John Edward Middendorf, Fortified with the Sacraments of the Holy Mother Church, died on his birthday, June 3, 2017 (87 years). Son of the late Florence Kautzmann and George Middendorf, beloved brother of the late George (late Audrey) Middendorf, late Francis (late Phoebe) Middendorf, late Florence (late Ted) Paradowski, late Charles (Pearl) Middendorf, late Vince (late Loretta) Middendorf, late William (Dorothy) Middendorf, late Henry (Elaine) Middendorf, Joseph (Dorothy) Middendorf, Dolores (late Kenneth) Thum, Ethel (Fred) Mueller, and Beloved Uncle to 41 nieces and nephews; dear God-father, Great-Uncle and friend.
John proudly served our country during the Korean War in the US Air Force, performing in the communications field from 1951 – 1953. This allowed him the privilege of a lifetime to go on an Honor Flight to Washington, D.C. with his brothers Charles and Joseph. His civilian career included years at Ralston Purina working in the laboratory investigating alternative uses of soy, his most interesting and challenging position. He also worked at Heimos Nursery, as well as working in maintenance for rental properties.
After his brother Bill taught him to dance, he was hooked. Besides dancing the waltz, rumba, or cha cha, his favorite was swinging the night away with loved ones or any friendly partner who also wanted to cut the rug. The Big Band Era literally kept him on his toes. Being a self proclaimed political junkie, he’d listen for HOURS on end to political talk shows on the radio or TV adding his own commentary to the mix. His memory and understanding of world history was astounding, sharing it with anyone who would listen, including recent immigrants he had met, who were amazed at how much he knew of their native country’s political history. He was an avid reader, loved learning new things, and remembered details more than most. Besides politics, he had a particular penchant for all things science, from earth to sky, and was an enthusiastic stargazer.
John died doing what he loved to do, cutting roses to bring in the house for all to enjoy. He was a lover of the outdoors/nature, and his tender heart had a special place for animals, plants, and birds. He’d spend hours puttering with bird feeders working hard to attract as many as he could and delighted in seeing the many varieties that drew near as well as hearing their song. One of his persistent goals was to keep his nemesis, the ever pesky squirrels, out of his prized feeders. He worked diligently in whosever yard he was tending and planted sunflowers and zinnias that he had started from seed. He was a lover of music, particular classical and choral music, and all the way to folk and bluegrass. In his earlier years belonged to a leading Men’s Barbershop Chorus/Quartet and in his later years spent many evenings singing his heart out to “Don’t Cry for Me Argentina” or “Phantom of the Opera” songs with his nieces.
The characteristic that seems to stand out above the rest was his wonderful sense of humor. John brought countless hours of fun and laughter into any family gathering as his many nieces and nephew can attest in our growing up years. He was truly a child at heart. He is and will be greatly missed.
His Funeral Mass will be at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church (2653 Ohio Ave.) on Monday, June 19 at 11am. A Military Honor Ceremony will take place immediately following.