John J. Fuhs, 73

John Joseph Fuhs, 73, of Spencer, passed away on May 29, 2025, surrounded by his family Nancy (Dudine), Emily, and Kristen. John was born on July 14, 1951, to Eddie and Bertha (Beckman) Fuhs and grew up in Jasper, where he met his wife of 50 years. After graduation he attended Indiana University, Bloomington, where he received his law degree. John and Nancy then moved to Spencer, where he practiced law up until his death.

John was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and community member. Throughout his life he was a friend, a mentor, a track official, a coach, a gardener, and a fierce tennis competitor. He was also instrumental in various community activities raising funds for Bikes for Tykes, selling Christmas trees for the Spencer Exchange Club, and running a Casting Kids contest for young kids interested in fishing.

John believed if you weren't five minutes early, you were late. His best days were spent baking cookies or fishing, with Nancy, his kids, or his grandkids by his side. He was a lifelong New York Yankees fan and cheered passionately for the Indiana Hoosiers. He was a "girl dad" before being a girl dad became popular, wholeheartedly supporting Emily and Kristen's activities, whether it was being a timer on the track or video-taping games. His grandkids adored his playful antics and silly sense of humor.

John was a charter member of the Spencer Exchange Club; he was also a member of Knights of Pythias, the Owen County Garden Club, and St. Jude's Catholic Church. He was a track and cross-country official for the IHSAA, NCAA, and USATF, working everything from middle school and collegiate meets to national championships.

He is survived by his wife, Nancy; his daughters, Emily (Charles) Nestel of Sarasota, Fla., Kristen (Benjamin) Wells of Greencastle; and his grandchildren, Charley, Lincoln, Brooklyn, Britain, and Abbey. He was preceded in death by his parents, Eddie and Bertha; and his sister, Betty.

A funeral mass will be held at St. Jude's Catholic Church on Friday, June 13, at 2 p.m., and a Celebration of Life will follow at the Spencer United Methodist Church Fellowship Hall, 4 to 6 p.m., with sharing of memories at 4:30 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Owen County Community Foundation under the John J. Fuhs Memorial Fund.

West & Parrish & Pedigo Funeral Home have been entrusted with the arrangements.

Online condolences may be made to the family at www.westparrishpedigo.com.