My heart is heavy for you, Amy, and family. My thoughts and prayers are with you. What a remarkable life story told here in the obituary. Love and peace to you.

So sorry to hear.  Thoughts and prayers with you Amy, Becky, Ben and all family.  What a wonderful man he was.

Dear Amy and family,May God's comfort, compassion, peace, grace and Love hold you up in the days ahead. I will be praying tomorrow and after... for all who loved John so...such contributions he made to so many people in this life, thru his profession and caring heart as a husband and Father and servant of the Lord. I love you Cousin, forever!

Dear Amy, Becky, Ben, Jenn and Mrs. Welzenbach, I send my most heartfelt condolences to each of you. You and all of John's devoted family members have been in my thoughts and prayers since hearing of John's passing. I did not know of all John's contributions to his church, his faith, photography, auto racing, and charities, nor all of the awards he received in his too short lifetime. He must have been excellent at time management to do all that he has done and to affect so many lives in such a positive way before reaching 65.  I was in school with John for two years-at Emerson Junior High. We were in the same homeroom. We were good friends. All of us knew within the first weeks in Mrs. Nickerson's class that John was brilliant. Classmates know when one among them never writes a bad paper, answers a social studies question wrong, or never has trouble understanding a math problem, a science lesson or speaking French.  But he was very likeable and fun.  He and Bill Alzos were a great team-I even liked their garage band.The last time I saw John was ten years ago at our 40th Emerson reunion. I was lucky to sit next to him at dinner. He consented to take our class picture before the evening ended. I am glad he got to see so many of his Maine East and Maine South junior high friends.Amy, May heartfelt thoughts bring you comfort and loving memories bring you peace.                                                          With deepest sympathy, Judy Low

Amy, I first met John when I was 8 years old and Mary had his change table in my bedroom. So I have witnessed his remarkable like from his birth to his death. He was such a tremendous person that I can't find a word big enough or strong enough to express what a wonderful impact he had on his family, friends, and fellow photo enthusiasts. I had some wonderful conversations with John and will miss those opportunities. He had such a great perspective on life and lived his too short life to the fullest. Amy, I hope that you know that Barb and I will always be there when ever you need us. We are only a phone call or a short drive away. Family is always family and we are with you now and forever. John was kind enough to send me many of the photos he shot and I have kept them on my computer have looked at them many times. I will continue to do so to keep John with me until I see him again in his new heavenly home. God has promised us everlasting life, and John is now experiencing that loving promise.Love from Barb & Dan

John, as a fellow commercial photographer in the Advertising world was always open to sharing his knowledge in the field, and a leader and support in the two biggest organizations for photographers in Chicago ASMP and APA.  In a highly competitive field he brought many of us in the community together.  That speaks highly of what a wonderful human being he was!  Years before I was fortunate enough to know John through my own experiences in the business.  My husband, Bob Andrus, who happened to be an art director at JWT at the time, hired John for many photo shoots, they traveled South several times together to shoot outdoors, esp. in the winter.  I went on one of his shoots in his Chicago studio to witness John put twin babies to sleep to get the perfect shot of the babies for Sears infant clothing.  He had the patience of a saint, darkening the room, playing soft lullaby music and waiting what seemed like hours for them both to fall into slumber at the same time, one kept waking up the other, while the rest of the crew and creative team, about fell asleep.  He knew that would be the winning shot and it was.  As a new kid on the block, John hired me to assist with him several times.  Once we chased Arnold Palmer across the greens at a PGA tournament, I followed John in the golf cart to bring him his back up gear and reload equipment.  One of the men in the tournament was distracted by my driving too close, but John and Arnold were cool and we all had Ice tea together after.  John was fun, intelligent  and had great wit about him.  He is a legend!  May God Bless you all.

When you worked with John, it did not take long for him to make you feel like family. He was a joy to work with and a true joy to know. My heart goes out to his family and the many close friends that will miss him so

A man who traveled the world to find the ultimate face to capture - was indeed, that very unique portrait himself - always.

Our hearts are so sad for your family.  Our love and prayers go out to all of you and we will continue to keep you in our prayers in the difficult days ahead.  May the happy memories of him always make you smile. Love,Steve, Annette and Ian Dunlap

It was a snowy February Day in Chicago when I trudged through dirty snow banks on side streets off Michigan Avenue with my biggest client to spend more money than they'd ever spent on a photo shoot.  A new Art Director (who later became my business partner) at the ad agency I worked for had hired another "someone new" to shoot a creative shot of a minicomputer that looked like a boring big black and silver desk that had been delivered to this new photo studio only the day before.  Walking up several flights of stairs in the loft brick building, my client was nervous about his very expensive equipment having been delivered in what was then a transition neighborhood.  We became more nervous when John (still in his early twenties) walked up wearing jeans, a well worn T-shirt and sneakers announcing he was the photographer.  I grabbed the new art director (Dan Estes) and took him into the staircase and said...this guy looks like he's 12...are you sure he can do this job? He smiled and told me not to worry.  In the next four hours playing with a literal rainbow of lighting, John and Dan created an amazing shot of one of the first downsized computers to be introduced to the U.S. market. The photo ran in business books and media throughout the country and became one of the "best new business product introductions" of the year according to the Wall Street Journal. This is only one of many memorable and wonderful creative collaborations and fun times.  Dan left this earth five years ago and now he and John are collaborating and creating at a much higher level together.  Amy, only because I have gone through this myself, can I imagine your pain.  I feel blessed to have known, worked with and loved these incredible men.God Bless YOU in this time of grieving and give you the strength to remember John with happy tears.

