John R. Moore, 82, of Rochester, passed away in the early evening hours on Wednesday, December 24, 2025 at Lutheran Hospital of Fort Wayne, following a sudden illness.
On May 12, 1943, in Kewanna, John was born to Clinton Lee and Kathryn I. Foster Moore. Growing up, he shared his childhood with three brothers: Jim, Joe and Jack "Bill." Proudly he graduated from Rochester High School with the Class of 1961. He continued his education at Western New Mexico University. In 1965 he earned his Bachelor of Science and in 1967 he earned his Master's Degree in education. While in New Mexico he taught for two years. Coming home to Rochester, Mr. Moore taught fourth grade for Rochester Community Schools for 38 years.
On December 27, 1980, John and Nancy Lynn Stutzman were married, in the Burton United Methodist Church. They shared 32 years of life’s adventures. From their union came a daughter, Kathryn and a son Kenneth. The family tree continued to grow with the added blessings of their grandchildren. Sadly, Nancy passed away on September 19, 2012.
During his 4th grade years, Mr. Moore taught many life's lessons to his students, grounding them with a foundation during their early formative years. For many years he and his brother Mr. Joe Moore spearheaded the 5th grade campout, a huge highlight for the students in 5th grade allowing them an opportunity to experience camping out at McCormick's Creek State Park. It was here that they taught tent building, stream exploration, and tree identification.
As a farmer, John enjoyed raising and showing crossbred Suffolk-Hampshire sheep. In the earlier years he found great pleasure in watching Kenny and Katie showing at the annual Fulton County 4-H Fair. He also annually traveled to Louisville, Kentucky's North American International Livestock Exposition to watch the sheep show. More recently he could be seen in the bleachers ringside watching his grandchildren show.
An American outdoorsman, John joined Joe and some of their friends for annual big mushroom hunting expeditions to northern Michigan or Wisconsin. He loved and looked forward to the WNMU Reunions and connecting with old friends. To relax John's peaceful retreat was when he sat near the firepit at the side of his pond reflecting on life while enjoying an ice-cold adult beverage.
As an avid baseball fan, John liked to follow the Chicago Cubs. He was a friend of the domestic backyard birds, feeding them, and was accomplished with their identification and habits. Grandpa John was most proud of his grandchildren and loved following them in the school activities, 4-H Fair projects and sporting events.
John and his companion Marty Walters shared many good times. They enjoyed dining out, taking an evening ride, or taking a walk at the Prairie's Edge Nature Park Trail. They also enjoyed tranquil moments seated near the backyard firepit at their home.
Left to cherish John's memory are his daughter, Katie Sanchez and husband Salvador of Rochester; four grandchildren: Aaron Lee Moore, Olivia Grace Sanchez, Madelyn Kate Sanchez, Lucas Foster Sanchez; three brothers: Joe Moore of Rochester, Jack "Bill" Moore and wife Sandy of Mesa, AZ, Jim Moore of Delphi; Marty’s three sons: Jim Marrs, Michael Marrs and John Marrs and their families; and several nieces and nephews.
Preceding John in death are his parents; wife, Nancy; son Kenneth Foster Moore on September 30, 2012; and his companion Marty Walters on August 23, 2024.
A celebration of the life of John R. Moore will be at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, December 30, 2025, in the Good Family Funeral Home, 1200 West 18th St., Rochester. Dr. Todd Wilson Ph.D. will officiate. Friends may visit with the family from 4:00 - 7:00 PM on Monday, December 29, 2025, in the funeral home and an hour prior to services on Tuesday. Interment will be in the Richland Center IOOF Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Caston Elementary School to benefit all students.
