John Paul Gollnick

John Paul Gollnick Jr., 56, of Carmel, Indiana, passed away on August 27, 2025. He was born on October 2, 1968, in Indianapolis, to parents, John Paul Gollnick Sr. and Margaret (Fee) Gollnick.

Johnny was a larger-than-life presence whose joy, charisma, and warmth made him a friend to everyone he met. Born into a military family, he grew up moving often but returned to his hometown of Carmel in middle school, where his skateboard-punk spirit made an unforgettable splash. A gifted athlete, he played soccer throughout high school and college, later sharing his passion as a coach. 

It was after college, at the Vogue in Broad Ripple, that he met the love of his life, and together they built a beautiful family, raising three children who were his greatest pride. Johnny’s love for soccer never faded, as he continued to play with friends as long as his knees would allow. He also found joy on the golf course with family and friends, often seen driving his famous, sparkly orange golf cart. He had a lifelong affection for Porsches, a well-poured scotch, a bag of jelly bellies, and the occasional nachos belle grande, all enjoyed with his trademark humor. 

Deeply rooted in his community, Johnny had the rare gift of making every room brighter and knowing every face. He was fiercely generous to all he met and shared his time, talent, wisdom, and enthusiasm easily and often. His world revolved around his wife, Kristen, and his three children, Maggie, Miriam, and Trip. Everyone who knew him was regaled with tales of his children and quickly learned how deeply he adored his family. He and his wife recently celebrated 30 years of marriage, a milestone of love and devotion, just weeks before his passing. His laughter, energy, and spirit will be cherished and remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Johnny is survived by his devoted wife, Kristen Gollnick; his rambunctious but loving children, Margaret “Maggie”, Miriam, and John “Trip” Gollnick III; his proud parents John Sr. and Peggy; his seasoned but steadfast siblings, Danny (Andrea) and Matt (Jeanine) Gollnick; doting mother-in-law Pat; and adoring nieces and nephews Griffin, Dylan, Andy, Patrick, Cooper and Sadie.

He was preceded in death by his brother, Joseph Gollnick.

Visitation for Johnny will be from 4-8pm on Wednesday, September 3, 2025, at Flanner Buchanan – Carmel (325 E. Carmel Dr., Carmel, IN 46032). A funeral service will take place at 11:30am, on Thursday, September 4, 2025, at Flanner Buchanan - Carmel.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be sent to a youth sports/enrichment program of your choosing.