John J. Wanchow Jr.

John Joseph Wanchow Jr. of Carmel, Indiana, left this earth to join Trudie, his bride of 61 years, in the arms of our Lord. He was born March, 1933, at home in Sharpsville, Pennsylvania, to the late Angeline and John Wanchow Sr.

John was one of seven children, raised in Hubbard, Ohio: four boys and three girls. He and his siblings were first-generation Americans, with both parents having been born in Slovakia, and entering the US through Ellis Island, New York, as teenagers around 1901.

He received the Sacrament of First Holy Communion at St Patrick's in Hubbard, Ohio; and his confirmation name was Peter. John graduated from Ursuline Catholic High School in Youngstown, Ohio. He was a proud member of the Class of 1955, graduating from the University of Notre Dame with a bachelor's degree in Physics.

John and Trudie were married in January, 1964, at St Peter’s Catholic Church in Belleville, New Jersey, and honeymooned in Quebec, Canada. At the ski lodge, John skied for the first time! The couple was blessed with five children (Susan, Shari, Sandee, JohnAndrew and Salli).

For his career, John and his family moved to Carmel, Indiana in 1968 where he raised his family and lived until his death. John spent the majority of his career working for the Solid State and Picture Tube divisions of RCA, which were acquired by GE and then the French electronics company Thomson. As a field engineer, John travelled frequently to Lancaster and Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, to advise factory clients, as well as holding down the fort in the Indianapolis office.

John loved his sports! He always cheered for the Fighting Irish of Notre Dame, the Indianapolis Colts, and the Indiana Pacers. When his children were younger, John coached soccer with the Carmel Dads' Club. He enjoyed attending the sporting events of his children and grandchildren.

John loved playing with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Even in his 90s, John was seen on the floor playing cars with his great grandsons. 

John loved the great outdoors, especially camping and fishing. John was involved with the YMCA Indian Princesses and Indian Guides (father-child programs which are now called Adventure Guides). He loved taking his children on the YMCA fall and spring camping trips. When the children were younger, most vacations included the pop up camper. 

Later, John and Trudie traveled all over the world, visiting all seven continents including Antarctica. John was one of the rare male members of the ScoutAbout travel group with friends; and he and Trudie also enjoyed many cruises, especially the Viking cruises.

One of John’s childhood hobbies was photography back when you developed film. He had his own dark room in his house. This hobby continued into adulthood. John enjoyed editing and organizing all of Trudie’s pictures on the computer. He also enjoyed gardening at their Woodland Springs ranch home, growing flowers, pumpkins and usually way too many cucumbers! He even took up volleyball in an adult league for a while.

John was a member of the Catholic fraternity Knights of Columbus. He was a parishioner at Our Lady of Mount Carmel for 58 years, dating back to before the actual church itself was built. He also enjoyed attending Mass at St Elizabeth Seton closer to his home; and praying the rosary.

We will all miss John’s big smile and his endless supply of “Dad jokes"! We are thankful for all his devoted caregivers who loved Mr. John, especially this past year.

John is survived by his children: Susan (James) Dansdill, Shari (Scott) Calder, Sandee Critser, JohnAndrew, and Salli (Scott) Brown; his grandchildren Timothy, Brittany (Michael), Anna (Patrick), Allison, Jack, Kinsey, Elena, Ross, and Brooke; his great-grandchildren Theadora, Emma, Patrick, David, and Lilah; and his nephews Michael Joe Wanchow and John Petrek.

John will be entombed in a dual crypt with his "beautiful bride", Trudie, at Our Lady of Peace Cemetery on Haverstick Road in Indianapolis.

In lieu of flowers, donations in memorial of John may be made to Catholic Charities of Indianapolis, or the Alzheimer's Association.

A Funeral Mass will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, October 8th at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church in Carmel, IN. A Visitation will be held before the Mass beginning at 10 a.m.