John C. Dauenhauer , age 84 of Elwood, passed away on Sunday, February 13, 2022 at the home of his daughter in Kokomo following a brief illness.  He was born May 25, 1937 in Terre Haute, the son of Leo G. and Bernita E. (Sharpe) Dauenhauer.  John attended St. Joseph School as a youngster, and remained a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church all his life.  He married Judith Ann "Judy" Shallenberger on April 6, 1960, and they shared 52 years of marriage together before her passing in 2012, and they raised five children together.  John worked in production for Fibrex Industries in Alexandria for 27 years and retired in 2000.

John enjoyed gardening and working outside.  He especially liked working trees and shrubs and maintaining his yard.  John loved music, playing his guitar, and singing.  He and Judy sang together for many years.  He also enjoyed working with hobby fish and caring for his aquarium.  More than anything, John's family was the joy of his life.  His family finds comfort knowing that he is reunited in Heaven with Judy.

John's family legacy includes 5 children, Tony Dauenhauer of Elwood, Michael Dauenhauer (Kelly McCune) of Summitville, Nancy (Billy) Nichols of Holland, MI, Amy (Terry) Rogers of Kokomo, and Clint Dauenhauer of Kokomo; 7 siblings, Leo (Cathy) Dauenhauer of Fort Wayne, Mick (Karen) Dauenhauer of Valparaiso, George (Jan) Dauenhauer of Elwood, Kathleen (Ron) Holtsclaw of Minnesota, Judy Weddell of Tipton, Rita (John) Borst of Elwood, and Becky (Doug) Bouslog of Frankton; 17 grandchildren, Brittany Dauenhauer, Jesse (Carla) Dauenhauer, Holly (Zach) Kidd, Audra Cannon, Kelsie (Aaron) Peterman, Rachael Nichols (Andrew Cowles), Sarah Nichols, Savanna Nichols, Adam Nichols, Megan Nichols, Andy (Jen) Rogers, Nicholas Leeson (Misty Cline), Hillary Leeson (Travis Ragon), Emily Grace Rogers (Clayton Tackett), Sylvia Dauenhauer, Lucas Dauenhauer, and Lily Ann Dauenhauer; 26 great-grandchildren, Katana, Jaden, Caden, Riley, Amelia, Ava Jane, Ezra Mae, Ella, Benjamin, Jace, Elliana, Rory Kate, Piper, Ethan, Parker, Cameron, Cohen, Hazel, Hannah, Silas, Cora, Olive, Peyton, Hudson, Callie, and Zaydie; brother-in-law, Jim Vandiver of Summitville; and several nieces and nephews.

John was preceded by his parents; wife, Judith Dauenhauer; brother, Phillip Dauenhauer; sister, Susan Vandiver; and grandson, Aaron Rogers.

A funeral mass will be held at 1:00 pm on Friday, February 18, 2022 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Elwood with Father Dennis Goth officiating.  Burial will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery in Elwood.  For health safety of John's large family, private visitation will be held for the family at Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home.  Memorial contributions are suggested to St. Joseph Catholic Church.  Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.copherfeslermay.com.