John F. Wilzbacher, 91, passed peacefully on October 8, 2015 at Charlier Hospice, surrounded by his eight children as they celebrated his life and legacy. He was a lifelong resident of Gibson County before living the last five years at River Pointe Assisted Living in Evansville, Indiana. He and his wife LaVon raised their children on their dairy farm near Fort Branch, Indiana.

He was born June 3, 1924 near Haubstadt to the late Florian and Leoma (Adler) Wilzbacher. He was preceded in death by his first wife of 47 years, LaVonna (Emge), great grandson Gavin Koenig and three brothers Joseph, Eugene, and Austin Wilzbacher.

He is survived by his second wife Ruth, his eight children Don (Marcia) Wilzbacher of Evansville,IN, Karen (Tim) Henning of Fort Branch, IN, Martha (Stuart) Scott of Evansville, IN, Dennis (Bambi) Wilzbacher of Evansville, IN, Jonette (Tony) Wilson of Haubstadt, IN, Phil (Katie) Wilzbacher of Haubstadt, IN, Jerry (Melissa) Wilzbacher of Fort Branch, IN, Judy Keitel (Dwayne Fleming) of Evansville, IN, 19 grandchildren, and 21 great grandchildren. John is also survived by sisters Arliene Steckler, Irma Rexing, Rita Morris, and brothers Gerald and Robert Wilzbacher.

John was a man of integrity, character, and strong work ethic. His deep faith was manifested by his lifelong devotion to the Rosary. He was a member of Holy Cross Catholic Church in Fort Branch, IN, and a life member of the Knights of Columbus. He and LaVon were recognized as Master Conservation Farmers by the U. S. Department of Agriculture in 1981. He was a member of the Dairy Herd Improvement Association and Catch-All 8 Square Dance Club.

The family acknowledges the compassionate care by Doctors Vernon Vix, Scott Starrett, Chandrashekar Kumbar, the staff of Deaconess Gateway and Charlier Hospice, and especially the wonderful staff at River Pointe.

Services for John will be on Monday October 12, 2015 at 11:00 AM at Holy Cross Catholic Church in Fort Branch with a visitation one hour prior to service time. Visitation will be on Sunday October 11, 2015 at Stodghill Funeral Home in Fort Branch, IN, from 1:00 PM to 7:00 PM. Memorial contributions can be made to Holy Cross Catholic Church or Riley Children's Hospital in memory of Gavin Koenig.