John Carl Flathau II, 78, was born July 7, 1944, in Battle Creek, Michigan. He passed away peacefully Tues., Feb. 7 at his home in Grabill, Indiana. John graduated from Harper Creek High School, in Battle Creek, in 1962, where he then worked for Clark Equipment Company and later, Kellogg Company. He moved to Grabill in 1992 and was employed by Wieland Furniture (now Sauder Furniture). He married Karen (Smith) Fry in 1996.
John was preceded in death by his parents, Jack and Peggy Flathau; stepson, Howard D. Fry and brother-in-law, William (Bill) Dickey.
John is survived by his two sons, John Flathau III (Janette) and Ryan Flathau (Stacy); three stepdaughters, Tonja (Jeff) Ashton, Shannon Bowers, Kristi (Brendan) Morris and one stepson, Troy Fry; sister, Sue Dickey and brother, Brent (Doryan) Flathau; 15 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren.
John enjoyed carpentry, tinkering in his woodshop, and always had a project or three going. Over the years he built two homes, numerous barns, decks, furniture, toys, and “time out” chairs for his grandchildren. He liked road trips, wintering in Arizona, and 4-wheeler mountain trail rides with his pals. Above all John loved early mornings and quiet evenings with Karen and their dog Luna while sitting on the deck, and of course, napping in the swing. John will be greatly missed by all who knew him. There will be a celebration of John’s life on July 8, 2023, at his home in Grabill. Details to come.
Memories of John may be shared at HTTPS://www.McCombandsons.com
Preferred memorials are to Parkview Hospice
1900 Carew Street Suite 6
Fort Wayne, Indiana
46805
