John R Liljeberg

Of Arlington Heights

John Robert Liljeberg, more commonly known as Jack, born on January 12, 1932, was the son of the late Hjalmer and Mary Liljeberg. He was the younger brother of the late Howard Liljeberg and Lois Liljeberg and twin brother of Richard Liljeberg. He was married to his loving wife, the late Mary Ann Liljeberg, for 67 years.

He is survived by his four children: Pamela (Richard) Kobler, Susan (Paul) Thoms, Jeffrey (Ellen) Liljeberg and Julie Liljeberg; his grandchildren Jim (Tara) Bachelder, Jacob Kobler, Kelsey (Sam) Rabuck and Lucas Kobler, Rachel and Melanie Thoms and Jack and Kelly Liljeberg; as well as his loving extended family members.

Jack earned his Bachelors and Masters degrees at Western Illinois University in Macomb, Illinois. In Macomb, he taught Social Sciences and Physical Education, met and married Mary Ann Kiesig and had three children; Pamela, Susan and son Jeffrey. After accepting a teaching position at Wheeling High School, he and his family moved to Arlington Heights, Illinois and then had another daughter, Julie.

After settling in Arlington Heights, Jack’s main focus was providing for his family. He taught U.S. History and Physical Education and became the Varsity head football coach. Both he and Mary Ann were also heavily involved in all their children’s activities. They loved to travel and were able to take their kids to all the places they dreamed of going like Disney World and Disneyland, cross country trips to California and various beach vacations. To be able to afford these vacations, Jack took on several additional jobs such as coaching football, wrestling and golf as well as Drivers Education.

As a result of their hard work ethic, Jack and Mary Ann were able to retire at the age of 55. During their retirement years, they spent time traveling to Arizona every spring, tailgating at University of Illinois football games with friends, and following their youngest daughter to her various softball tournaments throughout the United States. Jack loved all things sports, especially golf, which he would play whenever he got the chance. If he wasn’t participating in sports, he was coaching or watching them. Gardening was also a passion of his and he spent many hours taking care of the yard and planting flowers and vegetables.

Jack was a family man. When his kids grew up and had their own children, he would always be in attendance at his grandchildren’s birthday parties, dance recitals, musical performances, plays, and many sporting events.

After living a long life filled with love and laughter, Jack passed away at the age of 91 on December 17th, 2023. Visitation is Wednesday, December 27, 2023 at Glueckert Funeral Home Ltd, 1520 N. Arlington Hts. Rd, Arlington Hts. from 11:00 AM until 1:00 PM. Service will follow from 1:00 PM to 1:30 PM. Interment immediately follows at St John’s UCC Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to PAWS Chicago or Paralyzed Veterans of America. See links below for more information.

Funeral Information and condolences can be given at www.GlueckertFuneralHome.com or (847) 253-0168.