John L. Leinweber, September 28, 1945 - January 10, 2026.
John Lloyd Leinweber, a larger-than-life force, passed away on January 10, 2026, at Firefly Farm in LaPorte, Indiana, following a courageous journey with Alzheimer’s disease. He was 80 years old.
Born on September 28, 1945, in Chicago, Illinois, John grew up on the South Side where he learned early the values that would define his life: hard work, independence, ambition, and an unwavering belief that anything worth doing was worth doing big. Entirely self-made, John loved to dream, build, create, and improve, whether in business, community, or family life.
John was a proud graduate of Thornridge High School and went on to earn
his Bachelor’s degree from Northern Illinois University, where his leadership and magnetism were already evident. He served as President of the Interfraternity Council and was a proud member of Tau Kappa Epsilon. He later attended Kent Law School for two years and proudly served in the United States Army Reserves from 1968-1972.
A true entrepreneur and businessman, John’s career reflected his drive and vision. He began his career at Xerox and A. B. Dick, then began his entrepreneurial journey with Apeco in New Jersey, and went on to found American Office Equipment in 1978, which he successfully sold to Danka in 1994. Never one to slow down, John never retired. He later formed Imagine Technology Group, continuing to innovate and lead well into later life. Beyond business success, John was a philanthropist, believing deeply in giving back and supporting causes that mattered.
John lived fully and passionately. An avid competitive handball player, cyclist, golfer, and world traveler, he embraced adventure at every turn. He participated in multiple AIDS benefit bike rides during the 1990s, cycling across routes from Boston to New York City and San Francisco to Los Angeles, combining his love of physical challenge with his deep compassion for others. He loved horses, had a cowboy spirit, and spent time at places close to his heart including Firefly Farm and Briar Leaf Golf Club.
John was deeply committed to his community. He served on the boards of the Lubeznik Center, LaPorte Hospital Foundation, and Barker Mansion. His greatest community passion was the Friendship Botanic Gardens, where his vision, generosity, and enthusiasm helped cultivate beauty, connection, and growth for all.
Above all else, family was John’s greatest joy. He was married to Patricia Niemi in 1969, with whom he had three daughters. He later found enduring love with his husband James A. Laughlin, whom he was with since 1978 and married in 2013. John was the proud father of Triecia (Bobby) Roberts of La Porte, Indiana; Melissa (Isaac) Triska of Elmhurst, Illinois; and Jeanie (Jeff) Shuck of Niles, Michigan. He was a devoted grandfather to nine grandchildren (Haley, Jordan, Kayla, Zachary, Anna, Matthew, Johnny, Ellie, and Danny) a delighted great-grandfather of five (Kennedy, Fiona, Gemma, Lucas, and Olivia) each of whom brought him immense pride and joy.
John is survived by his sister Christine (Lawrence) Leugoud and many beloved nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents Lloyd and Margaret Leinweber, and sisters Gladys and Gail.
Those who knew John will remember him as energetic, charismatic, generous, loving, passionate, deeply caring, and the undeniable life of the party. He had a rare ability to make people feel seen, inspired, and welcome, often all at once. Whether through laughter, leadership, or loyalty, John left a lasting impression everywhere he went.
John lived in many places over the years, Chicago’s South Side, South Holland, Dolton, Lemont, Long Beach, LaPorte, Indiana, and Naples, Florida, but wherever he landed, he built community, friendships, and a life rich with purpose.
A Celebration of Life service will be held Saturday, January 17, 2026 at 3:00 PM at Ott/Haverstock Funeral Chapel, 418 Washington St., Michigan City, Indiana. Visitation hours will be from 12:00 PM until 3:00 PM in the Ott//Haverstock Funeral Chapel.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Friendship Botanic Gardens
at www.friendship botanic gardens.org.
To sign a guest book and leave condolences online, visit our website at
www.otthaverstock.com.
