COLUMBUS
Jon Franklin Guckenberger, 85, of Columbus, passed away on June 28, 2023, at Sarasota Memorial Hospital.
Jon was born May 9, 1938, in Columbus, the son of Simon and Lavona (Bennett) Guckenberger. He married the love of his life, Linda A. Purdum on February 14, 1960.
Jon was a 1956 graduate of Columbus High School. He graduated from Purdue University, with a degree in Economics, and was a member of the Beta Theta Pi fraternity. After graduating he returned to Columbus and worked at Cummins Engine Company until his retirement. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church. Jon’s job with Cummins relocated his family to Brazil, South America. He and his wife, Linda, packed up four children ages 18 months to 12 years, a house, and all their belongings. While there, the family enjoyed a new culture, different foods, visiting new countries, and learning about different ways of life outside of the US. Lifelong friends and memories were made on that beautiful journey.
Jon enjoyed traveling with his wife and family. Favorite trips included visiting Alaska, exploring Europe, the US, or a quick day trip. Annual family vacations to Siesta Key, Florida were a much anticipated favorite. It gave him time to reconnect with his children, their spouses, and his grand-girls.
Jon’s family always came first in his life. He was involved with Babe Ruth Baseball, Columbus Youth Hockey, and Boy Scouts. He spent many days and evenings supporting various sporting events, band concerts, drama recitals, and graduations.
Jon is survived by his children, Kathryn Ann (Howard) Stahl of Indianapolis, Brian Guckenberger of Columbus, Amy C. (Todd) Garrison of Franklin, Kirk R. Guckenberger of Franklin; grandchildren, Libby Stahl, Alyson Garrison, Kiera, and Ava Guckenberger.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Linda, on February 9, 2023; his parents; and a brother Donald Guckenberger.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, August 5, from 1pm to 4pm at Jewell-Rittman Family Funeral Home, 3855 25th Street. He will be interred in the Garden of Gethsemane at Garland Brook Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the IU Health Heart and Lung Transplant Program.
You are invited to send a message of condolence to the family via the funeral home website: www.jewellrittman.com
Arrangements entrusted to Jewell-Rittman Family Funeral Home
