John M. McKiernan, born in Evanston, IL, formerly of Sacramento, CA and Elmhurst, IL; preceded in death by his loving wife Jean of 45 years; loving father of Michael (Catherine), Jennifer (Chris) Lindberg, Katharine (Brian) Mendenhall and Ted (Elizabeth); proud grandfather of Isobel, Seán, Conor, Lucas, Emma, Audrey, Eleanor, Patrick, Ryan and Shea; dear brother of Joseph McKiernan (Sue), Mary Kennedy (Tom) and Bob McKiernan (Linda); fond uncle of many nieces and nephews. John was a proud alumnus of Marquette University. It was there that he met his wife Jean and the great adventure began. John joined the Navy and proudly served two tours in Vietnam aboard the aircraft carrier USS Oriskany before retiring as a lieutenant in 1972 to raise an amazing family and eventually settling in Elmhurst, IL. John was widely known as a wonderful father to his four children, and an even better grandfather to his grandchildren. Grateful to him for never missing one sporting event or school activity are his sons and daughters. John was a man who would give you the shirt off his back, presuming you wanted to wear something even Tom Selleck would think twice about. His children want everyone to remember his infectious laughter, love of a good road trip, and inability to turn down yet one more cat or dog. Visitation Saturday, Jan. 15, 2022, 10:00 a.m. until time of funeral service 12:00 p.m. at Gibbons Funeral Home, 134 South York Road, (½ mile North of Saint Charles Road), Elmhurst. Interment Private. Live Stream of funeral service available through the funeral home website. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Porter County Animal Shelter, 3355 Bertholet Boulevard, Valparaiso, Indiana 46383. For funeral information please call 630-832-0018 or www.gibbonsfuneralhome.com.
Deb Lorenz
To the McKiernan family. I am sorry for your loss, but grateful you had so many years with a remarkable man.
Ted McKiernan
Thank you Deb!
Lea Monahan
So sorry for your loss! John was the most generous, fun loving person I’ve known. He rarely had a bad word for anybody. He’ll be missed by all.
Tory Leary
My heartfelt sympathy to you,Ted, Jennifer & your entire extended family. May the many special memories that you hold in your heart & share with each other help you through this difficult time. Your father’s love of family will live on in all of you.
My Deepest Sympathy,
Tory
Nicola Wall
Sending you all love today. Nicola and Brigid – Galway, ireland
Annie and Ade Trenaman
To our treasured pals Mike and Catherine, Jenny, Kitty and Ted our heartfelt condolences to each of you on your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers. May his gentle heart now rest in peace. Annie Ade and family Dublin xx
Tom Undine
Uncle John was the best. He was kind, generous, and fun. Sending love and care to everybody.
Ross Telson
I only knew John as my neighbor for about a year but I enjoyed his stories and valued his friendship as well as the ongoing friendship of John’s surviving companion of 6 years, Marlyn “Meg” Weil, and several of John’s family members whom I met and enjoyed either during their visits to John & Meg in Florida or at John & Meg’s commitment ceremony in Chicago this past July. My condolences to all who share the sadness of John’s passing and celebration of his life.
Meg Weil
So sorry for your loss. John was a fabulous man. I will cherish the time that I was fortunate enough to know him and remember him always with love.
Meg
Fiona Smith
To all the McKiernans,
So sorry for the loss of your wonderful Dad,Grandad,brother,Uncle and friend.
All our love,
Fiona Micheàl,Aoileann and Emmet x