John E. Hierholzer, 87, of rural Peru passed away at 9:50 PM, Saturday, September 30, 2017, at his residence.  He was born in Aurora, MO. on December 12, 1929, the son of Edward and Genevieve Jirik Hierholzer.  John married Doris Hartleroad in Rochester, IN. on September 17, 1947, and they celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary two weeks ago.

John attended Peru High School and was a 45 year member of the First Church of Christ in Peru. He started working at the Peru Foundry before he was employed as a Car Inspector for the Nickel Plate, and Norfolk & Western Railroads for thirty-five years.  John was also a retired Miami County farmer.  Upon John’s retirement from the railroad he and Doris spent the next 20 years wintering in Florida where he loved to fish.  

Surviving in addition, to his bride of 70 yrs., Doris, are children Janet Copp and her husband Mac of Peru, Joyce Damron and her husband Johnny of Ohio, Jack Hierholzer and his wife Joyce of Columbia City, IN, Julie Clay and her husband Brad of Mooresville, IN, and Jeff Hierholzer and his wife Tammy of Peru, a sister Joanne Birkey of Peru twenty grandchildren, twenty-nine great grandchildren and one great great-grandchild. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, two sons David and Danny, a brother Ray and sisters Irene, Dorothy, Carol and Ruth.

A service celebrating the life of John E. Hierholzer will be held at 11:00 AM, Wednesday, October 4, 2017 at  the First Church of Christ, 2584 Business 31 South, Peru, IN with  Evangelist Shane Capps officiating.  Burial will be in Mt. Hope Cemetery.  Family and friends will gather from 10:00-11:00 AM at the church prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the First Church of Christ.  

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