John William "Bill" Stitts

1950 - 2025

John William "Bill" Stitts

May 22, 1950 - Apr 5, 2025

John William "Bill" Stitts, Age 74, of Valparaiso, passed away peacefully Saturday, April 5th, 2025 after a short hospice stay. Mr. Stitts was born on May 22, 1950 in Gary, Indiana to the late John Lee and Genevieve (Beckwith) Stitts. John married Christine Galbraith on June 12, 1971 at her family's farm in Johnsonville, IL. He worked at NIPSCO for 43 years before retiring in 2012.

John, ornery and a wee bit stubborn at times, was known to be incredibly funny, kind, and generous to a fault. Though often a man of few words, you were bound to hear his reverberating roar at the slightest provocation to his family. His fierce loyalty to those he loved will always be a timeless and priceless gift.

In his early days, if John wasn't busy exploring the US via his Harley Davidson or on camping trips, you would find him outside in the garage tinkering with something. As he settled into retirement, you'd often find him enjoying a cup of coffee (reasonably priced locations only!) with his friends before he headed to his workshop to work on his model airplanes which he flew as part of the Deep River RC Flying Club.

He kept a careful eye on the weather and its impact to his lawn; he only pretended to be grumpy about the need to mow it. Regardless of seeing him at the local hobby shop or the ballpark watching his grandson play baseball, you witnessed his competitive spirit, coupled with pride for his family, at all times. All that had the privilege of knowing and loving John will miss his bright blue eyes and witty banter.

Survivors include: Wife of 53 years, Mrs. Christine Galbraith Stitts; Son, Mr. Kenneth William Stitts; Daughter, Dr. Melissa Lynn (Phil) Miller; Grandson, Mr. James Andrew Kirk; Step Granddaughter, Mrs. Ashley (Clay) Starrett. Great grandchildren; Greyson, Emerson, Amelia, and Jack; Step Granddaughter, Mrs. Kacey (Chad) Barkdull. Great grandchildren; Max and Mason; Step Grandson, Mr. Aaron (Charlotte) Miller. Great grandchildren; Kaeson and Mia; Sister, Mrs. Judith Ann Dahlstrom; Nieces and Nephews; Amanda Dahlstorm, Kimberly Hannon, Kelly Reey, Michael (Lauren) Salain, Jenny (Darrell) Henderlight, Robin (Martin Liss) Galbraith, Jennifer (George Cornick) Galbraith, Kate Galbraith, Ben Galbraith, Paul (Lisa) Fearn, Neil (Debbie) Fearn, Susan (Mike) Qualls, Andrew (Kerry) Fearn.

He was also preceded in death by his In-laws - Eldon and Doris Galbraith, Sister - Sue Ellen Ernst, Sister-in-laws - Carol Fearn, Barbara Gulf and Gaye Galbraith, Brother-In-law; Ed Dahlstrom, Niece - Blake Ernst, and infant Grandson - William.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, April 10, 2025 from 4:00 pm until 7:00 pm at Edmonds & Evans Funeral Home Portage Chapel, 6941 Central Ave., Portage, IN 46368. Funeral Service will be held at 10:00 am on Friday, April 11, 2025 at the Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery, Portage, IN.