Obituaries

May 12, 1926 to April 16, 2016

WINAMAC - John Edward Ringen, 89, of Winamac, passed away at 6:30 a.m., Saturday, April 16, at Pulaski Memorial Hospital, Winamac.

He was born May 12, 1926 to the late Grover Lewis and Anna Marie Garling Ringen. He married Shirley Marie Tanner on Nov. 28, 1946 in Francesville. She died June 2, 2008.

He is survived by daughters Nancy Lee (Steven) Werner, Lafayette, and Connie L. (Phil) Brucker, Winamac; and sons Dennis E. (Cathy) Ringen, and Danny D. (Linda) Ringen. He also had 10 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren.

John was preceded in death by 2 brothers and 4 sisters.

Mr. Ringen and his wife began their married life working a chicken farm. They later raised their own chickens and sold many hundreds of eggs. He was a farmer for many years with help from his wife driving a tractor right along side of him. He also worked at the Monterey Lumber Yard and Buckeye Feed and Supply for several years. His real passion was being a tractor mechanic. After working many years in Winamac, Logansport and Knox as a Ford tractor mechanic, he was able to start his own business, Ringen Tractor Repair, at his home in Monterey. He also drove a school bus for Culver schools for nearly 39 years. He truly loved his riders. He was a gentle giant (in heart) , who could laugh with the kids and still keep order. The Ringens last attended the Global Harvest Church at Bass Station. Even after her death, Mr. Ringen seldom missed Sunday services.  He loved the people there . He was so appreciative of those who would walk him from his car into the church and back again after the service.

When Mr. Ringen wasn’t working, he and his wife would do everything together. One of their favorite pass times was antique shopping, even if they never bought anything. They loved to reminisce of the by-gone days. Their greatest joy was when the family was gathered around the dinner table for holidays, birthdays and “any excuse” days. For many years these gatherings were held in their garage/vintage kitchen. Meals were lovingly prepared on a wood burning stove. They were enjoyed by all. Later in life the couple enjoyed meeting with friends at McDonalds in Winamac for evening meals. Those who knew Mr. Ringen will remember his laugh. It was one-of-a-kind and was so contagious. As a young man he loved roller skating and dancing the jitter bug. He had a hidden talent that many may not have known - he could yodel. The last to hear him yodel were his doctor and nurse at the hospital in Rochester. His Saturday evening highlight was watching the RFD TV channel and watching polka dancers. Even though his knees eventually kept him from the joys of dancing, his shoulders would still move to the music and they often did. He now dances and laughs in heaven. He will be deeply missed by many until we all meet again.

Burial will be at McKinley Memorial Gardens Cemetery, Winamac.

Memorial donations may be given to the Global Harvest Church.