In the early morning on April 24, 2016, John W. Soltermann lost his hard fought battle with cancer at the age of 46. John was born April 23, 1970, to Werner Warren Soltermann and Phyllis Ann (Hudson) Morgan, who are both deceased. He was also preceded in death by his sister, Juanita Denbo.

He is survived by sister, Charlotte Koterba of Carmi, Ill., brother, Gary Soltermann of Springerton Ill., sister, Betty Jean Ritch of Carmi, sister, Eva Lynn (Bob) Doan of Clinton, brother, Allan Soltermann (Karen Mikesell) of Rockville; and uncle, John Hudson of Crawfordsville. He also left behind 20 beloved nieces and nephews; two cousins, as well as numerous great-nieces and great-nephews. John is also survived by his four-legged companion, Teddy.

John attended Rockville High School and graduated with honors in 1988. Following that he went to Indiana State University and received his bachelor's degree in nursing in 1992.

He left behind a legacy of compassion and nursing excellence. He had dedicated his life to being a cardiac critical care nurse. In 1990, John started his nursing career at Clinton Hospital. From there John went to Wishard Hospital of Indianapolis in 1993. In 2000, John returned to the Wabash Valley to work at Union Hospital. During his 16 years at Union Hospital he received the employee of the year award three times and was a house supervisor for two years. John was considered by many of his colleagues to be one of the most intelligent and gifted nurses in the Critical Care Unit. John also taught basic life support, advanced cardiac life support, and 12 lead EKG classes to many of the nursing and health care professionals of the Wabash Valley. He also co-wrote the orientation program for open heart surgery nurses and precepted many nursing students as well as incoming nurses. John was also a member of the Wabash Valley chapter of the American Association of Critical Care Nurses and an ordained minister. The staff of the Critical Care Unit of Union Hospital will feel the void left by John's departure for years to come.

John's compassionate soul affected the lives of each and every relative, friend, and patient. The number of lives that John impacted is countless and will continue to grow with the knowledge that he has passed on to others. John dedicated his life to saving others. So to honor and continue John's legacy, the family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations be made in the name of John Soltermann to the American Heart Association, 6100 W. 96th St., Suite 200, Indianapolis, IN 46278; or the Kidney Cancer Foundation, PO Box 3516, Oak Brook, IL 60522-3516.

Services will be 11 a.m. Friday, April 29, 2016, at Gooch Funeral Home, with Jacob Lee officiating. Burial will follow at Mount Olivet Cemetery in Catlin. Visitation is 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday, April 28, 2016. Friends may sign an online guest register at:

www.goochfuneralhome.com