John Staff, 76, passed away on Feb. 25, 2011, at the I.U. Medical Center in Indianapolis.

He was born on Oct. 13, 1934, in Lowell to John A. and Dorthea (Lamphier), who both preceded him in death.

On April 9, 1977, in Boone Grove, he married Dorothy Obenchain, who survives.

Also surviving are children, Kim, Pam, Brenda, Debbie, John (wife Dawn) of Chesterton, Michael, Debbie (husband Melvin), Donna (David), Patty, David (Tim), and Kevin; 24 grandchildren; 13 great grandchildren; several nieces and nephews; siblings Jerry (Carolyn) Staff, Tom (Euinche) Blanchard, and Becky Adney.

He was preceded in death by his daughter Wendy and by brother Herb.

He retired as a foreman for the Porter County Highway Department where he worked for 18 years. He enjoyed his time building model airplanes and woodworking. He also served in the Army.

A funeral service was held on Monday, Feb. 28, 2011, at 6 p.m. Visitation was also held on Monday at Bartholomew Funeral Home in Valparaiso.

Memorial donations may be made to Bartholomew Funeral Home or to the American Kidney Foundation. To sign an online guestbook, www.bartholomewnewhard.com

Posted 3/1/2011