John C. Slabach Jr.

John Charles Slabach Jr., 84, of Crestline, died on Monday, September 28, 2026 at Crestline Rehabilitation and Nursing Center and while under the care of Gentiva Hospice.

He was born on February 16, 1942 in Bucyrus to the late John Sr., and Janet Irene (Walterhouse) Slabach and graduated high school from the Mount Vernon Academy. He later went onto earn his associate’s degree in engineering from North Central Technical College. John worked at PPG in Crestline and retired as an engineer in 2004 following 44 years of employment. During his time with the company, he was privileged to have traveled to both Venezuela and Italy, where he helped to implement company operations. In November of 1994, John married June M. (Skinner) and she survives.

John was a member of Windfall Emanuel UCC where he sang in a small group as well as participated on their dart ball team. He also served as a zoning trustee for Jefferson Twp.

John had great love for the game of golf and over the years, enjoyed many rounds at area courses as well as trips to Myrtle Beach, and Michigan; golfing with June as well as work friends. With this love for the game, and his meticulous attention to detail, John completed an advanced club fitting school offered by the Professional Clubmaker’s Society. This allowed him to put those skills learned to use through his side business, John’s Golf Shop. A place created to assist others with golf equipment needs, and he passionately ran the business until his health no longer allowed.

John enjoyed playing Softball and spent several years as a catcher for the Huff-N-Puffers. He and June like to camp, and shared various travels to Pennsylvania as well as destinations out West. He certainly had a sweet tooth and for relaxation, he was happiest tending to Sally, his wild mustang horse. He would spend hours every day brushing her or doing whatever was needed to give her the best possible care.

In addition to June, his wife of 32 years, John is survived by daughters, Dawne Slabach of Columbus, and Jill Slabach of Sugarland, Texas; step-daughters, Diana Sharp and Sara Sharp (fiancé, Thomas Knox) both of Crestline; grandchildren, Elissa (Dan) Koller of Mentor, Erika (Derek) Antunes of Columbus, and Drew Snouffer of Mount Gilead; great grandchildren, Cameron Koller, Nathan Koller and Giovanni Antunes; sister, Joan (David) Buhler as well as extended family and close friends. He was preceded in death by his father, John Sr. and mother, Janet (Walterhouse) Slabach Staton.

His family will visit with friends from 11 – 11:55 am on Saturday, October 10 at Windfall Emanuel UCC, 1781 Biddle Road, Galion where his memorial service will immediately follow, beginning at 12:00 noon with Pastors Loyd and Dreama Caudill officiating.

If desired, donations can be made payable to Wise Funeral Service and will be used to help offset expenses. Memories are encouraged to be shared on his guestbook page at www.wisefuneral.com.