Dr. John William Remo

Dr. John William Remo, age 81, of West Lafayette, IN passed away peacefully in the early morning on Wednesday, February 14, 2018, following a very brief battle with colon cancer.  His loving family surrounded him in his home as he went to be with Jesus.

John was born on July 11, 1936, in Fond du Lac, WI to Maynard W. “Bunch” Remo and Vivian L. Remo.  He graduated from Goodrich High School in Fond du Lac, class of 1954.  He obtained his pre-medical undergraduate degree at Illinois Wesleyan University in 1958.  He continued on in his studies, attending medical school at the University of Wisconsin, and completing his education at the University of California in San Francisco. 

John served as an officer in the United States Navy as a LTJG from 1962 to 1965 in both San Francisco and San Diego. He then went on to complete his medical internship and residency in radiology at the University of Michigan in 1971, becoming board certified in 1972.  During this time he met his beloved wife, Jean S. Remo, who was a nurse educator at Henry Ford Community College in Dearborn Heights, MI.  They were married on July 12, 1969 in St. Paul, MN and on completion of his residency, moved to West Lafayette in 1971.

Starting at the Arnett Clinic, in Lafayette, IN, John began his diagnostic radiology practice.  He later moved to Home Hospital in Lafayette where he was a devoted physician for over 30 years.  He attempted to retire in 2001, and admitting to have “flunked retirement,” returned to part time employment, beginning at Tipton County Memorial Hospital, and as of December 2017, was working at Logansport Memorial Hospital.  It was his joy to apply his many gifts in selfless service to others.  He was also an avid reader, crossword puzzle aficionado, loved to share his many life stories, and had a true passion for the wonder of cinema.

John was a longtime member on the Board of Trustees at his alma mater, Illinois Wesleyan in Bloomington, IL.  He also loved to cook and shared his skills leading and serving on the Bereavement Meal Committee at Covenant Church.  A member of Covenant for more than 40 years, John was actively involved in the Missions Committee for over a decade.  During these years he developed a fondness for the Orucho Hills Worship Center in Western Kenya and it’s pastor Peter Onyango.  This ministry serves 5 churches in a rural area and 16 small group Bible studies.  There are 3 preschools for orphans along with care for the elderly, which are integral extensions of the ministry.  Once John and Jean moved to Westminster Village, John became involved with the Vespers Committee, which provides an opportunity for residents to attend weekly evening services.  He had been joyfully serving as a leader in this role for the last six years.

Preceded in death by his parents, brother Thomas M. Remo and brother-in-law Ronald B. Jordan, John is survived by his wife, his daughter Jessica Remo and son Jeremy Remo, both in West Lafayette, IN.  Also surviving are his sister-in-law Elizabeth Jordan, niece Catherine Kemmerling (Obong) and her husband Roberto Obong, great niece Rebecca Harnack, niece Jennifer Paine, sister-in-law Colleen Remo, nephew Thomson Remo, and great niece Noelle Cangson.

The family would like to express their deepest appreciation to the staff at Franciscan Health Lafayette East, the Westminster Health Center, Franciscan Health Advanced Wound Healing Center, and especially St. Elizabeth Hospice, who eased his passing with exceptional professional care and compassion.  Many heartfelt thanks to Dr. Thomas Summer and Dr. Cecilia May who graciously oversaw his care to the end. 

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, February 24 at 1:00 pm with Pastor Tom Johnson and Chaplain Dawn Bodi officiating, at Covenant Church, 211 Knox Drive, West Lafayette, IN, 47906, with a reception to follow.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in John’s name to the following: Westminster Village/Vespers Committee, the Westminster Village Foundation, or the Orucho Hills Ministry.  For the Westminster Village/Vespers Committee, please designate to Chaplain Dawn Bodi; for the Westminster Village Foundation, please designate to Dr. Henry Wadsworth.  Checks for the West Lafayette, IN, Westminster Village organizations may be sent to 2741 North Salisbury Street, West Lafayette, IN  47906.  Further information regarding the Westminster Foundation can be found at www.wvwl.org and the Foundation link is at the top of the home page, or at email address Foundation@wvwl.org.  For those wishing to donate to the Orucho Hills Ministry, checks may be written to Worldwide Discipleship Association (WDA), P.O. Box 142437, Fayetteville, GA 30214.  Please designate for Peter Onyango.  There is also giving link for Peter at https://www.disciplebuilding.org/give/peter-onyango/.

We truly hope you are able to attend his memorial service and reception so we may share memories of John.  However, for those unable to attend, the service will be streamed live from Covenant’s website, www.covenantepc.org and the live stream link is on the home page.