John Minch

John F. Minch, 84, of Berne passed away Wednesday, May 5, 2021, at Parkview Randallia Hospital in Fort Wayne. He was born January 11, 1937, in Bryant to Mathias John and Julia Rose (Remakalus) Minch. He was married July 28, 1962, at Saint John the Baptist Church in Fort Wayne to Jane Montgomery.
He was a member of Holy Trinity Catholic Church in rural Bryant, where he was chairman of the church finance committee. He served with the Indiana Air National Guard, was a member of the Elks Club, Indiana Retired Teachers Association, Indiana Mayor’s Association, Adams County Election Board, Adams County Public Defender’s Board and Swiss Heritage Society in Berne, where he held the office of president for many years.
He graduated from Bryant High School and received his undergraduate and graduate degrees from Ball State. He was a long-time educator and varsity basketball coach, working for 40 years teaching and coaching in various schools, including Bryant High School, Jay School Corporation, South Adams Schools and Bishop Dwenger High School. He was principal of Bloomfield Elementary School in Bryant and East Jay Jr. High School in Portland before ultimately retiring from education as the assistant superintendent of Jay School Corporation. He served two terms as Berne mayor. For the past 35 years, he and his wife have owned and operated their beloved Schug House Inn bed and breakfast in Berne.
He was actively involved in Democratic politics in Adams County, remaining non-partisan in how he brought about the greater good for the community. His crowning achievement was being elected mayor of the city of Berne. His devotion and love for the city of Berne was evident in how he managed affairs of the city and the concern he had for the citizens under his care. He had a heart for the youth wherever he was involved. By way of his positive, can do attitude and the mentorship he provided to young people, he would instill in them the values of honesty and enthusiasm in all of their endeavors. He enjoyed watching professional sports, including the Los Angeles Dodgers, Cleveland Browns, Indiana Pacers and Indy Car racing, especially the Indianapolis 500. They loved attending their grandchildren’s sporting events and activities and spending time in Vero Beach, Florida.
He is survived by his wife of Berne; son, Ted (Christine) Minch of Fishers; daughter, Alison (Tim) Davis of Indianapolis; sister, Mary Helen Stoycos of Cleveland, Ohio; and six grandchildren, Lindsey, Mallory, Olivia, Ayrton, Ellery and Boomer John.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and three siblings.
A memorial mass will be held Thursday, May 27 at 10:30 a.m. at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, 7321 IN - 67, Bryant. Officiating will be Father Peter Logsdon. The mass will be livestreamed on the Zwick & Jahn Funeral Home Facebook page for those who cannot attend. Burial will be at Holy Trinity Catholic Cemetery.
A community celebration of his life will be held later this summer. Details will be released once they are finalized.
Memorials may be made to Swiss Heritage Society, Riley Children’s Hospital and the Bryant Community Building.
Arrangements provided by Zwick & Jahn Funeral Home, Yager-Kirchhofer Chapel in Berne. To sign the online guestbook, visit www.zwickjahn.com.