John P. Mittendorf

John Paris Mittendorf, formerly of Rush County, Indiana, passed away at age 95 in Shattuck, Oklahoma, on December 8, 2025. John was born on July 2, 1930, in Anderson, Indiana, to Walter Silas and Chloe Esther (Wisler) Mittendorf. He grew up in Madison County attending schools in Alexandria and Cadiz. He began his love of farming helping his dad and later his brother-in-law.

Upon an honorable discharge from the Air Force in 1950, he married Betty Wade in 1951 and they had four children: Mike, Vicki, Carla, and Tony. John began leasing farmland in Madison, Henry and Rush counties. After farming for several years, he bought his own farm in Carthage, Indiana. He raised cattle and dairy cows, pigs, sheep and horses. During these years, he was also employed by American Breeding Services, Philco Ford, Indianapolis State Highway and Moorman's Feed.

John visited his sons while they were working on a harvest crew. He then went to Shattuck, Oklahoma, to visit friends he met on the crew and decided to settle in Shattuck. He began working for Shattuck Farms (later known as Braum's) in 1978. He began his love of travel visiting the eastern states, Canada, Alaska and the Grand Canyon and surrounding areas. He visited friends in Europe and traveled through Germany, France, Wales, and England. He returned to Shattuck to his sweetheart, Emily Sturm Choate, and they were married October 16, 1982. He continued working for Shattuck Farms for several years.

John enjoyed traveling with Emily and other family members to many places including Montana; Taylor Park and LaVeta, Colorado; Red River, New Mexico; the east coast including Niagra Falls; the Calgary Stampede in Canada; cowboy symposiums in several states; and to Indiana and Arkansas to visit family members. He enjoyed making stops at flea markets, antique shops, thrift stores, and going to auctions.

After leaving Shattuck Farms, John attended High Plains Votech for carpentry classes. He began cabinetry work for people in the area and also applied his new skills remodeling his and Emily's home in Shattuck. In later years, he began driving the Senior Citizen's bus which later became Ellis County Transportation. He and Emily worked as a team building the service into what it is today. The last few years he filled his time building 3D wooden puzzle kits and Legos.

John was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Esther Mittendorf; son, Mike Mittendorf; sisters, Maxine Bailey, Eldene Adams, and Evelyn Conway; niece, Dorathy Stapleton; and nephew, Jerry Conway.

John is survived by his wife, Emily Sturm Mittendorf of Shattuck, OK; daughters Vicki (Roy) Lashley of Indianapolis, IN and Carla James of Carmel, IN; son, Tony Mittendorf of Knightstown, IN; stepson, Mike (Janice) Choate of Enid, OK; and stepdaughter, Kelly Cornejo of Woodward, OK. Grandchildren: Michelle (Matt) Morrow of Carmel, IN; Cris (Brennen) Freiburger of Bentonville, AR; Rachel (Steven) Novero of Greenfield, IN; Mickey Green of Goldendale, WA; Jackie Mittendorf of Ponca City, OK; Joni (Riley) Latta of Arnett, OK; Miranda (Lance) Pinkert of Elk City, OK; Cameron Cornejo of Woodward, OK; Casey (Alisha) Cornejo of Woodward, OK; 20 great-grandchildren, numerous step-grandchildren, and step-great-grandchildren; a very special nephew, Tim (Karla) Wade of Burlington, OK; nephew, Merle (Rosemary) Adams of Anderson, IN; niece, Betty Jo (Gary) Swift of Anderson, IN; niece, Rose Whitehead of Anderson, IN; and niece, Connie Smith of Tennessee. He also leaves behind numerous special friends.

Memorial donations may be made to the

Ellis County Food Book & Ellis County Transportation (For Seniors)

c/o Shaw Funeral Home

P.O. Box 276

Vici, OK 73859.