John Richard Pehl

John Richard Pehl, of Crown Point, Indiana, age 74, passed away peacefully on January 11, 2010. The son of Ralph D. and Marie L. Hofeld Pehl, John was born on May 3, 1935 in Campbell, Minnesota. He was raised on the family farm, attended Campbell Public School, and graduated from the West Central School of Agriculture in Morris, Minnesota in 1953. He married Judith Bernice Hvass on July 13, 1960 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. John's passion for work was only exceeded by his love for a good story and for playing cards, especially at the St. John Township Hall. In 1964, he and his family moved to Crown Point, Indiana where he farmed and worked for the US Steel Corp in Gary, Indiana, for 20 years, retiring in May 1984 as a Rolling Foreman. In retirement, John and Judy designed and built their dream home, built ponds, landscaping their acreage, growing nursery stock and plant materials for landscaping. John is remembered as a good and generous neighbor who was always available to help out when needed. He was very creative and could build or repair about anything. John is survived by his wife Judy and their four sons—Jeffrey Silvia of Arlington, VA, Jay of Indianapolis, IN, Jerel Silvia of Gau-Odernheim, Germany, Jedd of Crown Point, IN; his sister Marjorie Wood of Hemet, CA; his five brothers, Joseph Janice of Walnut Grove, CA, Gerald Dorothy of Fridley, MN, Bernard Janice of Middleton, WI, James Martha of San Diego, CA and Daniel Special Friend Debb of Delano, MN; his Granddaughter Vanessa and Grandson Dominic and many nieces and nephews. John was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Ormande Ralph and David. A memorial service will be held at a later date. Those wishing to make a memorial in John's name may consider writing checks payable to Friends of St. Anthony Hospice; please mail to: Blossom B. Mabon, Friends of St. Anthony Hospice, 203 Franciscan Drive, Crown Point, IN 46307. Cremation services provided by Geisen Funeral-Cremation & Reception Centre in Crown Point, IN. To share a memory or send a condolence to the family, please visit the guestbook section on the obituary page at www.GeisenFuneralHome.com. For information call 219-663-2500.