John Arthur Middleton was welcomed to his heavenly home on December 15, 2023.
John was born on May 4, 1936 to Cleta Zechiel and Philip Middleton in Klamath Falls, Oregon, shortly thereafter moving to Culver, Indiana. He met his soulmate and wife of 67 years in the first grade and their love story began. They graduated together from Culver High School in 1954 and were united in marriage at Grace United Church of Christ the following year. They were seldom seen without the other for the rest of their lives.
John graduated from Purdue University in 1958 with a B.S. in Civil Engineering. While at Purdue he was very active in the ROTC, earning the rank of Second Lt. Commission in the U.S. Army. He was passionate about the military, enlisting in the U.S. Army Reserves, serving four years and retiring as Captain. He sacrificed his military career knowing his beloved Sandra longed to be home. They returned to Culver in 1965 where they would spend the rest of their lives side by side, raising their children, Susan and Kelly.
John was blessed with many talents and a plethora of knowledge. He knew a little bit about everything. In 1969 he used his gifts to build their dream home nestled in the woods which they named Dogwood Hill. They spent 50 magnificent years there with their children and grandchildren. Many happy memories were made as they had many pets, beautiful gardens with homegrown pumpkins and Christmas trees, bonfires, Purdue versus the world volleyball games, and more.
John worked 49 years as a Professional Civil Engineer and Land Surveyor, practicing mostly in northern Indiana. He was a registered PE in Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, Illinois, and Wisconsin. Some of his projects included designing the East Race in South Bend, and airport runways in Indianapolis and Grand Cayman. He commuted 42 years to South Bend so his family could live in his beloved Culver. Family was his priority providing, raising, and teaching his children and grandchildren along the way.
He was an active yet silent member of the community, never wanting recognition of service. He was a member of Grace United Church of Christ, where he donated hours of service in numerous roles maintaining the grounds, driving for meals on wheels, holiday decorating, helping with community meals, and keeping records of Zion Cemetery. He faithfully donated blood to the American Red Cross, volunteered at Millers Merry Manor, and shared his talents as a professional engineer when needed.
John will be remembered as an avid Purdue fan, often being referred to as Big John Purdue. He was happiest when he was outdoors, chopping wood, picking up sticks, always doing a project, and caring for Dogwood Hill. He enjoyed wood working, fishing, hunting, gardening, and had a true love for plants and animals. His hard work and sacrifices made for his family will never be forgotten.
John died peacefully at Miller’s Merry Manor in his home town of Culver, leaving behind his daughters, Dr. Susan (Rick) White and Dr. Kelly (Tim) Lynch, grandchildren, Brodie Terpstra, Blair (Katie) Terpstra, Jonathan (Lauren) Lynch, Allison Lynch, and Meredith (Jason) Dunn, and five great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his soulmate Sandra Middleton, brother, Robert Middleton, and
son-in-law, Mitch Terpstra.
The family would like to recognize and thank the doctors, nurses,and staff of Miller’s Merry Manor and Senior Living, Saint Joseph Hospital, Traditions Hospice Services,and caregiver, Becky Lewandowski for their extraordinary and loving care.
A time to gather with the family will be held on Saturday, December 30, 2023 at Grace United Church of Christ, Culver, from 1:00 - 3:00 PM EST. Rev. Brenda Hafer will officiate services at 3:00 PM with burial to follow at Zion Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be given in John’s name to Grace United Church of Christ, 307 N. Plymouth Street, Culver, IN 46511.
