It is with deep sorrow that we announce the death of John E. Friend of Munster, Indiana, who passed away on June 7, 2024, at the age of 89, leaving to mourn family and friends. Leave a sympathy message to the family in the guestbook on this memorial page of John E. Friend to show support.

As we bid farewell to this luminous soul, let his loved ones carry forward the torch of his memory, illuminating the path ahead with the warmth of his love and the brilliance of his spirit. Though John may journey beyond the horizon of our sight, his essence remains woven into the very fabric of our being — a guiding light in the darkness, a beacon of hope in the night.

He was predeceased by : his wife Betty Lou Friend; his parents, Everett Friend and Virginia Friend (Parker); and his siblings, Mike and Sue Conley.

He is survived by : his children, Tracy, Jerri Friend and Doug Friend (Sashi).

Visitation was held on Tuesday, June 18th 2024 from 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM and on Wednesday, June 19th 2024 from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at the Kish Funeral Home (10000 Calumet Ave, Munster, IN 46321). A funeral service was held on Wednesday, June 19th 2024 at 12:00 PM at the same location.

In lieu of flowers, please make contributions to the American Parkinson Disease Association (APDA) or the John & Betty Friend Scholarship Fund at Purdue University Northwest.

Funeral arrangement under the care of
Kish Funeral Home and Cremation Services

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Events

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Tue

June 18

Visitation

Kish Funeral Home
10000 Calumet Ave, Munster, IN 46321

Wed

June 19

Visitation

Kish Funeral Home
10000 Calumet Ave, Munster, IN 46321

Wed

June 19

Funeral service

Kish Funeral Home
10000 Calumet Ave, Munster, IN 46321

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Sympathy messages

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3 people wrote a message from the heart

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.......”