John Petry

ANGOLA - 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.

He is survived by his children, David (Joellyn) Petry and Karla (Mark) Heckler; his beloved grandchildren, Josh (Danielle), Ashley (Tyler), Matthew, Michael and Nikki (Justin); along with his precious great-grandchildren, Alex, Austin, Cole, Blain, Lucille and Mackenzie; brothers, Bob (Liz) Petry, of East Moline, Illinois, and Ed (Tina) Petry, of Angola, Indiana.

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, with basketball being his lifelong passion. Other activities included band, Letterman's Club and 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. He 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.

John volunteered as a greeter/usher, a youth bus driver, and took donated clothing to a Shipshewana distribution center.

He was a member of 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, Indiana; Fremont Moose #2387, most recently stepping down from the Chaplain position; Steuben County/Potawatomi Snowmobile Club; and Jimmerson Lake Association.

He will be remembered for the love he had for his family, and 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 more than 30 years.    

A Celebration of Life will be held from 1-4 p.m., on Saturday, May 31, 2025, at a location to be determined.

Memorial donations may be made to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, 4301 Wilson Blvd., Suite 300, Arlington VA 22203.

Condolences may be expressed at www.weichtfh.com.

Local arrangements handled by Weicht Funeral Home, Angola, Indiana.