John F. Gretencord

John F. Gretencord, 93, of Lafayette, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, at Independence Village of Fishers, surrounded by his family. Born on June 23, 1932, in Lafayette, Indiana, to the late Raymond J. and Mary F. (Kenney) Gretencord, John was a devoted family man and a respected educator.

John attended St. Mary’s Catholic School, where he played the organ for daily masses, becoming the youngest church organist in the country at the time. He graduated from Lafayette Jefferson High School in 1950 and went on to earn both his bachelor's and master's degrees in education from Purdue University.

On October 22, 1955, John married Shirley J. John at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Elwood, Indiana. Their early married life included a period in Virginia Beach while John served in the Army.

John dedicated 34 years to teaching English at Tecumseh Junior High School and also taught summer Physical Education. He was actively involved in sports as an umpire and referee for baseball and basketball.

A lifelong Catholic, John served as Choir Director at St. Boniface for over 20 years. He was also an avid St. Louis Cardinals fan for over 83 years and enjoyed traveling to St. Louis with his family. A true Purdue Boilermaker, John held season tickets for football and basketball games and was a loyal supporter of Lafayette Jefferson sports and the Indianapolis Colts.

John cherished family Christmas trips to Siesta Key, golfing at the Lafayette Country Club, and gatherings with his retired teacher coffee group. He made many lifelong friends growing up in Lafayette, from the regulars at Riehle’s Tavern to the neighbors along Bennett Road.

John is survived by his daughters, Sharlene Austin (Gene) of Austin, TX, Cathy Gretencord (Bill Bull) of Indianapolis, and Audrey Bernardin (G.A.) of Kyle, TX; daughter-in-law, Laura Gretencord; grandchildren, Kathryn (Max Yancy), Jay (Sarah), Andrew (Anna), Alec, Caroline, Collin, Kate, Cole, and Guerin; and great-grandchildren, Madeline, JJ, Hank, and Hyla.

He was predeceased by his beloved wife, Shirley, his son, Steven, and his brother, Raymond.

Friends may call from 10:30 a.m. until the time of funeral mass 12 p.m. (noon), Tuesday, March 10, 2026, at the Cathedral of St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception; Fr. Matthew Jakupco to officiate.  After a church luncheon, interment with military rites to be held at 2:30 p.m. at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions go toward a scholarship fund in his son, Steven Gretencord’s name, to support Lawrence Township students.  Donations can also be made online at https://msdltf.org/how-to-help/donate-now.html

A quote from the John Gretencord dictionary, “I never wore blue jeans or went to the 500!”