John Charles Dickerhoff

John Dickerhoff of Elkhart, Indiana, passed away in his home on April 15, 2024. Born on May 28, 1937, in San Francisco, California to his parents Charles and Dorothy Dickerhoff. John was preceded in death by both of his parents, his son, Travis Richardson, as well as his beloved dog, Sammy.

John is survived by his children Kathryn (Tim) Klenk of Elkhart, Julia Mae Gray (Neal) of House Springs MO; his stepsister Vicky Dickerhoff; his grandchildren Quinn (Dustina) Vawter, Austin Klenk, Wade (Nicole) Schemmer; and four great-grandchildren. John is also survived by many friends that considered him family.

After high school, John attended Purdue University where he majored in Art. After being honorably discharged from the United States Marine Corps, John worked in real estate for many years and received his commercial pilot's license.

A true jack of all trades, John built his own computers, was a certified scuba diver, a lifetime member of the National Rifle Association, and avid traveler. He especially loved his trip to Israel. In his early years, John enjoyed sailing his boat on Lake Michigan where countless memories were made with those he loved. John enjoyed walks in the park, stargazing, classical music, Notre Dame Football, and was a lifelong fan of the Green Bay Packers.

While John enjoyed living life to the fullest, he also treasured the simple things in life. Doting on the perfect bowl of chili, and watching the birds on the feeder. Usually telling jokes that only he thought were funny, and marveling at the turkeys crossing the backyard. No Christmas was complete without receiving a gift that only John would give, perfectly wrapped up in the comic section of the newspaper. John was one-of-a-kind and will be greatly missed by those that love him.

Per his wishes, there will be no memorial service. Cremation arrangements have been handled by Palmer Funeral Home. Memorial contributions can be made to Heart to Heart Hospice. If you would like to celebrate John’s life another way, please enjoy a day on Lake Michigan, or an evening gazing at the night sky.

Palmer Funeral Homes ~ Bubb Chapel, 3910 N. Main St., Mishawaka, IN  46545 is assisting the family with arrangements.