John Wanner

John Edgar Wanner, 83, retired social worker, of Chicago, Beverly Shores, Indiana and Edgewater, Maryland, passed away December 18, 2024 at Northwest Health - Porter hospital in Valparaiso, Indiana. Born and raised on a farm outside of Almena, Wisconsin, John graduated from Cumberland High School and was the first born of four children. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Social Work from Augsburg University in Minneapolis, MN and his Master’s in Social Work from the University of Chicago. It was while at the University of Chicago that he fell in love with the city and never left. John spent the majority of his career in mental health providing support and education to youth and teens at Riveredge Hospital in Forest Park. It was there that he met his core group of lifelong friends and a beautiful occupational therapist named Jean, who he married in 1980. Family and friends were the focus of John's life. He was the supportive and loving father of Jason Brent (Melissa) and the late Mark John Wanner. "Papa John" was a devoted and proud grandpa to his three grandchildren, Blake John, Katherine Ann, and Grant Jason, who worshiped and adored him. He was a dedicated friend, an engaging conversationalist, an avid reader (he joined a five-year course on the Great Classics at the University of Chicago), and never missed his news shows. Over the past eighteen years, John enjoyed splitting his time between his home in Beverly Shores and his home two blocks from his son’s family in Edgewater, Maryland. John immersed himself in book studies and mens' groups at his churches in Indiana and Maryland. Fellow church members cherished his friendship and admired how he lived out his many values: compassion for others, love of family, friends, and country, and his utmost integrity. Loving and devoted husband and life partner of 44 years to Jean Wanner (nee Nosker). Brother of George (Connie) and Jim (Louise) Wanner and the late Jeanne (Dennis) Morreim. Son of the late Edgar J. and Irene M. (nee Neby) Wanner. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his honor to support the training of mental health professionals at the University of Chicago-Crown Family School of Social Work, Policy, and Practice (School Scholarship and Student Support Fund) (https://alumniandfriends.uchicago.edu/s/giving) Memorial gathering and visitation with family and friends will be held on Monday, December 30, from 10-11am with a memorial service to follow at 11am at First Unitarian Church of NW Indiana, 497 Main St, Hobart, IN 46342. Luncheon at the church will follow services. Arrangements by Inclusive Funeral Care, 773-318-1305 or www.InclusiveFuneralCare.com.

John Wanner

April 26, 1941 - December 18, 2024