John Lackman

May 17, 1928 - July 31, 2018

SOUTH BEND, IN - John M. Lackman, 90, residing in South Bend, Indiana passed away Tuesday, July 31, 2018 at his home where he had been lovingly cared for by his wife and children during a 9-month illness. John is survived by his wife, Audrey (Brunette) Lackman and their three children, Michael (Judy) Lackman of South Bend, Jefferey Lackman of Naperville, IL, and Jennifer (Drew) Lackman-Chuppe of South Bend. He was preceded in death by his beloved daughter, Kristina Flora. Their son-in-law, Anthony Flora, also survives.

He is survived by eight grandchildren, Heather (Will) LeFever, Michael (Tracey) Lackman, Daniel Lackman, Kevin Lackman, Matthew Flora, Mark Flora, Lara Chuppe, and Amelia Chuppe; five great-grandchildren, Alexis Lackman, Ashley Lackman, Maddie Lorenz, Katie Lackman, and Ryan Lackman; and great-great-grandchild, Weston Lackman. John was the oldest of four siblings and is survived by Melba Billington, Betty Bray, and Georgia Johnson.

John was born on May 17, 1928 in Metropolis, Illinois to the late John E. and Georgia (Billington) Lackman. He moved to the South Bend and Mishawaka area as a child and graduated from John Adams High School. It was there, as a member of the Class of 1947, that John met the love of his life, Audrey Brunette, in his homeroom class. After a first date to their junior prom, they would remain together for nearly 70 years, united in marriage on November 27, 1948.

They spent their married life in the South Bend and Mishawaka area, where they raised their four children. John was proud to have worked at Bendix Corporation (Honeywell) for over 40 years, where he was known for his incredible work ethic and mastery of complex machinery. He was a member of the Bendix Management Club in past years where he served as editor of their newsletter. His career allowed Audrey to be a fulltime homemaker and together they instilled the importance of hard work and responsibility to their children.

John was pleased to see all four of his children, all eight of his grandchildren, and one of his great-grandchildren attend John Adams High School. He was an active member of the Class of 1947, having served previously as treasurer, and a member of the planning committee for many reunions through the years. He remained good friends with his classmates and enjoyed their bimonthly luncheons until his health failed this past year.

After John's retirement, he and Audrey enjoyed many happy years of traveling. He loved nothing better than driving, and they visited every state but Hawaii, as well as making a memorable trip to England. He also continued his love of all things computer and was the go-to man for any glitch. He spent so much time buying supplies at Office Depot that he was offered a job when he was well into his seventies. He enjoyed this opportunity to share his love and knowledge of computers and received numerous commendations for customer service.

John had a strong sense of giving back to the community and was one of the South Bend Medical Foundation's top blood donors until his health prevented it. In his mid-80's he took on the job of delivering Meals on Wheels to the elderly less fortunate than he was.

John fulfilled his wish to see his 90th birthday. When his last two grandchildren and great-grandchild were born in 2001, his wish was to live long enough for them to remember him. Wish fulfilled - whether it is happy memories of silly Grandpa doing headstands in the pool or Grandpa as excited as a kid to see a grizzly on a family trip to the Canadian Rockies or Grandpa chauffeuring kids here and there, you are forever in their hearts.

John was fortunate enough to spend his final months at home enjoying many strawberry milkshakes or an outing to a favorite restaurant surrounded by the people who loved him.

The family would like to thank the Center for Hospice and Dad's aides for their assistance in keeping him at home. A special thanks to Claudia, who was on duty the night he died and always brought a smile to his face. Memorial contributions may be made to Lewy Body Dementia Association (www.lbda.org), 912 Killian Hill Road SW, Lilburn, GA 30047 to further research against this cruel disease; or to the American Cancer Society of North Central Indiana, 130 Red Coach Drive, Mishawaka, IN 46545 in memory of his daughter, Kristina.

Funeral Services for John will be at 11:00 AM on Friday, August 3, 2018 at Palmer Funeral Home River Park Chapel, 2528 Mishawaka Ave., South Bend, IN 46615, where friends may visit with the family two hours prior to services. Graveside services will follow at St. Joseph Valley Memorial Park, Granger. Online condolence may be expressed to the family at www.palmerfuneralhomes.com.