1956-2026
John G. Aler (“Big John”), 69, of Bellefontaine, passed away surrounded by family on Monday, March 23, 2026, at his residence.
He was born in Bellefontaine, Ohio, on October 6, 1956, the son of the late John Fred and Sarah Maxine (Stayrook) Aler and nephew of the late Lemert and Thora Aler.
On March 17, 1979, he married Sandra K. "Sandy" (McDonald) Aler and she survives along with their two sons, Greg (Fernanda) Aler and Kyle (Jordann) Aler, five grandchildren, Lillian Aler, Lola Aler, Louie Aler, Graden Aler, and Garrison Aler, a sister, Julie Shoemaker, and numerous brothers and sisters-in-law, aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews.
John was a 1975 graduate of Bellefontaine High School, worked in construction and then joined Honda of America in 1983, where he spent 30 years until he retired. John was a member of St. Patrick Catholic Church, Bellefontaine and served two terms on Bellefontaine City Council.
When his sons were younger, he was involved in youth sports, including the start-up of Bellefontaine Youth Football (Little Chiefs). Big John loved watching his sons and grandkids grow up playing sports and could always be found proudly standing on the sidelines. He spent endless hours with friends and family laughing and entertaining at the Aler Cottage on Indian Lake, and at his famous RV tailgates in a Buckeye parking lot. John could always be found at a local coffee shop with a buddy or at his work barn, working (or piddling) on a special project like a cornhole board, toy for the grandkids or a deer stand. He enjoyed his annual trip to Florida and all the other adventures around the world he took with Sandy. But most of all, John cherished the times that simply brought his entire family together under one roof.
Big John will be remembered for his infamous chuckle, unmatched work ethic, loyalty to his loved ones, and that big sincere smile he shared with the world every time you ran across him in a crowd.
Father Shawn Landenwitch will celebrate a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00am on Saturday, March 28, 2026, at St. Patrick Catholic Church, 316 E. Patterson Ave., Bellefontaine, Ohio 43311. Friends and family may call on Friday, March 27, 2026, from 4 to 7 pm at the Eichholtz & Daring Funeral Home & Cremation Center, 321 N. Main St., Bellefontaine, Ohio. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery, Bellefontaine.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Patrick Catholic Church-BUILDING FUND, 321 E. Patterson Avenue, Bellefontaine, Ohio 43311, or to the Compassus Hospice, 545 W. Market Street, Suite 200, Lima, OH 45801.
EICHHOLTZ & DARING FUNERAL HOME, & CREMATION CENTER, BELLEFONTAINE, is honored to serve the Aler family and encourages anyone to share a fond memory or message of condolence at www.eichholtzdaring.com
