John Robert Gelow

John Robert Gelow, 81, of New Carlisle, IN, passed away at 7:07 p.m. Friday, June 21, 2024 in the Ernestine M. Raclin Hospice House - Center for Hospice Care, Mishawaka, IN.

He was born on April 24, 1943 to the late Russell and Thelma (Penick) Gelow in South Bend, IN, and was a lifelong resident of New Carlisle, IN.  Along with his parents; he was preceded in death by his wife, Carrie Lee Gelow; a sister, Barbara Rawls; and an infant brother, David P. Gelow.

John graduated from New Carlisle High School in 1961.   He worked for many years as a pattern maker for City Pattern & Foundry as well as Elkhart Pattern Works.  In finishing his working career, John did concrete sawing and core drilling at Lookin’ Good in New Carlisle, IN.

He was passionate about the community in which he was born and raised.  John served his community for many years as a volunteer firefighter for New Carlisle Fire Department, at one point, having served as a Captain.  Later, he continued to serve as a town councilman.

On February 14, 1969, he married Carrie Lee Logan in New Carlisle, IN.  She preceded him in death on March 5, 2016.

John is survived by his daughter, Ginger Sue (Rodger) Davis of New Carlisle, IN; his son, Russell Jon (Stacy) Gelow of New Carlisle, IN; five grandchildren; two great grandchildren; and a sister, Ruthie Tobolski of Bonita Springs, FL.

John loved the outdoors.  He was a master gardener.  He could grow about anything.  Most prevalent, he grew flowering plants that would attract Monarch butterflies.  Whether returning north for the summer or heading south for the winter, the monarchs would be sure to stop by his garden to refuel.  He enjoyed building bird houses as well as bird feeders. His backyard was a safe haven for all animals who may enter; even the neighborhood deer.  He enjoyed maintaining his three ponds for his plethora of Koi fish as well as goldfish.  Even the frogs had their own pond.   To keep the squirrels protected from his dogs, he constructed a highway of rope connecting their feeders from tree to tree.  His backyard was truly an amazing place.

When he wasn’t working around his house, you could find at the fire station washing and maintaining the fire trucks.  In his later years, you could find him building mountain bike trails with his son at Potato Creek State Park as well as Bourissa Hills in New Carlisle.

As per John’s wishes, there will be no visitation or funeral services.   Private burial will take place at a later date in the New Carlisle Cemetery.  Celebration of Life arrangements are currently pending.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: Hospice Foundation, Supporting Center for Hospice Care, 501 Comfort Place, Mishawaka, IN  46545 or Rescue Release Repeat, rehab facility, nonprofit organization that gives wild, domestic, & exotic animals a second chance at life.

Kaniewski Funeral Home, New Carlisle, IN is handling arrangements.  To send online condolences, please visit www.kaniewski.com.

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