John E. Keuneke, 63, Rockford, died at 5:38 p.m. April 16, 2013, at his residence, following an extended illness.

He was born Sept. 24, 1949, in Fort Wayne, Ind., to Erwin K. and L. Louise Heckert Keuneke, who are both deceased. On Aug. 19, 1972, he married Kathleen L. Clouse at St. Thomas Lutheran Church in Ohio City, and she survives in Rockford.

Also surviving are two daughters, Jolyn Keuneke of Englewood and Caryn (Neil) Wenning of Ohio City; a son, Phill Keuneke of Columbus; a brother, David W. (Deb) Keuneke of Rockford; a sister, Linda (David) Leighner of Rockford; and four grandchildren, Jacob Haver, Lily Haver, Cora Wenning and Jaden Wenning.

He was preceded in death by a brother, Edward Keuneke, and a sister, Donna Keuneke.

He was a member of Life House Church in Van Wert and American Legion Post 346 in Ohio City. He served his country in the U.S. Army from January 1970 to November 1971 with the 63rd Armor of the 1st Infantry Division. During his military service, he was a tank turret repairman and rose to the rank of Spec. 4.

He worked as an auto body instructor at Vantage Vocational School in Van Wert for 29 years. He also farmed and was the owner of the Hill-Top Body Shop.

Funeral Services are 2 p.m. Saturday at Zwick & Jahn Funeral Home, Decatur, Ind., the Rev. Matt Braun officiating. Burial will follow at Woodlawn Cemetery in Ohio City.

Calling is 2-4 and 5-8 p.m. Friday and 1-2 p.m. Saturday at the funeral home.

Military graveside services will be conducted by the American Legion Post 346 Color Guard.

In lieu of flowers, family would prefer donations be made to St. Paul's Harvest Table Matthew 25 Project, Celina.

For online condolences, go to www.zwickjahn.com.