John Howard Widau departed this life on October 25 surrounded by his wife Jackie and their three children along with their spouses and his four grandchildren.

John was born December 7, 1962 in Galesburg, IL to Don and Ruth Widau. He grew up in Greensburg, IN where he was an outstanding student and athlete, excelling especially on the Pirate basketball team. He attended Purdue University, earning a Bachelor's Degree in Industrial Engineering and a Master's Degree in Business Administration. A member of the Beta Sigma Psi fraternity, John was also a proud member of the Purdue All-American Marching Band.

Upon graduation, he began a successful 32-year career with AT&T first in Illinois and then in Indianapolis as a Solutions Executive.

John lived a life full of love and service. While at Purdue, John met his wife Jackie and they were married on August 8, 1987. Their marriage was blessed with two daughters and a son. As loving Christian parents, John and Jackie modeled their faith for their children and enjoyed every part of their lives in academics, sports and music. He even learned to love soccer, almost as much as basketball, and loyally followed his son's high school and collegiate career. John's latest role as "Papaw" to his four grandchildren has been very special to him.

Throughout his life, John was a faithful Christian and servant in the church at Our Shepherd Lutheran Church in Avon, where he held many leadership positions including Congregation President, Elder, and Deacon. Blessed with a beautiful baritone voice, John praised the Lord in the Adult Choir and was a founding member of the Men's Quartet that regularly participated in the USS Indianapolis Survivors' Memorial Service. Remaining true to his past, John also played on the Our Shepherd Men's basketball team.

To all who knew him, John was a pillar of faith - even as he struggled with recurring health issues. He was a true Christian witness by his words and actions. John now stands before Jesus and confesses "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith."

John is survived by his wife Jackie, his children Lauren Surfus (Chris), Becca Ropa (Jim) and Brendon (Allison) and four grandchildren Eleanor, Amelia, Walter, and Noah. Also surviving are his parents Don and Ruth Widau and his sister Lisa Laws (Rick), as well as multiple nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be on Thursday, October 29 from 4-7pm and Friday, October 30 from 10-11am at Our Shephard Lutheran Church in Avon. The funeral will be on Friday, October 30 at 11am at Our Shepherd followed by interment at West Ridge Park Cemetery. In compliance with current restrictions and regulations, guests are required to wear masks and observe social distancing. Memorial contributions may be made to The Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation at www.cholangiocarcinoma.org or PSC Partners Seeking a Cure at www.pscpartners.org