John E. Haan, 96, came into this world July 19, 1925, on his family’s farm. He was born in the front bedroom on a hot July day while a threshing crew worked outside and women prepared dinner for them in the kitchen.  He was the fourth of five sons born to John Herman Haan and Mary Regina (Jenners) Haan. The youngest sibling, Barbara Virgin (Barry) of Crawfordsville survives. John attended Battle Ground School, graduating in 1943.

In September of 1946, John married Mary Ione (Jewett) at St. Boniface Catholic Church in Lafayette. They soon moved to a farm in Perry Township, eastern Tippecanoe County, where he lived and farmed for the next 75 years. Together they raised 7 children:  Janet Gick (Mike), John “Jack” Haan (Janice), Joyce Weintraut (Steve), JoAnne Spitznagle (Don), and Jeffrey “Jeff” Haan (Mary Ann) all of Lafayette, Jerome “Jerry” Haan (Kim) of Mulberry and James “Pat” Haan (Traci) of West Lafayette.

After Mary’s death in 1984, John married Theresa Frances (Hatke) Obery, also at St. Boniface and she survives with her 5 children: Madonna Thelen (Greg), Alice Pierce (John), Jean Healer (Ron, now deceased), Gary Obery (Angela), and Angela McGarvey (Dan).

John has 28 surviving grandchildren, 53 great-grandchildren, and 2 great-great- grandchildren, as well as many much loved nieces and nephews. Theresa’s family added another 10 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren. He is survived by one sister-in-law, Nancy Jewett Jones of Lafayette. He was predeceased by 4 brothers: Bob, Jim, Charles and Dick Haan as well as 1 grandson, Jacob Haan, and Theresa’s great-grandson William Padgett, and by many sisters-and-brothers-in-law.

John was a farmer his whole life and began by hand picking corn with his father and brothers and carrying water by pony to the fields. John drove a school bus for several years in the Monitor and East Tipp area while still farming. He was a lifelong member of the Catholic Order of Foresters. He held leadership roles in agricultural and community organizations including the Pleasant Grove Grange, and the Tippecanoe County and Perry Township Farm Bureau. John served on the Board of Directors for The Tippecanoe County Co-op and supported the 4-H Program, in which all 7 of his kids were 10 year members. He was a lifetime member of St. Boniface Church where he served on the Parish Council and where his ancestors were charter members. He has been an enthusiastic supporter of Central Catholic since it’s founding.

After retirement John enjoyed warm winters in Naples, Florida, riding his bicycle, fishing, and playing euchre and shuffleboard with his many friends.  He also participated in the Senior Golf League at Rossville.

John was a faith filled man who loved the land and was very proud of his family. He had a wonderful sense of humor which kept them all laughing.  He greatly valued integrity, honesty, morality, hard work and his faith which he taught by example.  He died peacefully in his home on the farm he loved so much on November 3, 2021. He always said he had lived a wonderful life.

On Sunday, Nov. 7, the rosary service will begin at 3:45 with visitation from 4:00 until 8:00 pm at Soller- Baker Lafayette Chapel, 400 Twyckenham Blvd. Lafayette, IN 47909.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Boniface Church, 318 N. 9^th Street, Lafayette, IN 47904 on Monday, Nov. 8 at 10:00 am, with Father Thomas Haan, (his Grandson) as celebrant.  Internment at St. Boniface Cemetery. The family suggests the wearing of face masks.  Memorial donations can be made to St. Boniface Church or The Lafayette Catholic Schools c/o Advancement Office, 2410 S. 9^th Street Lafayette, IN 47909.