John E. Ringen
John Edward Ringen, 89, of Winamac, passed away at 6:30 a.m. Saturday, April 16, at Pulaski Memorial Hospital in Winamac.
John was born May 12, 1926, to Grover Lewis and Anna Marie (Garling) Ringen.
He married Shirley Marie Tanner on November 28, 1946 in Francesville. John and Shirley last attended the Global Harvest Church in Bass Station. Even after her death on June 2, 2008, John seldom missed Sunday services. He loved the people there. He was so appreciative of those who would walk him from his car into the church and back again after the service.
John and Shirley raised their family of four children, daughters: Nancy Lee [Steven] Werner of Lafayette, and Connie L. [Phil] Brucker of Winamac, and sons: Dennis E. [Cathy] Ringen and Danny D. [Linda] Ringen. They also had 10 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren.
John and Shirley began their married life working a chicken farm. They later raised their own chickens and sold many hundreds of eggs. John was a farmer for many years with help from Shirley driving a tractor right along side of him. John also worked at the Monterey Lumber Yard and Buckeye Feed and Supply for several years.
John’s real passion was being a tractor mechanic. After working many years in Winamac, Logansport and Knox as a Ford tractor mechanic he was able to start his own business, Ringen Tractor Repair at his home in Monterey. John also drove a school bus for Culver schools for nearly 39 years. He truly loved his riders. He was a gentle giant (in heart), who could laugh with the kids and still keep order.
When John wasn’t working, he and Shirley would do everything together. One of their favorite pastimes was antique shopping, even if they never bought anything. They loved to reminisce of the by-gone days. Their greatest joy was when the family was gathered around the dinner table for holidays, birthdays and “any excuse” days. For many years these gatherings were held in their garage/vintage kitchen. Meals were lovingly prepared on a wood burning stove. They were enjoyed by all.
Later in life, John and Shirley enjoyed meeting with friends at McDonald’s in Winamac for evening meals. Those who knew John will remember his laugh. It was one of a kind and was so contagious. As a young man John loved roller skating and dancing the jitter bug. John had a hidden talent that many may not have known. John could yodel. The last to hear him yodel were his doctor and nurse at the hospital in Rochester. John’s Saturday evening highlight was watching the RFD TV channel and watching polka dancers. Even though his knees eventually kept him from the joys of dancing, his shoulders would still move to the music and they often did. John now dances and laughs in heaven. He will be deeply missed by many until we all meet again.
John was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers and four sisters.
Visitation will be from 3-8 p.m. on Wednesday, April 20, at Frain Mortuary. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, April 21, at the Frain Mortuary in Winamac, with Pastor Billy Bope officiating. Burial will be in the McKinley Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Winamac following services.
Memorial contributions may be given to the Global Harvest Church.
Online condolences may be offered in the guestbook at www.frainmortuary.com.
(Pulaski County Journal — April 20, 2016)