John Waheeb Kurker

John Waheeb Kurker, 88, beloved patriarch of four generations, died Feb. 25 in Indianapolis, surrounded by loved ones. John was a retired self-employed sales representative for several national furniture companies, cultivating trusted business relationships throughout Indiana and Chicagoland. John’s 50+ year career drew many accolades from Hooker Furniture and Sam Moore Furniture as well as his many customers.

Affable and generous, John was a graduate of Cathedral High School in Indianapolis and of the University of Cincinnati, and a member of Sigma Chi fraternity. John and his wife Linda (nee Riedy), had a large circle of friends and extended family in Indiana and beyond. They moved to Valparaiso, IN in 1987 to be closer to work and returned home to Indianapolis this October. They enjoyed entertaining, were active in bridge clubs since college years and were members of Valparaiso Country Club for many years.

John found great joy in championing the aspirations of his three children and seven grandchildren. He loved to bring extended family together, pilot boat rides on Lake Louise in Valparaiso, and cook his signature dish- lamb shish ka bob, a tradition he preserved as a tribute to his Syrian roots.

John is survived by his beloved wife Linda; his three children Chris, John, and Tracy; his grandchildren Adrienne, Tony, Brenna, Logan, Joshua, Claire and CJ; his great-granddaughter Layla; and his brother Bill and sister Suzanne. The family would all like to thank the staff of Brookdale in Valparaiso and Carmel for their service.

A funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 AM on Thursday, March 5, at Christ the King Catholic Church, 5884 Crittenden Ave. Indianapolis, Indiana, with visitation before Mass at 10:00 AM, also at the church. In lieu of flowers, donations to The Alzheimer’s Assn. would be welcome.