John Joseph Anleitner, 73, of Chesterton passed away peacefully at home with his family on Tuesday, October 28, 2025. He was born March 15, 1952, in Chicago to Joseph & Etta (Lucas) Anleitner, graduated from St. Willibrord High School, and received a degree from Spoon River College where he was recruited to play basketball. John made his career as a diesel truck mechanic. He will be fondly remembered for his honesty, loving nature, hard work, coaching youth sports, creative inventions, and being the Mr. fix-it & go-to-guy for nearly any problem his family members and friends chose to challenge him with. But it was his good reputation and moniker as a true family man that he embraced with all of his being.
On September 1, 1973, he married Maureen Mayo who survives along with their children: Scott (Heidi) Anleitner of Chicago, Amy (Jeramie) Wright of Westville, Mark (Lindsay) Anleitner of Valparaiso, sisters: Susan Anleitner, Jayne Anleitner, Mary Jo Anleitner, grandchildren: Makenna (Patrick), Cheyanne, Samantha, Addyson, Eli, Samuel, Lucas, great-grandchildren: Levi & Lennon, and many loving nieces, nephews, in-laws & friends. He was preceded in death by one son, Matthew Anleitner in 2020 and his parents.
A visitation will be held Wednesday, November 5th from 3 – 8 pm at Moeller Funeral Home, 104 Roosevelt Rd., Valparaiso with funeral service beginning at 8:00 pm. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to the Bret Laczynski Brain Cancer Research Fund, www.thebretlaczynskibcrf.com
GUESTBOOK
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time. -Joe and Lisa Shepley
Maureen and Family, please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. John was a special friend and will always be fondly remembered. We have many great memories of being together during the Canton Illinois, Spoon River College days. We were close friends, fraternity brothers, roommates. You could always count on John, no matter what. John was also a member of our wedding party in June of 1971. His mechanical ability was tested trying to keep his tan Corvair running. Rest in Peace My Friend! -Don and Nancy Howerter
Maureen, please accept our condolences to you and your family. I will never forget one Christmas at Kathleen’s house when I first met all of you, his “roast” to a particular family member! His humor was priceless. God Bless John. -Papa Joe and Dorothy Bruknis
