John Ramon Castaneda

John Ramon Castaneda, 72, of Goshen, died on Wednesday, March 11, 2026.

He was born on June 23, 1953, in Columbia City, Indiana, to Ignacio and Maria Cleotilda Hernandez Castaneda. On April 24, 1977, he married September Ray in Millersburg, Indiana.

John worked as a chef at many restaurants throughout his life and was known for his love of cooking and baking. He worked at the Elkhart Moose for 13 years as well as Crimaldi’s for over 21 years. In his free time, he enjoyed fishing, baking cookies, attending estate sales, and photography—especially capturing scenes in nature. He was also the winner of the Elkhart Truth Mystery Burger Contest.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Danny Castaneda and José Castaneda; sister, Maria Castaneda; and brothers-in-law, Don Gouker and Gale Kidd.

Along with his wife, September, John is survived by his son, Shawn (Jennifer) Castaneda; granddaughter, Ryleigh Castaneda; sisters, Maria G. Castaneda, Veronica Gouker, Chelo Kidd, and Menerva (Art) Rosales; and brothers, John (Dee) Espinoza, Rudy Espinoza, and Joe Espinoza.

A life celebration will be held 11 a.m., Saturday, March 28 at Clearview United Brethren Church, 67622 US 33, Goshen, IN 46526

Memorial donations may be directed to; American Diabetes Association">https://American Diabetes Association.