John W. Linn

John William Linn (1949-2024) passed away peacefully on the morning of April 15 while in the care of the Ernestine M. Raclin House hospice hospital.

John grew up in South Bend and married his sweetheart Nan while on leave from the Army. During their 18 months stationed in Germany, John attained the rank of sergeant and in his free time traveled Europe with Nan on $5 a day. Back in the U.S. they started Linn Drywall and supported Penn High School’s Building Trades program as well as Habitat for Humanity. John was also a trustee with Ridgedale Presbyterian church for many years.

John enjoyed golf (he played Pebble Beach twice), guns (including shooting, small arms repair, and making bullets), and golden retrievers (Aspen, Annie and now Charlie), but most of all he loved spending time with his family and friends.

Those who knew him would tell you John was a good man. He lived his life with integrity, always being of service and treating others with respect. Even when John was battling chronic pain, he fought to make the most out of every day.

John was preceded in death by his parents Bill and Clarine, and his sisters Sue Serge and Betty Jo O’Reilly. He is survived by his wife Nanette (Ladyga), children Scott (Krystin) and Kelly, sister Sharon Mann and brother Richard (Nancy). 

A celebration of life will be held at Knollwood Country Club on May 19 from 1 to 4 pm. Donations to the Center for Hospice would be greatly appreciated.

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