John P. Laube, 72, of Findlay, was pronounced deceased on December 12, 2024.
He was born July 30, 1952, in Wyandot County to John Eugene (Gene) and Jane (Haferd) Laube.
John was a member of Saint Michael the Archangel Catholic Church, attending Saint Michael the Archangel Catholic School into the sixth grade when the family moved to Wauseon. He graduated from Wauseon High School in 1970, and later that summer attended Blowing Green State University.
John had a passion for the automotive and motorcycle industry, starting out and working at several automotive dealers throughout his career. He matured into a young man at a special time for any car guy. In his late teens and 20’s, John and his friends drove their hopped-up muscle cars as their daily drivers and during this time of his life, there was never a dull moment. In the late 70’s, John switched to motorcycles and the fun never stopped. At Laube’s Cycle City in Findlay, he co-owned and worked alongside his younger brothers through most of the 80’s. He held the position of parts and service director for University Honda when it opened in 1989 and retired from The Thayer Automotive Group, Bowling Green in 2014.
John especially enjoyed the exotic car side of the automotive industry and all genres of the motorcycle world, especially the racing. He was also very well known in the die-cast industry, particularly for his unique custom recreations. John was a lifetime mentor to his younger brothers in the collector car hobby, instrumental in the acquisition and a partner in several high-end collector car restorations and custom builds. His friends spanned his lifetime, from his hot rod high school days to his early involvement in the collectable die-cast industry and more recently his involvement in establishing a large gathering of friends annually at the Mopar Nationals. Coined by a very close friend, John became affectionately known as “Brother John” by those that knew him in the Mopar world and with his extensive automotive knowledge and sarcastic wit, John would fast become your friend.
John is survived by his father, John E. “Gene” Laube; three brothers, Richard “Dick” (Sandy Neumeister) Laube, Denny (Jodee Philo) Laube, Dave “Weeb” (Deb) Laube, and sister, Carolyn Heitmeyer; nephews, Michael (Chrissy) Shade, and Steve (Grace) Shade; and two great-nieces.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Jane (Haferd) Laube, infant brother, Charles Daniel Laube, and brother-in-law, Mark Heitmeyer.
A private graveside service will be at a later date. HUFFORD FAMILY FUNERAL HOME, 1500 Manor Hill Rd., Findlay, (419-422-1500) has been entrusted with arrangements.
