John E. Mihalis

John E. Mihalis, 88, of Wellington, passed away Wednesday, September 24, 2025 at UH Elyria Memorial Hospital after a short illness.He was born November 28, 1936 in Elyria, Ohio to Thomas and Velva (Cross) Mihalis. John graduated from North Eaton High School. He was a veteran of the Marines who proudly served his country from 1956 to 1959. He retired from General Motors in 1998 after 30 years of employment as a machine repair machinist. He also served as a volunteer in the Lorain County Sheriff's auxiliary for many years. John was a member of the Thomas Mihalis Memorial VFW Post 1079, which was named in honor of his late father, and American Legion Post 12.He was famous for his peanut butter fudge, which he entered in the Lorain County Fair for many years, winning numerous blue ribbons and one 'Best of Show'. He also entered many vegetables from his very large garden in the fair, winning many ribbons for them as well and very generously shared his garden vegetables with our family and friends. In his spare time he enjoyed riding horses (in his younger years), vegetable gardening, hiking and mountain climbing in Arizona and was a Cleveland Browns, Cleveland Indians and Cleveland Cavaliers fan.John is survived by his wife of 68 years, Jeanette (Burns), whom he married on March 15, 1957. He is also survived by his daughters, Lori Kneisel, Debbie Duncan and Carol Nitchman (Jason Carver); 5 grandchildren, Brandon (Ayesha), Cody and Austin (Shandel) Duncan and Andrew and Rachel Nitchman; 4 great-grandchildren, Elliott, Benjamin, Iris and Oliver; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews and his Guatemalan family.In addition to his parents, John was preceded in death by his sister, Helen Resar; and brothers, Tom and Ron.Friends may call Friday, October 3, 2025 from 4 to 7 p.m. at Toft Funeral Home, Wakeman Chapel, 16 Cooper Street, Wakeman.Those wishing to contribute to John's memory may do so to the Thomas Mihalis Memorial VFW post 1079, or the American Heart Association.Toft Funeral Home, Wakeman Chapel, is handling arrangements. Condolences may be shared online at toftfuneralhome.com.