John Albert Stern

John Stern, 78, of Lafayette, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, veteran and friend, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family. Born July 4, 1946, John as a child believed the fireworks were always just for his special day.

Born and raised in Frankfort, Indiana, John graduated from Frankfort High School in 1964, where he was a proud member of the orchestra and band, playing the trombone. A talented musician, he also played drums in a couple of local teen bands, which sparked a lifelong love of music.

After high school, John proudly served in the U.S. Navy, stationed aboard the USS Intrepid during the Vietnam War. Following his service, he began a long career at General Motors Truck and Bus in Indianapolis, where he worked hard and eventually retired. He married Carol Morehouse in 1971 in Mulberry, IN.

John loved life, truly. He woke up excited for each new day and found happiness in the little things, especially when surrounded by his family and the people he loved most.

He was a devoted Purdue Men’s Basketball fan, never missing a game on TV, often “coaching” from the comfort of his favorite chair. He also had a soft spot for Chevy trucks and could often be found cruising through local Chevy lots just to check out what was new. He also loved golfing, car rides and enjoying time with his beloved dog, Tucker, who was never far from his side.

A quiet, humble man with a deeply generous heart, John previously attended Christ United Methodist Church, where he served on a regular basis and played drums in the church band. He supported various community organizations and enjoyed lending a hand behind the scenes. He was also a friendly and much loved fixture at Cracker Barrel, often arriving before they even opened to enjoy breakfast and good conversation with staff and regulars he considered extended family.

He loved peanut butter cookies, sugar cream pie, road trips with family and most of all, time spent with “his girls”, his wife, Carol, and daughters Keely Stern (partner Julie McIntosh), Brooke Johnston (husband Alex), and Elyse Daniel (husband Neil).

He cherished every moment with his grandchildren, Rylan Goethals, Kynlee and Axel Johnston, Ridley and Ava Daniel and Trenton Morehouse. His face lit up at the sound of their voices, their laughter and enjoyed every moment he got to spend with them.

John was always present for his family, coaching his daughters’ teams, attending every event and cherishing every moment. He was typically a quiet man, enjoying hearing others speak about their day and life, but could also get a little goofy from time to time. He was thoughtful and endlessly supportive. He was truly happiest wherever his loved ones were.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Paul and Dorothy Stern, in-laws Wilferd “Bill” and Beulah Morehouse, brother-in-law Randy Morehouse, and twelve siblings.

He is survived by his loving wife Carol of 54 years, his daughters and their families, his treasured grandchildren, a sister-in-law and brother-in-law Shelia and Steve Martin and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews and cousins. He also had a special place in his heart for his dear friend Albert.

He may be gone, but as John always said, “You betcha I’ll be waiting for all of you up in heaven”.

Memorial contributions in John’s name may be given to Common Threads Quilting Guild, C/O Sally Weeks, 5752 N. Grindstone Creek Rd., Attica, IN 47918.

Memorial Visitation will be from 5:00 pm until 8:00 pm, Friday, May 9, 2025, at Soller-Baker, Lafayette Chapel, 400 Twyckenham Blvd., Lafayette, IN 47909.

Memorial Service at 11:00 am, Saturday, May 10, 2025, at Soller-Baker, Lafayette Chapel, 400 Twyckenham Blvd., Lafayette, IN 47909.

Inurnment will follow at Tippecanoe Memory Gardens, 1718 w. 350 N, West Lafayette, IN 47906.