- Date Of Birth: September 28, 1935
- Date Of Death: February 11, 2018
- State: Illinois
John “Jack” Jankovec of Lanark, IL died peacefully at home, surrounded by family on February 11, 2018 at the age of 82. Jack is survived by his beloved wife of 61 years, Joyce; his son Dan and wife Laurie of Streamwood, IL; his daughter Sandy of Geneva, IL; his son Mike of Ely, MN; six loving grandchildren James, Joe, Katie, Jeana, John and Hannah; four great-grandchildren Ryan, Leo, Eva and Emily; Sister-in-law Jennie Fanella; many nieces and nephews and his best fur-friend, Sandy the dog.
Jack was born on September 28, 1935. He and his sister Beverly were raised by their mother Norma in Wisconsin and later moved to Chicago. His life truly began in 1953 when he met the love of his life, Joyce, at the North Ave Roller Skating rink in Melrose Park. They married on June 16, 1956 and raised their three children in Joyce’s childhood home at 1606 N 16th in Melrose Park, IL. When he wasn’t working, Jack was out in his garage. He loved cars and he took pride in restoring old cars and keeping his new cars in mint condition.
After over 40 years as an industrial mechanic at White Cap in Chicago, IL, Jack traded in his uniform for his signature retired look; a John Deere hat and a shirt with a front pocket that always had a pen in it. He enjoyed his retirement at his lakefront property in Lake Carroll and later at his farm in Lanark, IL. A true outdoors-man, Jack enjoyed fishing, hunting and driving his tractor. He loved working with his hands; there was nothing that “Big Jack” couldn’t build or fix.
Authentic as they come, he was “Big Jack” through and through, no excuses or apologies. He had the biggest heart and there was nothing he wouldn’t do for his family and friends. He will be truly missed by all who knew him.