As one of the many in the Campus Life circles John traveled in during the 70's, I considered it a privilege to know him. He was what I would call an easy friend, great company, steady character. We talked at one point about doing a photo shoot at Starved Rock State Park that never came together (to my regrets). Though we've been out of touch for many years, the impression John left on my life, particularly as a disciple of Jesus Christ, has been lasting. I've always missed him...and will continue to do so. My prayers are with you, Amy.

Although we graduated in the same class at Maine South High School, I didn't get to know John until after high school.  John always struck me as an even-keeled individual and his faith and character were an example to all who knew him!  I am grateful that the same promise Jesus gave his disciples in the Upper Room about his preparing a place for us in heaven is ours as well in faith.  John has that place right now mentioned in the Gospel of John 14:1-3.  It wouldn't surprise me if there had been a photo-op when he arrived!!

Amy and family,  I am so sorry to hear of John's passing.  At Maine South he was our leader - always positive, happy and full of life.  Lots of fun memories and times.  He was a friend to all and I'm sure his life has been an amazing one.  My condolences to you all.

I am so sorry for your loss. I will be keeping your family in my thoughts and prayers in the months to come. Keddie Weil

Amy,What great memories I have of John and our time together: Maine South, Campus Life, U of M, Silver Birch Ranch, your wedding, and beyond. I remember meeting him when he was running for Student Body President and reading his response card after Leadership Breakfast, which led to many discussions about life and faith. I remember his seminars and amazing photography and his patient love for you (and visiting you at camp one summer). What a shock to hear of his passing. Please know that our prayers are with you and your family, and hold on to Romans 8:38-39.Dave and Gail

Amy, John was instrumental in my learning of the love of God... and how he loved you!

Such a shock to learn John had left this world for a better one, such a gift to know that is where you will see him again. I was blessed to have worked with John so often through the years, from one studio location to the next in Chicago, and ending up in Arlington Heights. Table top, hand shots, glamour shots, real people, family photos, PSA for sexual trafficking, John made every image memorable, brought out the best and made you feel an integral part of every project.  Photographer, friend, man of family and faith, and always with a twinkle in his eye. John, you will be mightily missed. Amy, my heart aches for you and Becky and Ben. I hope in time you are comforted by the many hearts and lives he touched, and the images he left behind to help the memories live on forever. Love, Francine

Amy & family, I am sorry to have learned of John's passing! It has been many, many years since we've seen one another but I have very fond memories of you and John back in the day. I was always very fond of him and you. I'm so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Hugs! Laury Tuke Morrison

Becky and Family,Our thoughts are with you during this sad time. It seems like only yesterday that John was taking pictures at our home for 1 of the big Proms  for Becky and my daughter Lisa. I enjoyed talking to John and have always greatly admired the entire family.Tom Dahlquist

So many years ago I met you at ISU to go work at at Camp Ernst in KY.  Later on I met your husband he was a perfect match for you. I will pray for the Lord comfort to  your family.  He will be missed.  But we have the hope you will see him in Heaven. Love you guys,

I am so sorry for your loss. I will be thinking of you all in the days to come. I will hope that good memories can bring you peace at this time and in the future.

So sorry to hear of John's passing. I still remember his portrayal ofLuther Billis in South Pacific at Maine South H.S.    He was terrific.Wishing your family strength and peace at this time.

John was my mentor, my friend, and like a brother to me. Always in my heart. Amy, wishing you & your family comfort & peace.

Yesterday I was saddened and shocked to learn of John's death. We had talked about a photo project in early March which he planned to start after returning from Mexico. John was an exceptional photographer and human being. I always enjoyed discussing photography with John which included some philosophy, life experiences. John shared his extensive knowledge of photography. I published a photography magazine, Photo Technique, to which John contributed many articles and ideas. I asked John to make a presentation about photographing motion for the photo group at the Union League Club which was well received and attended. When we exhibited at the Photo Expo Midwest in the early 1990s John was kind enough to provide 12 photos for display in our booth. Over two decades John worked on product photos for our catalogs, promotional materials for our scientific equipment division. I will miss John! My sincere condolences to Amy and John's family.

Amy, Becky and Ben---I couldn't believe my eyes reading about John's passing. He was a wonderful man. Remembering the gatherings at your home, his photo shoots at our home (a big deal with the van and crew) with fondness. So very sorry for your loss and know that we are thinking of you during this very difficult time. With love,  Beth and Hutch

Many fond memories of John during our years at Maine South. Deepest sympathy to his family. John brought a smile to many faces.Bea Hapeman Flanagan

I just heard this very sad news moments ago. John was a friend and respected client at our Ross-Ehlert Photo Labs for two decades. We shared a passion for auto racing and motorcycles. In the past couple of years, I had the pleasure of working with John again to photograph one of our frozen food products. I offer my most sincere condolences to his family.

Amy, I am sorry for your loss.  My deepest sympathies to you and your family.

We find there are no words. Our hearts ache for you and all our love goes out to you. Art & Janet

I have very fond memories of this man. He always had a sparkle in his eye, a kind voice and incredibly supportive! He made a mark in my world in my early Chicago career. Such a loss - prayers go out to his family.

So saddened by this news.  John was well known and liked by many at Maine South.  His name has come to mind often over the years.  And his photographic work is so impressive.  My heartfelt condolences go out to you and the family. Cindy Grawin Loison

OBITUARIO

John F. Welzenbach Jr.

26 enero, 1952 – 28 abril, 2016

Glueckert Funeral Home

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