John H. Shoaf

John H. Shoaf, 91, of Lafayette, passed away peacefully on August 19, 2026, at Aster Place. He was born on April 27, 1935 to the late Arthur and Violet (Nash) Shoaf in Green Hill, IN.

John graduated from Otterbein High School and continued his academic journey at Indiana State, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in education and played baseball. During this time, John also served his country as an enlisted member of the Army, where he played baseball in Germany. His commitment to lifelong learning led him to pursue and attain a master’s degree from Purdue University, setting the stage for his outstanding career in education. John married Jeanette Sietsma on June 19, 1959 at the First Reformed Church in Lafayette and she preceded him in death on December 8, 2020.

In 1964, John began his teaching career with the Tippecanoe School Corporation at Monitor Middle School. He then went on to Buck Creek Middle School, before concluding his thirty-plus years of service as Principal at East Tipp Middle School, where he retired in 1997. Throughout his professional life, John gained the respect and admiration of his peers and community, evidenced by significant honors such as the Sagamore of the Wabash and being named Educator of the Year. His work extended far beyond the classroom, embodying his unwavering commitment to his faith and service. John was a devoted elder, deacon, and Sunday School teacher at Heartland Community Church, always leading with humility and steadfast belief.

John's legacy is also woven into the many ways he volunteered and contributed to causes he believed in. As an active member of Gideons, he took pride in installing bibles. Alongside his cherished wife Jeanette, they visited every county courthouse together. A lifelong fan of the Chicago Cubs and Purdue, John’s enthusiasm for sports was rivaled only by his competitive spirit in his younger days.

John is survived by his loving children: Joseph E. (Julia) Shoaf of Naperville, IL, Jana (Richard) Zeiler of Sheridan and John (Barbara) Shoaf of Alvin, IL; his sister, Linda Corr of Maryland; his grandchildren: Stephen, Allyson, Katherine, Abby, Cole, Levi, Frankie, Sam, and Luke; as well as twelve great-grandchildren.

Along with his wife and parents, John is preceded in death by his brother James Shoaf, and sister Anna Sell.

A visitation will be held on Thursday, August 27, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Heartland Community Church, 3900 E 300 N, Lafayette, IN 47905, followed by a Funeral Service at 12:00 p.m. at the same location officiated by Pastor Cary Gephart. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to: Heartland Community Church or Gideons International- Donate here. Hahn-Groeber Funeral Home of Lafayette is honored to serve the Shoaf family. Please leave memories and condolences at hahngroeberfuneralhome.com