John A. Plusch Jr.

John A. Plusch Jr., 90, Kokomo, passed away at 10:05 pm, Wednesday, October 1, 2025, in Kokomo, IN. He was born on May 17, 1935, in Westfield, Massachusetts, son of John Sr. and Helen (McCullough) Plusch. On December 22, 1973, John married Jean Marie Fauber in Lafayette, IN.  Jean preceded him in death on April 13, 2019.

John was a 1953 graduate of Westfield High School, received a bachelor's degree from Alfred University in 1957, then worked as a ceramic engineer at Harbison Walker for 40 years. John grew up racing sailboats in Massachusetts and was a private pilot who owned an amphibious plane, which the family used to vacation at Baril Lake in Canada. He enjoyed sailing Lake Michigan with his family and friends on his sailboat. After retirement he and Jean traveled and camped in their RV, often at family property in Monticello, IN and in sunny Florida. He attended Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in Highland, IN, where he served on the property committee with his good friend Walter Boldt.

John loved his dogs, and would fondly recount memories of each going back to his boyhood pal, Pooch. He loved to laugh at a silly joke and particularly loved certain limericks about Nantucket. In his later years especially, he was well to known to all as a prankster.

He is survived by his daughter, Susan (Mike Varnau) Mack; son, William (Felisa Lewis) Acheson; grandchildren, Lillianne Acheson, Eleanor Acheson, Ryne Acheson, Andrew Varnau, Alexander (Sarah) Viridi and Lauren (Logan) Varnau Link; brother-in-law, Martin (Laurie) Fauber; sister-in-law, Sharon Fauber; nephew, Paul Fauber; and nieces, Kimberly Fauber, Crystal (John Loechler) Fauber and Rebecca (Bryan) Fauber Comune.

Along with his wife, Jean, he was preceded in death by his parents, and sister, Francie (Plusch) Stewart.

Those who cared for John can imagine him now, walking in the woods with Jean and surrounded by all the dogs he ever loved.

A graveside service will be held at 2:30 pm on October 14, 2025, at Riverview Cemetery in Monticello with Rev. Candace Hinkle officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in John’s memory to the American Diabetes Association, www.diabetes.org. Shirley & Stout Funeral home & Crematory has been entrusted to assist the family with arrangements. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.shirleyandstout.com.

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