John Walter Fuhrer

John W. Fuhrer, of Lakewood Ranch, passed away Friday, January 19, 2018, at 11:35 p.m., 25 minutes before his 78th birthday. John was born on January 20, 1940, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He took an assignment in 1970 with the U.S. Agency for International Development that would take him and his wife and four children to Seoul, Korea, and set his and his family's life on a course of four decades of international travel and adventure.

John eventually joined the Foreign Service, and over his career he lived in Korea, Laos, Argentina, Mexico, Lebanon, Nicaragua, Honduras, and Liberia. He was a generous philanthropist, giving to over 20 organizations annually. John was known for his generous spirit, kindness and outgoing personality, but will be remembered most for his amazing sense of humor and ability to make people laugh. John loved warm tropical climates and Florida was his natural retirement destination. He also loved Nags Head, NC, and cruises in the Caribbean, but simply sitting by his pool with Susan and his cat, Buddy, made him happy. He loved playing golf with family and friends, and when he was unable to, he enjoyed riding along in the cart and watching his sons and sons-in-law play.

He is survived by his loving companion of 25 years, Susan Mutschler, his four children and their spouses, Mary Jo Fuhrer, Michael Fuhrer and wife Jeannie Zielinski, Peter Fuhrer and wife Beth Fuhrer, Elizabeth Fuhrer and husband Donald Reedy. He has five grandchildren, Rachel Fuhrer, David Fuhrer, Nicholas Fuhrer, Jaime Fuhrer and Catie Fuhrer. He was so very proud of all of his children and grandchildren, and did not miss an opportunity to say so.

In lieu of flowers, the Fuhrer family appreciates donations made in John W. Fuhrer's name to the Salvation Army Manatee County, 1204 14th St. W., Bradenton, FL 34205.

Manasota Memorial Park and Funeral Home is entrusted with final care.