John A. "Jack" Rodibaugh Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

John A. “Jack” Rodibaugh, 91, of rural Rensselaer, Indiana passed away on Sunday, September 18, 2016 at the Rensselaer Care Center. Jack, the third of seven children, was born June 19, 1925 in a home without electricity or running water in New Augusta, Indiana to Charles Allen and Kathryn Marietta Rodibaugh. The family moved to 15 acres near Jolietville in 1932. Jack attended schools near Fortville and in Jolietville, and then Westfield, where he graduated from high school in 1943. Jack loved basketball and was proud of his team’s county championship. In 1935 he showed his first pig in 4-H, a Poland China gilt, and this kindled a life-long passion for breeding, showing and selling pigs. After graduation Jack entered the U.S. Navy for 3 years, and then attended Purdue University on the GI Bill, and graduated in 1950 from Purdue with a degree in animal husbandry. At Purdue, he was a member of Alpha Gamma Rho fraternity. The best decision Jack ever made was to ask Clara Emily Rigsbee to marry him. They were married July 30, 1950 in Rushville, Indiana and this inseparable “team” shared 66 years together developing a legacy of faith, family and farming. As a result of relationships developed at Purdue, Jack had an opportunity to partner with Bob Parkison in Rensselaer to farm and raise purebred Chester White hogs. Jack’s vision, leadership and hard work resulted in expansion of the swine breeding business to 4 different pure breeds and the idea to utilize crossbreeding. His Chicago International Livestock Exposition, Grand Champion barrow in 1969, “Jasper”, became internationally known, and the subject of an educational movie heralding the advent of “meat-type” hogs. Jack’s skill in breeding pigs was widely recognized, resulting in his judging exhibitions in 22 states and Canada. He shared his success with charitable contributions to his church, Purdue University, fraternity, family members, and the community. Jack also gave of his time to numerous organizations and was a leader in helping his church, the Indiana Pork producers, purebred swine associations and the Rensselaer school system adapt to change. He was the recipient of numerous recognitions by the swine industry, agriculture and education. One recognition for which he was most proud was that of having his portrait hung in the Saddle & Sirloin Club Hall of Fame in 2007. Jack was a Purdue sports enthusiast, an avid fisherman, consummate storyteller, practical jokester, and constant “teaser”. Jack is survived by his wife, Emily and children David (Danita) of Rensselaer, Max (Carol) of Frankfort, James “Jim” (Teri) of Rensselaer, Betsy Keffaber (Kerry) of Fishers, Peggy Goodman (Rick) of Rensselaer, John (Debbie) of Rensselaer, and Stephen (Shannon) of Rensselaer, 28 grandchildren and 32 great-grandchildren. Also surviving are sisters Mary Margaret Fox, and Joanne Reed. Jack was preceded in death by his parents and siblings Allen, Kathryn, Barbara Lou Paxton and Robert “Bob”, and brothers-in-law Philip White, Albert Rigsbee and Frank “Rany” Fox. Memorial contributions may be made to Trinity United Methodist Church in Rensselaer, the Rensselaer Schools Student Care Fund, or to the Purdue Foundation for the Livestock Judging Team. Contributions can be mailed c/o Jackson Funeral Chapel, P.O. Box 70, Rensselaer, IN 47978. Burial with Military Honors will follow at Memory Gardens Rensselaer, IN. Thank you to all who have given wonderful support and care to Jack over the past few years. Most that knew Jack know that he liked to offer advice and in his own words: “Practice your faith, Your spouse in life is your most important decision, Never quit learning, and Seek balance in life and all that you do.”

John A. "Jack" Rodibaugh

June 19, 1925 - September 18, 2016