John Michael “Goose” Madeja died peacefully in his home, surrounded by family, on October 2nd in Fishers, Indiana at the age of 52 after an 8+ year journey with cancer.

John is survived by his wife, Kristin (Nicoson) Madeja; his parents, John Francis and Susan Madeja of Mentor, Ohio; brother Mark (Mary) Madeja and their children, of Painesville, Ohio. He is preceded in death by his grandparents, Donald and Janet Janashak of Bedford, Ohio and Casper and Mary Bellar of Bedford, Ohio.

John was born on April 13, 1971, in Warrensville Heights, Ohio to John and Sue. He graduated from Kent State University in 1995 with a degree in Elementary Education. He worked for Finast Grocery Stores in Lake County and Akron, Ohio during high school and college also he was a substitute teacher in Summit County, Ohio. In 1997, he joined Campus Crusade for Christ (Cru) as a full-time Christian missionary and served at Eastern Michigan University. After marrying Kristin in 2000, they moved to Indianapolis to work at Cru’s regional headquarters. John served God faithfully in many roles during his 18 years of ministry through leading, coaching, training, and advising. He also worked at Cabela’s as Training Manager. In 2018, he became a Certified Life Coach. While John never launched an official practice because his cancer recurred repeatedly, he often coached his friends, family, and the people he met.

During his journey with cancer, he endured multiple surgeries, radiation, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy treatments, along with the amputation of his right leg. John was known for his unwavering positivity, even during difficult circumstances. He cared deeply about others — always wanting to know them more. He made time to ask questions, go deep into conversations, and listen well. Through all the challenges, he believed and loved God deeply. He prayed faithfully for the people in his life.

John was passionate about everything! He had strong opinions and loved to share ideas. He loved music like Rush, Pearl Jam, Led Zeppelin and hundreds of others. He enjoyed attending live concerts and when he couldn’t attend, he collected 100s of digital concerts and vinyl albums. He enjoyed playing strategy board games with his wife and friends, and pinochle with his family. He was learning to cook and loved to watch cooking shows on TV. He loved baseball and visited 19 stadiums. He also played fantasy baseball with friends for 13 years. He was an involved partner at Crosspoint Church.

A memorial service is scheduled for Saturday, October 21st at Crosspoint Church, Fishers. All are welcome to attend and celebrate John’s life and legacy. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to your favorite charity in John’s name. Condolences can be shared at https://www.caringbridge.org/visit/kristinmadeja. The family would like to thank his doctors: Dr. Armstrong, Dr. Rushing, Dr. Rougraff, Dr. Leagre, and Dr. Einhorn for over 16 years of care as well as the IU hospital and IU hospice team for his last month of care.

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