John E. Springer PORTAGE/COLUMBUS, INDIANA – John E. Springer, age 47, formerly of Portage, passed away of natural causes on Friday, July 6, 2018 in Columbus, Indiana. John was born on December 27, 1970 in Beloit, the son of James and Darlene (Hall) Springer. He graduated from Portage High School in 1989. In 1993 he graduated from Rochester Community College with a degree in Physical Therapy/Sports Medicine, and in 1998 he graduated from Winona State University with a degree in Physical Education. John played football for Rochester Community College and also Winona State University where his team won 2 championships. After college, he coached football in Pardeeville, track for the La Follette Lancers, football for the La Follette East Side Sharks and other sports in several other cities. John enjoyed working with kids and encouraging them to be active in sports. He had been living in Columbus Indiana and working for Wireless Advocates where he recently won a major sales award. John had many interests like cooking, fishing and football and will be remembered for his caring nature, love for coaching, easy going attitude and his infectious smile. A Memorial Mass will be held at St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Portage on Saturday, July 21, 2018, at 12:00 noon with Fr. Gary Krahenbuhl presiding. Visitation will be held at the church from 10:30 a.m. until the time of service. Inurnment will follow at St. Mary Cemetery in Portage. The Pflanz Mantey Mendrala Funeral Home in Portage is assisting the family. |