Catlin, Illinois - Catlin, Illinois - John Calvin George Blaufuss, 91, of Catlin, Illinois passed away at 9:30 pm on Friday, September 12, 2025, at the Hawthorne Inn, Danville, Illinois.

John was born July 19, 1934, in Manitowoc, WI to Rev. Paul H. and Hedwig (Zimmerman) Blaufuss. John enjoyed his life growing up around Lake Michigan and was immensely proud of his German lineage and the Blaufuss name.

On August 18th, 1977, he married Barbara [Smith] Johnson. They became the perfect match and rarely were apart. He adored every word of hers, and their love for each other was unbreakable. They travelled often, laughed continually, were dedicated to their faith in Christ.

The span of his pharmacy career included retail drug stores, Director of Hospital pharmacy at St. Elizabeth and then United Samaritan, and Assistant, and Acting, Director of In-Patient Pharmacy Services at University of Illinois Circle Campus Hospital, Chicago, IL. His contributions also included work published in professional/academic journals and at least one book. He taught, was a member of multiple state and local pharmaceutical associations and served on various advisory panels. During his career he developed several clinical programs and innovations for the industry.

John had a quick mind, was cultured and gregarious. He was bigger than life itself. He was kind, fun, funny, and a true life-long learner. He and Barb together grew and nurtured a show-place yard, and at one time had over one hundred varieties of perennials, along with grapes, bamboo and a Japanese Koi Pond at their home on North Street in Catlin, IL. John was a performing artist, particularly enjoying choral music from classical era, and sang with choirs in Catlin, Danville and at the University of IL, Champaign-Urbana. His diverse passions also included the love of Opera, star gazing, being a wine enthusiast, expert gardener, and most of all, talking with and really listening to people.

His gift to his family and friends was in being a role model to always stay curious.

He was preceded in death by brother Paul and sister Alice. He is survived by wife Barbara, stepdaughter Tricia (Phillip) Cawthon, son John (Jocelyn), daughter Janna (Matthew) McDaniel, step-grandchildren Casey Harrison, Nigel Cawthon, and grandchildren Audrey, (Logan) Laura, Madelyn and Lillian, and step-great grandson Caiden Cawthon.

May you rest in peace, dear John. You are forever in our hearts.

A private family graveside service is being held at Jones Grove Cemetery in Catlin with Pastor Hank Sanford officiating. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the University of Illinois in John's name at https://uif.uillinois.edu/giving. Robison Chapel, Catlin, Illinois is handling the arrangements. Online condolences at www.robisonchapel.com.