John David Vanausdall

John was known by many for his accomplishments and accolades, both at The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis and the Eiteljorg Museum of Native American and Western Art. They were indeed numerous and impressive. But the resounding legacy John left was one of decency, humility, and the cultivation of community.

John was born on June 24, 1956, in Lebanon, to John L. and Norma M. (Kinnett) Vanausdall. He attended Lebanon High School before attending Indiana University Bloomington in 1978, where he received a Bachelor of Science Education, and an MBA from the IU Kelley School of Business in 1996.

John began his professional career at The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis in 1978 as a physical science educator, later advancing to leadership roles in which he designed and developed exhibits and helped to facilitate significant expansions of the museum.

In 1996, he joined the Eiteljorg Museum of Native American and Western Art, where he served as President and CEO for over 26 years. During his time at the Eiteljorg, John developed and nurtured relationships with artists, Native cultures, and members of the Indianapolis community and art communities nationwide, which allowed the museum to experience tremendous growth in the size of its collections, its downtown footprint, and its achievement as a cultural landmark in Indianapolis. With John at the helm, the Eiteljorg attained accreditation through the American Alliance of Museums, a great honor for the institution.

In addition to his professional accomplishments, those closest to John knew that he had an extensive inventory of interests he pursued. From a young age, John was a naturally skilled musician, teaching himself to play many instruments throughout his childhood and early adulthood - his favorite being the guitar. He had a knack for design, and took the time to develop skills in woodworking, building custom built-in bookshelves in every home he lived in, carrying on that labor of love in every home his daughters lived. He kept an immaculate yard and enjoyed designing gardens and outdoor living spaces in which he loved to retreat for a cup of coffee and the NY Times crossword or a glass of wine at the end of the day. He had an appreciation for gourmet food and a passion for creative cooking, and he loved to host gatherings of all sizes. Many who knew him have enjoyed a delicious meal he thoughtfully planned and prepared. He looked forward to every opportunity to play tennis and welcomed both the camaraderie and the good-fun competitiveness. He had an affinity for the outdoors – traveling to it, hiking in it, photographing it. He was especially fond of our National Parks, the Grand Canyon, and a breathtaking Arizona sunset.

John was preceded in death by his parents; and is survived by his partner of twelve years, Carrie Kirk; his daughters, Emily McDuffie and Hannah Vanausdall; his stepsons, William and George Kirk; four grandchildren, who adored and admired him; his former wife, Jeanette (Schreiner) Vanausdall; his sisters, who helped raise him, Anne Breedlove and Rita Barber; and a devoted extended family.

A celebration of John’s life will be held at the Eiteljorg Museum on Friday, October 11 at 5:30 p.m. John requested that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Eiteljorg Museum’s Capital Improvement Endowed Fund, which can be found at: eiteljorg.org/john-vanausdall-fund/, or to a charitable organization of your choice.

Photo Credit: Casey Cronin