John A. Reaker

John was dearly loved by all as he knew no strangers and could strike up a conversation with anyone. He was devoted to his wife and family and always prioritized spending time with grandchildren. John Allen Reaker, 76 of Bremen, Indiana died at home on November 1st, 2023, and entered into the presence of his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. His wife is Sue Reaker and his children are Tod Stillson (wife Ellen) and Tia Bennett (husband Joe). Grandchildren are Amy Murray (husband Cameron), Aaron Bennett (wife Liz), Annie Bennett, Andrew Bennett, John Stillson (wife Cheyenne), Jessica Nate (husband Garrick), Caleb Stillson, Hannah Stillson,  and Sara Stillson. John was born in Bremen to George and Cleo Reaker who taught him about the Christian life and service in the church. He was preceded in death by his siblings Donna Hundt (husband Bill), and Roger Reaker (wife Becky), and is survived by his siblings Sonny Reaker (wife Darlene), Betty Denman (husband Steve), and Ronnie Reaker. He graduated from Bremen High School in 1966 and took great pride in being a member of the only undefeated Bremen football team that also won the rugged Northern Lakes Conference. John continued to remain close to many of his classmates over the years as he celebrated their special small-town bonds and accomplishments. He was drafted into the Army and served honorably in Vietnam. It was here that he was exposed to Agent Orange—a product that would eventually be the cause of his death. The love of his life was his wife Sue and they were married on October 4, 1969. This followed his return from Vietnam where he and Sue were introduced through John’s sister Donna who babysat Sue’s young child named Tod. John’s first date with Sue was famously based on John calling her to ask if he could take Tod out for root beer. Nice pickup line! They were married for 54 years and raised Tod and their daughter Tia in their beloved community of Bremen. John was a stepdad to Tod; raising and lovingly influencing him as a father throughout his life. Tia was born in 1970 and the Reaker family of 4 was complete. Their children meant the world to both John and Sue as John was a dedicated father—unwaveringly attending virtually every school and life event. He was always present and ever supportive. John always inspired his children that they could be and do anything and this led to them both attending college and eventually careers in medicine. John took great pride in their accomplishments. His grandchildren were his special pride as his favorite role was to be a grandparent. It all began with his first grandchild John who was named after him. Later 8 more grandchildren would follow and he always made it a point to steadfastly support each of their lives. He especially relished his trips with his grandsons with whom he could share his passion for sports and fishing. He especially loved taking them to Canada on remote fly-in fishing trips where he could teach them how to catch the big one, but also demonstrate his skills at euchre and up and down the river! John had many friends who knew him through his work at Holiday Rambler, Creative Dimensions, and Holiday House Builders. He took fishing trips to Canada for 50 years and had a wide circle of friends who joined him there as he shared his passion for walleye and northern pike fishing. He loved and savored his work, VFW of Bremen, Bremen Church of the Brethren, and Florida retirement community (Ariana Shores) relationships. John will always be remembered as a loving man who cared deeply for his family, faith, and community. He will always live in the hearts of those who were blessed to know him. John’s memorial service will be on Saturday, November 18, 2023 at 4:00 p.m. in the Bremen Church of the Brethren, 921 Woodies Lane, Bremen.  Friends may visit with the family from 2:00-4:00 pm. Donations may be made to Jane Stillson Memorial Scholarship or Dale Reaker Memorial Scholarship in care of  Bremen Dollars for Scholars  P.O. Box 144 Bremen, IN 46506.