John F Huelsenbeck

John “Tank” Francis Huelsenbeck, 77, of Avilla, Indiana, passed away on Tuesday, April 16, 2024, in Ruskin, Florida.

He was born, April 11, 1947, in Garrett Indiana to Freda R (Teders) and Hershal G Huelsenbeck, he was a 1964 graduate of Avilla High School. While in school, he worked at Stonebraker Mobil Gas Station. After high school, he joined the United States Army, Charlie Battery 1st/44th. After serving 12 months on a Duster in Vietnam, John returned home, being awarded two Purple Hearts and the Bronze Star with Valor. Following his time in Vietnam, he worked 31 years for Dana Corporation, followed by East Noble School Corporation School Bus Driver, Allen Township Trustee, and was a lifetime Noble County Farmer.

On October 11th, 1969, at St. Mary Catholic Church in Avilla, he married Sally Lou Tonkel, she proceeds him in death.

John loved spending time with his grandchildren and would always be at their events from sports to dance recitals. John enjoyed Purdue, East Noble, and Churubusco sports, going to livestock shows, talking politics, and all things farming.

 John lived a full and vibrant life from beginning to end and touched many lives along the way. He was the definition of a true patriot and served his country proudly.

Survivors include daughter, Amy (Mark) Brady, of Avilla; son, Edward (Kellie) Huelsenbeck, of Ege; and daughter Heather (Mike) Thiel, of Avilla; grandchildren, Justin (Kelsie) Weber, Austin (Katie) Weber, Hayden (Karlie) Weber, Bayleigh Huelsenbeck, Hadley Thiel, Laney Thiel, and Jack Huelsenbeck; two Great Granddaughters, Nora and Rorie Weber and one Great Grandchild on the way; Step Grandchildren, Shelby (Jason) Kimmel, Gabe Brady, Kobe Brady, and Luke Brady; three Step Great Granddaughters, Keegan, Brynley, and Emery Kimmel.

Also surviving is his companion, MaryAnn Nugent; siblings, Janis Sobieski, Kevin (Threasa) Huelsenbeck, Tim (Lena) Huelsenbeck, and Lynn (Mari) Huelsenbeck; sister-in-law, Susan VanGorder, and bother-in-laws, Terry (Robin) Tonkel and Mike Haines.

He was proceeded in death by his parents, Hershal and Freda Huelsenbeck; wife, Sally Huelsenbeck; granddaughter, Cassidy Weber; brother, Gary Huelsenbeck and bother-in-laws, Kent VanGorder and William Sobieski.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 11:00am, Wednesday, April 24, 2024 at St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church, 228 N Main St, Avilla, with visitation from 10:30am until time of mass.  Fr. Emmanuel Abuh will celebrate the mass.  Visitation will also be held from 2-8pm on Tuesday, April 23, 2024 at Harper Funeral Homes, Avilla Chapel, 530 N Main St., Avilla.  John will be laid to rest with military honors at the Avilla Cemetery.

Casket bearers will be Justin Weber, Austin Weber, Hayden Weber, Jack Huelsenbeck, Mike Thiel, Mark Brady, Mike Haines, and Tony Geary. Honorary pall bearers will be James “Smitty” Smith, Joseph Belardo, David “Sweeny” Meyer, and Geronimo Opliger.

In lieu of flowers, contributions to John’s memory may be directed to Catholic Charities- North Region, East Noble Athletics, or Veterans Services ICAN. To sign the online guestbook or leave a condolence, visit www.harperfuneralhomes.com. Arrangements by Haper Funeral Homes, Avilla Chapel, 530 N Main St., Avilla.

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