John Joseph Piechocki

John Joseph Piechocki (age 73) husband, father, brother, grandfather and great-grandfather passed away on May 19, 2025, with his children by his side.
John was born in South Bend, Indiana on June 6,1951 and resided in Lake Village, Indiana.
John loved roads and wheels, on eighteen wheels, driving long hauls in all weather conditions he traveled the roads of the United States. A good ol' boy who could fix anything with an engine. Pastimes included watching kart races and demolition derbies at the South Bend Motor Speedway and even participating in them himself in his youth.
He was an owner/operator in the trucking industry for most of his career. Years in the trucking industry led to a wealth of contacts which helped him to start his own steel yard business. A confident businessman, there was a mutual respect between him and his clients as he walked in their shoes for so many years.
Always willing to help someone out when needed. He loved the business he built and spent many hours in the steel yard watching it grow. Always willing to give someone a chance even if they weren't completely qualified. He was a gruff old ornery rascal with a big heart who was willing to teach if you were willing to learn. Most lessons came with a story which included a "You know what?" Nevering asking anything of anyone that he was not willing to do himself.
Whether building a one-story tall Frankenstein as a teenager out of snow in his parent's front yard, hanging with his big old dog Jake, teasing his sisters or taking his children and grandchildren in the "big rig" he tried to bring joy.
John is survived by his wife Nancy (Hughes) Piechocki, daughters and son Melissa (Brian) Hysell, Christopher (Carrie) Piechocki, Jennifer Piechocki, sisters Janet Effertz and Shirley (Chuck) Pritchett and grandchildren and great-grandchildren. John was preceded in death by his loving parents Raymond and Adeline Piechocki and his grandchild, Christopher Piechocki, Jr.
Donations can be made to the Cerebral Palsy Foundation https://donate.cerebralpalsyfoundation.org
Palmer Funeral Home – River Park Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements.
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