John C. Matthews

October 20, 1963 ~ December 25, 2025 (age 62)

John C. Matthews, 62, of Mishawaka, Indiana, passed away peacefully on Christmas Day, December 25, 2025, following complications from open-heart surgery. Born on October 20, 1963, John was the cherished son of James and Charlotte (Gadacz) Matthews, who continue to lovingly survive him. A lifelong resident of the South Bend–Mishawaka community, he dedicated his life to family, service, and countless quiet acts of generosity.

John was a 1982 graduate of Washington High School.

John was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Nancy A. Matthews, his brothers Michael and David Matthews, grandparents, Charles & Harriet Matthews, John & Wanda Gadacz and uncle, Alan Matthews.

He was employed by Alick’s Home Medical, where his compassion, reliability, and genuine commitment to helping others left a lasting impact on the people he served.

On August 8, 1992, John married Nancy at Holy Cross Catholic Church in South Bend, beginning a marriage rooted in deep love and unwavering faith. John is survived by his parents, James and Charlotte; his brother Greg Matthews (Sue Hammes); his sister Lori Matthews; his partner Theresa Boser; nieces Jessica (Matt) Langager and Heather (Tim) Moore; nephews Brian (Hannah) Matthews, Andrew Matthews, Cory Neace, and Connor Desimone; uncle Jerry Gadacz; aunt Lois Matthews, sister‑in‑law Joanne Grezeskowiak; and many treasured cousins, great‑nieces and great‑nephews.

John was a member of St. Bavo Catholic Church in Mishawaka.  John was widely known for his kindness, humility, and willingness to help anyone in need. Whether offering a word of encouragement, or helping  with  a simple household task or something more complex he’d research through YouTube. His generosity extended quietly into the community; if he overheard someone in need, he often stepped in without hesitation, even helping a waitress pay for a college textbook.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to all the dedicated professionals who helped John – to the nurses and doctors at St. Joseph Hospital in Mishawaka and Loyola University Hospital in Chicago for their exceptional care, compassion, and support.

Honoring John’s wishes, cremation has taken place. Family and friends are invited to gather from 9:00–10:00 AM on Friday, January 2, 2026, at St. Casimir Catholic Church, 1302 W. Dunham Street, South Bend, Indiana, to celebrate his life. A Funeral Mass will follow at 10:00 AM. Arrangements are being handled by Palmer Funeral Home, Guisinger Chapel, South Bend.

Memorial contributions may be made to Camp Millhouse, 25600 Kelly Road, South Bend, IN 46614.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.palmerfuneralhomes .com

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.

Services

Memorial Visitation

Friday
January 2, 2026
9:00 AM to 10:00 AM
St. Casimir Catholic Church
1308 Dunham Street
South Bend, IN 46619

Funeral Mass

Friday
January 2, 2026
10:00 AM
St. Casimir Catholic Church
1308 Dunham Street
South Bend, IN 46619

Donations

Camp Millhouse
25600 Kelly Road, South Bend IN 46614

Added 12/29/2025 1828 GMS