John Stuckert

John L. Stuckert, dad to his children, g-pa to his grandchildren, and 2g-pa to his great grandchildren was an extraordinary man

Not in the sense of the worlds accomplishments, for that he was a loyal employee of over 44 years to the same company. He did not cure cancer, he did not tame lions, he never conquered Everest or hiked the Oregon trail. He never skydived, scuba dived or prospected for gold and treasure.
These things did not interest him.

He was a self taught machinist who rose through the ranks of his company to become Vice President of Manufacturing. He believed in hard work and integrity with a never quit, never surrender demeanor.

He was tough when times needed but gentle in heart. He loved to learn and to teach others. He was a serious man but could also be funny and goofy. He was Old School but with an open mind to new ideas. He had five children, eleven grandchildren and seven great grandchildren.

He was always making something, a table a chair or a desk. Working on a car, a motor, fixing the washing machine or taking apart an appliance to see how it worked. We would ask him why he didn’t just pay someone and he would always reply; “well money doesn’t grow on trees you know”.

He loved his family and his door was always open to anyone in need. He helped friends, neighbors and strangers without asking or expecting anything in return. After he lost his wife Jeanette, his grandchildren became his priority. Graduations, weddings, special occasions, Dad was always there for them.

In his last few years he battled Alzheimer’s but kept his sense of humor saying; “it’s not easy being me” and “I’m just another old fart taking up space in the universe”.

So in the worlds view he wasn’t rich and he wasn’t famous. But to all who knew him he was “the richest man in town”. He had love enough to share for everyone he interacted with and for that we are all richer for having known this extraordinary man. Rest easy Dad, your race is run. Up in heaven now you’ll have great fun. Lift a glass and spread some cheer for our father may be gone but he is always near.

A celebration of a life well lived will be held at a later date when it is safe for large groups to gather and celebrate John's life the way a great life should be honored and remembered.

The family would appreciate any donations be made in their father's honor to either the Alzheimer's Association 225 N. Michigan Ave., Fl. 17, Chicago, IL 60601 or the American Heart Association 300 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 1200 Chicago, Illinois 60606 would be appreciated.