Obituary of John H. Juerling

John Henry Juerling, 90 years old, was born Nov. 10. 1934 in Richmond, Indiana and passed Feb.15, 2025 surrounded in his final days by his loving family. He attended St. Andrew’s Catholic school and Notre Dame University. His degree was in Civil Engineering and he received his Professional Engineer's License then entered the Navy through Officer Training School. Stationed at the Naval Mine Base in Panama City, John met Gail at an airport in Jacksonville, FL. On August 22, 1959, he married the love of his life, Gail Page Sutor, and together they built a beautiful life, raising six children: Kim, Greg, Rose, Janet, John, and Merry. 

John was known for his quick wit and infectious sense of humor. He had a joke for every occasion and never missed an opportunity to make someone laugh. Whether it was a clever one-liner, a well-timed prank, or a story told with his signature twinkle in his eye, John had a gift for bringing joy to those around him.

John dedicated his life to hard work and faith.  In 1960 he resigned from the Navy and moved to Richmond to join his Father and Uncle in the construction firm, V.H. Juerling & Sons, started in 1909 by his Grandfather.  He loved baseball and football.  John worked hard to help union employees and was on the board of the State Contractor’s Association.  He began working with Richmond Civic Theater in the 1960’s, building sets for plays like Man of La Mancha, Showboat, etc.  He was on the board of Civic Theater and loved the parties. 

He went to John 23rd Retreat Center for over 36 years.  He and his wife were part of a group of first-time couples to attend Marriage Encounter.  He was a friend of Father Hosey and Sister Maureen Mangen. He helped with the up keep of  St. Mary’s church in Richmond and later St. Thomas Aquinas in Indianapolis. One night he came home saying he had a great idea to have a Sausage Fest to raise money for building and grounds expenses. That became a great success.  John was always willing to cook, clean, shovel, and lead people in projects. 

 At age 48 he took a job with Geupel Demars and began a new way of life by moving to Indianapolis. His last job was with Shiel Sexton. His fondest job was working on the Boulevard Place Food Pantry.

John loved writing poetry,  gardening and devising ways to keep the squirrels out of the bird feeders.  He liked to tinker and fix things. He went on many great vacations.  He took his family to the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico to explore the Mayan Ruins and then to Cozumel.  He went on a Caribean Cruise and discovered snorkeling and an interest in history.  He traveled to Canada and cities in Mexico. John was willing to drive around Italy.  A tour of Vietnam was a highlight in his agenda for a good time.  He loved Paris and France which brought out the romantic theories he had for life and loved ones. His travel to Turkey made him a real believer in going with a tour guide.  His last trips were to the canyons of the West and a train ride from San Jose, California to Portland, Oregon. 

His last years were spent running a B&B called the Blue Heron on the banks of the White River north of Broadripple.  He loved meeting new people and talking with them. There was an inground pool he enjoyed swimming in every morning and sharing with his grandchildren.

John was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and businessman. His legacy of love and dedication lives on in his wife, 6 children, 14 cherished grandchildren, and 8 great-grandchildren, plus one more due in March 2025!

In lieu of flowers... donations may be made to the Boulevard Place St. Vincent De Paul Food Pantry. https://bit.ly/BlvdOnFB,

info-blvdplace@svdpindy.org, 317-924-3461.