John William Starr

John William Starr, age 85, of LaPorte, Indiana, passed away on Thursday, August 20, 2026, surrounded by the love and comfort of his family.

John was born on January 10, 1941, in Steubenville, Ohio, to the late George Allen Starr and Mary Elizabeth (Wreck) Starr. He was a 1959 graduate of Catholic Central High School in Steubenville and went on to attend both The Ohio State University and Purdue University.

On May 15, 1965, John married the love of his life, Linda Katherine Switzer, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Michigan City. Together, John and Linda built a beautiful life centered around family, friendship, faith, laughter, and adventure. Their marriage spanned more than 61 years and brought them countless memories they treasured together.

John proudly served his country in the United States Army during the Vietnam War. He served in Vietnam from 1968 to 1969 with the 5th Mechanized Cavalry and the 3rd Battalion, 34th Artillery in the Mekong Delta. His military service remained an important and proud part of his life.

A hardworking and dedicated man, John spent his career in the steel industry, working for Worthington Steel, Midwest Steel, and Bethlehem Steel. After more than 35 years of service with Bethlehem Steel, he retired, beginning a new chapter filled with travel, friends, and plenty of adventures.

John believed in being involved in the lives of his children and his community. When his son, Michael, was young, John served as a Cub Scout leader. He coached baseball in Galena Township for many years and was also involved with 4-H while his children were growing up. Whether he was coaching from the sidelines, lending a hand, or simply showing up to support his family, John gave generously of his time.

To say John enjoyed life would be an understatement. He was adventurous by nature and rarely passed up an opportunity to try something new or have a little fun. He loved fishing, golfing, hunting, scuba diving, and riding snowmobiles with his friends. Following retirement, John and Linda organized numerous bus trips through Allegiance Credit Union, traveling throughout the country and making wonderful memories alongside their many friends.

Perhaps more than anything, John will be remembered for the unmistakable personality he brought wherever he went. He truly never met a stranger. He was the life of the party, always ready with a story, a joke, or one of his famous “one-liners for everything.” His sense of humor never dulled with age, and neither did his desire to stop and talk with just about everyone he encountered. Beneath that humor was an exceptionally kind and generous heart. If John saw someone in need, he stopped to help. It was simply who he was.

John was truly one-of-a-kind—a man whose presence could fill a room and whose stories could keep people listening and laughing. Even during the final months of his life, he continued sharing that gift with those caring for him. The family extends its heartfelt gratitude to the staff of Brentwood Assisted Living and Dunes Hospice for the extraordinary compassion and care they provided to John and his family. John kept the staff laughing and entertained with his stories and earned the affectionate nickname “Johnny Rock Starr” from several of his caregivers—a fitting name for a man who remained unforgettable wherever he went.

A man of faith, John was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Michigan City and attended church at Holy Family Parish in LaPorte.

Left to cherish John’s memory are his beloved wife of 61 years, Linda K. Starr; son, Michael Starr (Ericka); daughter, Lisabeth Jones; sister, Theresa Burke (the late Joseph); five grandchildren, Elizabeth Jones, Rebecca Jones, Logan Jones, Madison Kilander, and Connor Kilander; lifelong friends, Thomas and Jane Kasl and family; many nieces and nephews; and a tremendous circle of friends and coworkers whose lives were made brighter by knowing him.

John leaves behind far more than the accomplishments of a long and well-lived life. He leaves behind stories that will be told for years, one-liners that will still bring laughter, friendships that endured for decades, and a family who knew without question how deeply they were loved. Adventurous, generous, funny, outgoing, and completely himself, John William Starr lived life with enthusiasm and left an impression everywhere he went. Those fortunate enough to have known “Johnny Rock Starr” will surely smile whenever they remember him.

A memorial gathering will be held on Saturday, August 29, 2026, from 12:00 noon until 3:00 p.m. at Haverstock Funeral Home and Cremation Services. Military honors will be rendered at the funeral home at 1:00 p.m. in recognition of John’s honorable service to his country.