John F. Neis, 85 of Valparaiso, passed away Thursday, July 24, 2025. He was born January 26, 1940, in Gary, IN, to the late Arthur and Anita (Ruesch) Neis. John proudly served in the United States Navy before he made his career as a crane operator with US Steel. He was also a member of St. Teresa of Avila Catholic Center, Valparaiso. John enjoyed working in his yard, golfing, fishing, and woodworking. Family was John’s greatest joy and always came first in his life. He will be remembered for his warm and loving personality and great sense of humor. If you ever told John, “I love you” it would be met with an “I love you more.” John will be missed dearly by his family and friends, but the impact of his life will continue to be felt.
On May 19, 1962, John married Kathleen Zabielski, who preceded him in death in 2023. He is survived by their children: Mary Lynn (Mike) Wirtes, Lisa Neis, and Scott (Shelley) Neis; grandchildren, Hayden and Hyatt Neis, Jamie (Drew) Buchanan, Michael (Linissa) Wirtes, and Dani (Tony) Erickson; great grandchildren, Reagan, Brooke, Keegan, Kenzie, Jase, and Jessa; sisters-in-law: Kay Neis and Helen Zabielski; and brother-in-law, John (Marie) Zabielski. He was preceded in death by infant twins, James and Christina; sister, Patricia (Arthur) Barker; brother, Leo Neis; and sister-in-law, Joan Zabielski.
A visitation will be held on Sunday, July 27, 2025, from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Moeller Funeral Home, 104 Roosevelt Rd., Valparaiso, with a memorial service beginning at 3:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to VNA of NWI. John’s family would like to extend a special thank you to everyone at VNA, and his caregivers: Lisa, Polly, and Juliette, for the exceptional care they provided to John.
GUESTBOOK
Sending love and prayers to the Neis family, we’re very sorry for your loss. -The Torigian Family
