John Sauriol

John P. Sauriol, 81, of Lafayette, passed away at his residence Wednesday October 5, 2022. John was born in Chicago, IL April 30, 1936, the son of the late Peter A. and Margaret M. (Dawson) Sauriol. He married Jane K. Peterson in Elkhorn, WI August 11, 1959 and she survives. John grew up on the west side of Chicago and graduated from St. Mel’s all boys Catholic high school, and there after being drafted in the US Army with the 27th Engineer Battalion at Fort Campbell, he returned home and worked for General Foods. After the late 1960’s riots burned down the area around his plant, he accepted a reassignment and he and Jane moved their four daughters to Lafayette. After GF closed their local plant, John became a residence hall manager for Purdue until retirement. John had enormous energy. He was never one to sit around and channeled that energy through his many hobbies. He grew roses, flew model airplanes and was a member of the Fly Boys Club. John was an avid photographer and had his own darkroom. He had an elaborate, multileveled train set wrapped around his game room. His grandchildren loved it when he ran al the trains for them. John loved to exercise. He and Jane went to the gym six days a week and referred to it as their part time job. His main passion, however, was travel. John had a passion for the Southwest and collecting western and Native American art. He and Jane also loved traveling throughout Europe. John also had an adventurous spirit. He went hot air ballooning, white water rafting, and had a 200 mph Indy car experience. A romantic at heart, he and Jane exchanged countless love letters through out their 63 years of marriage. John and Jane were parishioners of St. Mary Cathedral for over 50 years, and as simple witness to his faith, he remained an honorable and loving family man his entire life. Surviving with his wife Jane, are four daughters, Debra Schwartz (Larry) of Clive, IA; Dawn Gale (Peter) of Abilene, TX; Sally Fenoglio (Lou) of Lafayette, IN; and Elizabeth Sauriol (Herb Rackliff) of Eagle, CO; a sister, Mary Sauriol of Lisle, IL along with 7 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by a brother, Joseph Sauriol and a sister, Patricia Widick. Friends may call at St. Mary’s Cathedral from 10:00 AM until the Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 AM Friday October 14, with interment to follow in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Fr. Dennis O’Keeffe officiating. Memorial contributions may be directed to Caregiver Companion. Hahn-Groeber Funeral Home, Lafayette is honored to serve the Sauriol family. Please leave memories and condolences at www.hahngroeberfuneralhome.com