John P. Strickler

August 27, 1947 - July 23, 2023

John Peter Strickler, 75, passed away peacefully on Sunday, July 23, 2023 at Kindred Hospital in Indianapolis.

John was born on August 27, 1947 in Highland Park, Illinois to the late Charles and Unni (Boye) Strickler. The eldest son of four children, John was preceded in death by his brother Steve Strickler, and is survived by his two sisters, Karen Kunkle and Barbara Lortie. In 1965, he graduated from La Sierra High School in Carmichael, CA, and moved to Indiana where he attended Purdue University. He received his degree in Aeronautical Engineering in 1975 and was a member of the Sigma Nu fraternity.

John married Nancy (Weissert) Strickler in West Lafayette, IN on August 31, 1974. They had two daughters, and he was a resident of West Lafayette and Lafayette for 58 years.

With a strong work ethic, he devoted his life to food service, serving as a chef in several Lafayette area restaurants. He enjoyed cycling, motorcycles, building computers, and was an avid reader of sci-fi, adventure and spy novels. He also loved to take care of his family by bargain hunting to help find them the best deals.

On November 14, 2011, John was given the gift of a lifetime, and was a recipient of a single lung transplant at Cleveland Clinic in Ohio. A diligent patient, he thrived for 12 years and 8 months after his transplant with the help of the amazing nurses, aides, staff and doctors at Cleveland Clinic in Ohio and IU Health in Indianapolis. Through this gift, he was able to meet and watch his five grandchildren grow and turn into amazing little people. He was truly grateful for the donation, and his family was so blessed to have been given that extra time with him that would not have been possible without organ donation.

John is survived by his wife of nearly 49 years, Nancy, and his daughters, Stacey (Chuck) Gipson and their daughter Charlotte Gipson of Cincinnati, OH; and Erica (Chris) Koslosky and their four children, Paige, Gavin, Henry and Sadie Koslosky of Omaha, NE; and dozens of nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his beloved grandmother Inger Boye.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Indiana Donor Network – Angel Fund at https://indianadonornetwork.org/foundation/angel-fund/ or at Angel Fund, c/o Indiana Donor Network Foundation, Indianapolis, IN 46222 in memoriam of John P. Strickler.

Soller-Baker Funeral Homes, Inc.

Alex Childers

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John Peter Strickler, 75, passed away peacefully on Sunday, July 23, 2023 at Kindred Hospital in Indianapolis. John was born on August 27, 1947 in Highland Park, Illinois to the late Charles and Unni (Boye) Strickler. The eldest son of four children, John was preceded in death by his brother Steve Strickler, and is survivedContinue Reading

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In memory of John P. Strickler, Alex Childers lit a candle

Dearest Nancy, We are sincerely saddened by your loss. We know it has been a long road with John and a hard fought battle. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. Your sisters in PEO Chapter L are mourning your loss. Hold onto those wonderful memories you've made over your 49 years together. May God wrap you in his loving arms and help you during this time. Love, Lori

Nancy and family. I was sorry to hear of your loss and send my deepest sympathy. It has been a long time since our paths crossed but I remember our days in CFS well. Do take good care of yourself. Best Regards. Joanne Evers

Rest in Peace John. In the early 80’s in the Old Romney Heights subdivision. John and Nancy came to my rescue as I faced a sudden challenging situation as a single father with two young sons, The first to step forward and offer to help were John and Nancy. Over time I lost contact with John and Nancy, and the busyness of life got in my way, and I did not reach out and say thanks. However, I always harbored a warm place in my heart for the two of you for the care and guidance you offered. My sons, now 47 and 45, have done well in life. Both achieved a bachelor’s degree, Steven at Purdue, and Erik at IUPUI. Both have successful corporate careers; Erik is a Coast Guard veteran and provided us with a wonderful grandson who is now 7. All of this in part due the help you two offered when I needed it the most. Nancy, I share your grief. I apologize it took me to read John’s obituary, forty years later, to thank you both for the sacrifices you made to help me through a difficult time. May God bless you and the girls and give John his Eternal rest. John Balser (and Elaina, my wife and the boy’s mother for 36 years)

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.