John H. Lisi

John H. Lisi, age 77, of Mishawaka, passed away on Thursday, April 2, 2026. He was born on July 1, 1948, in Mishawaka to the late Anthony and Lela (Ray) Lisi. John was a lifelong resident of Mishawaka and was a proud graduate of Mishawaka High School, class of 1967. Not long after graduation, he was drafted into the United States Army at the start of the Vietnam War. He served honorably and reached the rank of Corporal before his discharge in May of 1974. His time in the service took him to Alaska, where he formed memories and friendships he carried with him throughout his life. After returning home, John worked for Printers Press in Mishawaka for several years. He later retired from St. Joseph Regional Medical Center on his 71st birthday in 2019, after spending more than five decades in a career he took great pride in. He was well liked by his coworkers and supervisors and often spoke fondly of the people he worked with.

John is survived by his daughters, Christy Tolch and her husband Andy of Elkhart, and Tricia Deal and her husband Coby of Osceola. He was a loving grandfather to Seth and his wife Courtney, Shaye and her fiancé Erish Edmisten, Cameron Deal, and Allison Deal. He was also blessed with two great grandchildren, Karsyn and Bennett. John is survived by his brother, Anthony “TJ” Lisi of Osceola, and by Becky Steenbeke, the mother of his children.

Because John loved Notre Dame and had a strong patriotic spirit, his family invites you to wear your favorite Notre Dame or USA gear to his celebration of life. The gathering will be held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 11, 2026, at the Simonton Lake Sportsman’s Club, 51036 Co Rd 11, Elkhart, IN 46514 with Military honors to follow. Wells and Cruz Family Funeral Home and Cremation Care has been entrusted with his arrangements.

John enjoyed a simple life filled with the things and people he cared about most. He loved the outdoors and spent many weekends fishing and camping with his family at Hidden Pond Campground in Nottawa, Michigan. He liked turkey shoots and anything that involved the American flag or eagles. As a proud veteran, he volunteered at Simonton Lake during flag retirement ceremonies and supported causes that mattered to him. He was a two time cancer survivor and took part in Relay for Life every year. He also enjoyed his time at Riverbend Cancer Services, where he joined friends for yoga, exercise classes, and monthly dinners.

John also volunteered with the Mishawaka Breakfast Exchange Club for many years and built friendships that meant a great deal to him. In retirement, he enjoyed concerts in the park, Friday morning coffee with friends, buying scratch off tickets, going to the casino, and watching old westerns, especially anything with John Wayne. He was also an avid fan of Notre Dame Football and enjoyed watching the games on Saturdays.

Most of all, he loved being with his family. He talked often about “his girls” and his grandkids and supported them in everything they did. John was a good man with a kind heart. He was generous with his time, loyal to his friends, and always ready with a joke. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Memorial contributions may be made to Relay For Life of Michiana (Relay For Life) or Riverbend Cancer Services, (Riverbend Cancer Services) two organizations that were important to John and supported him throughout his journey.

To light a virtual candle, share a story of John’s life, or leave a message of comfort for his family, please use the links provided on the Guestbook tab above.

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