer III, in-laws Rick and Susan Riddering and Pam and Fredi Koltes; sister-in-law Anne Riddering (Kevin), step brothers-in-law Chad (Rhonda) Henson and Nick (Rebecca) Henson. Cherished uncle to Audrey Amptmeyer and Rose and Louis Henson. Also surviving are aunts and uncles: Jerry (Karen) Vrshek, Terry (Carole) Vrshek, Albert (Patty) Vrshek; and many cousins. Preceded in death by his mother, Katherine Amptmeyer and aunt Sharon Vrshek.
In addition to his immediate and extended family, Aaron is survived by numerous brother and sister police officers in NW Indiana whom he loved and served with. He started his career as a police officer in 2005 in Gary before transferring to the force in Dyer in 2007, and joining the St. John Police Department in 2018, rising to the rank of detective and commander of the Northwest Regional SWAT Team, where he led a team of highly-trained sworn officers from 11 police departments located throughout Lake County.
Aaron was a great leader and problem solver, which suited him well in his profession and his personal life. He could fix just about anything, or build it if it needed to be constructed. His personality was warm and he had a special way of lighting up a room and making people feel seen. He drew people in, made them laugh and feel like they mattered. He loved good adventures especially when sunshine, a beach or pool, and good food was involved. He probably was happiest though when he was laughing, floating in the ocean or just surrounded by people he cared deeply about.
But what brought the biggest twinkle in his eye was spending time with his little girl, Holland. You’d be amazed at how Aaron, the SWAT commander, could design a hair-do for her, or build the coolest girl fort in the town, or play Barbies for hours. Aaron was a wonderful dad through and through, and the biggest softy when Holland would ask for a new toy, a donut or an ice cream treat while they were together.
Girl dad, loving friend, hard-worker, funny guy, helper, leader, loyal son, warrior. These are a few of the many ways to describe Aaron, who will be missed dearly by all those who loved and knew him. To honor his legacy, pick one of those words and make the world a better place by modeling it to those you love.
Visitation Monday, August 18, 2025 from 1:00-7:00 p.m. directly at Faith Church 100 W. 81st Ave., Dyer, IN. Funeral service Tuesday, August 19, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. at Faith Church, with Pastor Dave Weemhoff officiating. The funeral service will be live-streamed at wearefaith.org/memorial/. Please note that the link will not go live until about ten minutes prior to the service.
Memorial contributions to help fund Aaron’s daughter Holland’s education fund may be made at https://gofund.me/cea2edd3 or in support of the Fraternal Order of Police at St. John FOP #204, 11033 W. 93rd Ave. St. John, IN 46373
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