John Rahrig McMaster

John Rahrig McMaster, 92, passed away peacefully on May 16, 2026 at Timbercrest Senior Living Community in North Manchester, IN surrounded by his loving wife of 65 years, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. John was born in Toledo, OH to Rolland Jay McMaster and Lucille Irene (Rahrig) McMaster.

John spent the majority of his childhood in Liberty Center, OH where he graduated from L.C. High School in 1951. He joined the army and served in Germany for 2 ½ years as a train commander, with an honorable discharge after 3 years of active service and 5 years in the reserves. He graduated from The Defiance College in Defiance, OH 1961 with a BS in Education. He earned his Master’s Degree in Education with honors from Purdue University in Lafayette, IN in 1969 and a membership in Kappa Delta Pi. He also received his Masters plus 30 at University of New Hampshire.

John taught as a special education teacher at Morrill School in Concord, NH and then continued his teaching career at Concord High School. His teaching career spanned over 30 years. In the summers, John worked for the New Hampshire Department of Resources at Bear Brook State Park, Ferns Hardware (when it was on North State Street), and proctored the SAT, PSAT, Bar and Real Estate exams.

In 1960, John married his college sweetheart, Roberta Foss. Together they had 4 children - Brian, Johnna, Bradley, and Heather. As the children were growing up, John was active with the Boy Scouts, little league baseball, and the YMCA Father/Daughter group. In Pembroke, John was active with the adult education program and a member of the First Congregational Church of Pembroke, where he was an usher for 12 years, on the board of trustees, stewardship committee, and world service committee.

John retired to Bonita Springs, FL in 2000. He was an avid reader and gardener, and retirement brought more time for those pleasures. He enjoyed making model airplanes, puzzles, and cooking. In 2023, John had the honor of completing an Honor Flight with his son, Bradley. He was a proud member of the American Legion.

John is survived by his loving wife, Roberta McMaster, children Brian McMaster (Lorna) of St. Stephan, Canada, Johnna Brownfield (Kelly) of Columbia, VA, Bradley McMaster (Mi-Jung) of Estero, FL, Heather Bailey (Douglas) of Silver Lake, IN; siblings Russell McMaster and Gary McMaster; grandchildren Morganna Ekkens, Rachael Ekkens, Allison Auidi (Mike), Tucker Jones (Matt), Olivia McMaster, Madelyn McMaster, Hannah Whitaker (Xzavier), and Meredith Shepherd (Marshall); and great-grandchildren Eliza Whitaker, Margaret Whitaker, and John Shepherd.

He was preceded in death by his parents, siblings Rolla Mires, Duane McMaster, and Esteline “Suzie” Kimerer.

A celebration of John's life will be held on Tuesday June 16, 2026 at the Timbercrest Chapel, 2201 East Street, North Manchester, Indiana, with calling hours from 2pm to 3pm and a funeral service at 3pm, military service to follow. John will also be celebrated with a memorial service in both New Hampshire and Florida at a later date to be announced by the family.

The family of John McMaster has entrusted McKee Mortuary with care and final arrangements.