John F. Klimke

John F.  Klimke, 89,  passed away on July 19, 2018 was born in Chicago in 1929.  He is survived by his daughter Lisa, son-in-law Dave Krzeczowski, grandchildren Jake & Hayley  and his cat, Chief.

John grew up in the Pullman Neighborhood, one of nine children born to Polish immigrants, Michael and Rose Klimke.  A graduate of Pullman Tech, of which he is part of the Alumni Association.  John was a hard-working bricklayer, 30-year Chicago firefighter and Army veteran who was married to the love of his life, Gail Gustafson, for 35 years.  He was loved like a son by his in-laws, George & Louise.  The pair had two children, Lisa & Scot A longtime resident of South Holland & Orland Park, he maintained a close group of friends his whole life.

The proud south sider and member of Chicago Fireman’s Union Local #2 served his country in World War II and The Korean War and in 2014 took part in the Honor Flight to Washington D.C.  The fond uncle to many and doting grandfather to two, loved working with his hands and built his own brick  home himself.  If he couldn’t fix something, he always had a guy, and his safety glasses were always handy. 

A fond uncle to many, John was as loyal as they come, and was loved by everyone he met.  He enjoyed his Manhattans early in life and red wine & Fannie Mae candies later.  Never far from the golf course or good friends & family, he understood their value.

In his younger years he loved playing  football for Gardner Park and summer afternoons spent with those close to him at Cedar Lake.  A dedicated member of the BPOE and Brotherhood of the Barrel and staunch fan of St. Charles East athletics & The University of Iowa & Iowa State.  John Klimke was the embodiment of the Greatest Generation, a thoughtful, caring individual that never put himself first.

Committal service and interment with full Military Honors will be held at 11:00 am, Friday, August 10, 2018 at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery, 20953 W. Hoff Road, Elwood, IL.  (Please meet at cemetery at 10:45 am.)

In lieu of flowers, memorials to Honor Flight Chicago, 9701 W. Higgins Road, Suite 310, Rosemont, Illinois 60018-4703 or EMWQ Retirees, Widows, & Children's Assistance Fund, 20 S. Clark Street, Suite 1400, Chicago, Illinois 60603 would be appreciated.

Arrangements handled by Malone Funeral Home, Geneva, 630-232-8233 or visit malonefh.com.

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