Search by Name

Search by Name

John Hans Obituary

Nov. 29, 1934 - March 6, 2010
EDWARDSBURG - John P. Hans, 75, of Edwardsburg, MI, passed away in his home on March 6, 2010, with his family by his side. Born November 29, 1934, in South Bend, IN, he was the son of the late Albert J. and Betty K. Hans. He was also preceded in death by two sisters, Susan and Judy, who passed away at birth. On June 29, 1957, he married Sherry Ann Ponto, who survives. Also surviving are two children, John William Hans and his wife, Tonya Teter-Hans, and Susan Ann (Hans) Stewart and Jerry Thompson, both of Edwardsburg; six grandchildren, Matthew, PD (Tracy), Tiffany (Darcy), Ciji (Jared), Christina and AJ.; and five great-grandchildren, Austin, Caleb, Tanner, Douglas and Marissa. John and his wife, Sherry, owned and operated Hans House for 49 years, along with John's parents, and then owned and operated Hans Country Café in Edwardsburg for three years before retiring. John served on the board of the Indiana Restaurant Association for many years and was an avid golfer who recently received a hole-in-one plaque from Rayburn Golf Course in Bristol, IN. He was also an accomplished bowler and played in many leagues throughout his life. John was a lifelong member of the Eagle Lake Yacht Club and enjoyed competitive sailing where he sailed five different classes of boats. John won the National Championship in the National One design boat. After retiring, he enjoyed sailing and fishing with his children and grandchildren. He was a proud Army veteran; he was part of the 2nd Pit Company B-128th, 6th Army Division, Fort Leonard Wood, MO, and was discharged in June 1954. He was also a 1953 graduate of Riley High School. Friends may call at the McGann Hay, Granger Chapel, SR 23, from 3-8 PM on Wednesday. Funeral services will be at 2:30 PM on Thursday in Community Baptist Church, US 12 in Edwardsburg, where friends may call one hour prior. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Hospice at Home, to the American Cancer Society, or to the American Heart Association. To send condolences, please visit www.mcgannhay.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by South Bend Tribune on Mar. 9, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
for John Hans

Not sure what to say?





Rick Flannery

March 3, 2025

Best place to work for a restaurant. John was the best boss. Hans Haus had the best food and associates to work with. Lots of memories and I can't forget Sheri. She said it like it was.

March 23, 2010

Sherry John Susie We will always remenber al the great times we had over the many years[ popcorn on the pontoon boat etc,] and many special events. John tought our Jeff to Ski , our thoughts and prayers our with you. Don & Vi Huffaker Punta Gorda Fl.

March 16, 2010

Mom (Norma) told me about the loss of your husband and dad. My condolences to your family at this difficult time. Keeping you in my prayers.

Your Cousin, Beth Deranek Spieker

Loraine (Kacsits) Richie

March 11, 2010

I happened to be looking at the Tribune on line and recognized the Hans name. Ranita was the neighborhood drugstore, bar and restaurant when I was growing up. I remember walking or riding my bike there to buy some candy or maybe a pack of cigarettes for my folks (you could do that back then). My Dad was a regular patron and I spent lots of time on the "drug store side" sipping cherry cokes or chocolate shakes. I remember Al Hans and his son John. When I come back to South Bend and drive by the building it brings back many childhood memories. I just wanted to acknowledge an old south-end neighbor and offer my condolences to the family.

John/Shirley Strauser

March 11, 2010

We would likie to Express our Deepest
Sympathy to the Hans Family in the lost
of John I went to Riley High School in
the Class of 1953 I know that he will be missed My God be with you in times
like this

Monica Dews

March 10, 2010

Sherry Johnny and Susie my prayers are with at this very hard time. I am so grateful to have known John. Was the best boss I have ever had. Sherry you were the second best boss. You two taught me the waiting tables business and I loved working at the Hans Haus. Was also the best job I ever had too. A day doesn't go by that i don't think of both of you. I remember his favorite say Monica? are you having fun yet?

Bob Flannery

March 9, 2010

Sherry and family sorry for your loss our thoughts and prayers are with you. I'll always remember the great memories we had working together at Ranitas Hans Haus

Chris Clippinger, RN

March 9, 2010

Dear Hans family,

I am very sorry to hear about John's passing. I took care of him at the old St. Joseph Regional Medical Center and he was such a pleasure to take care of and was very witty and nice. I remember him from the Hans Haus when I was younger and our family went there for dinner. My prayers are with you in this sorrowful time, but he is in a better place and we are all better people from knowing him.

Amy Hix-Marquez

March 9, 2010

Sherry Susie and John I am proud to have known John for the time i did and i will never forget the time i spent at hans haus it was my favorite job and I want to thank you for all of the memories you gave me. Like my baby shower and the saturday raffles. My prayers are with you always, and you will always be in my heart.
Amy (hix) Marquez

John Skiles Jr.

March 9, 2010

I had the pleasure of knowing John for many many years and working with him and his family on many many remodeling projects at the Ranita Grille and Hans Haus. It was alwaysa pleasure to be around John and I always admired him for the great way he did his job.

My sympathies to the family and know that I will always hold pleasant memories of the entire Hans family

BOB . MARTIN JR.

March 9, 2010

SHERRY,SUE,JOHN
THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS TO ALL I HAVE MANY GREAT MEMORIES OF JOHN THRU MY LIFE AND MY FAMILIES MAY HE REST IN PEACE LOVE TO ALL. BOBBY MARTIN AND FAMILY

Raymond Cieslik

March 9, 2010

The family and friends of John, Our condolences and sincere prayers will always be with you. Ranita Grill was a favorite watering hole when I resided in South Bend. The memories will forever be cherished. Ray & Jeanette

March 9, 2010

Sherry, Sue, John and your families, My heart goes out to you all in this difficult time. Remember all the wonderful things about John. He was a good man. I have memories that go back to when I was eleven years old. I hope John and Doug can find each other in heaven, they can talk about old times. My love to you all, Sandy (Stewart) Baucus and family.

Roy Hinton

March 9, 2010

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Cindy Casper

March 9, 2010

We love you and you are in our thoughts and prayers. Steve, Cynthia and Stephen J. Casper

March 9, 2010

Sherry and family, We have enjoyed being neighbors for 14 years and will miss seeing John out in the back yard, working on this lawn and flowers. He always had a kind and friendly word. Sherry, remember we are right across the street if you ever need anything, or just to visit. You're in our thoughts and prayers. Love, Shari, Jack, Lauren & Jake Brady

Rick and Louann Flannery

March 9, 2010

What a shocker! I see he never gave up golf after all of these years. I have fond memories of the Hans Haus. I meant my wife at the Hans Haus 28 years ago. Those were the days. John never showed anger and was a good leader whom set a postive environment for his employees and customer. I am sure there were times he wanted to hang me out to dry. I know you did Sheri! lol. Back in those days, I was young and dumb. Hans Haus launched my career in the food service industry and positioned me to be sucessful to this day. Thank you John and Thank you Sheri. We lost a good man and he will be held forever in our memories. Rest in peace Mr. Hans and Thank You for being a boss that I will never forget. May God bless you and your family.

Showing 1 - 18 of 18 results

Make a Donation
in John Hans's name

Please consider a donation as requested by the family.

Memorial Events
for John Hans

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

How to support John's loved ones
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Poems of Mourning and Comfort

The best poems for funerals, memorial services, and cards.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief

Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
Ways to honor John Hans's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more