John E. Friend Obituary

June 12, 2024

John Mitchell wrote a sympathy message

“John was our Hammond H/S defensive football coach in 1962 for a team that went undefeted and voted the mythical State Champion of Indiana. He didn't seem much older than I was, but he really connected with us to build a very competitive, proud and successful team. I admired and respected John and I felt blessed to have received his guidance. His coaching and leadership success at Munster H/S and Purdue NW proved what we all knew, John was a winner. John Mitchell - HHS '63. Purdue '67”

June 9, 2024

Robert H Mangus wrote a sympathy message

“First I knew John Friend as my history teacher at Hammond High School in his history class. Next I knew him as a colleague when he was a School Board member and as such he was the one selected by the School Board as a Town of Munster Park Board member when I was a member of the town council and we would run into each other at Park Board meeting. My last connection was as a fellow Munster Lion in the Lion's club. I was always impressed by his intellect and accomplishments.”

June 9, 2024

Larry Getts wrote a sympathy message

“RIP John.....you were a mentor to me, an advisor and a friend.......back in 1984 on a chance meeting, it was a contact he made, a coach he knew and a letter of recommendation he wrote, that kick started my teaching and coaching career......will be forever grateful.......”