John S Drinka

John S Drinka Jr, 95, passed away after a short illness on January 19. John was born August 26, 1930 to John Drinka Sr and Bernice (nee Trusky) Drinka. He used to love to tell the story of how he ‘didn’t cost anything’. His grandmother worked at the county hospital where he was born, so his parents were not charged for the hospital stay.

John grew up in North Chicago/Waukegan. He loved to tell stories of his youth! Riding the bus all day long on weekends. Going to the matinees on Saturday and paying a nickle to get in. Going to Riverview amusement park with the Waukegan park district. Skating in the ravine when it froze over. He won a city championship for best marble player when he was in grade school. One of his first ‘jobs’ was as a pin setter at the local bowling alley when he was about 12 years old.

John had a job during high school at the roller rink, helping with the rental skates. It was at the roller rink that he met Joanne Switzer whom he dated and later married on October 28, 1950. Together they had four children: Wayne, Dianne (O’Brochta), Steve and Donna. John attended McAlister grade school and Waukegan Township High school.

John had various jobs in his teens and early 20’s. He learned to be a printer at Waukegan Township High school. He was proficient in being a type setter but also knew how to run almost every machine in the print shop. After he was married he worked at the Waukegan News-Sun as a type setter and in the Ad department and later in the Camera Room. He retired from the News-Sun in 1992.

John attended St Joseph Catholic church. He was active in the boy scouts with his two sons. Later in life he made lifelong friends at the YMCA and the Field House. John and Joanne were long time members of St Dismas Catholic Church. John purchased a 1965 Corvette Stingray in 1973 and soon after they became members of the Lake County Corvette Club. Sadly, Joanne passed away Dec 15, 2024. They were married 74 years.

John is preceded in death by his wife Joanne, his parents, John and Bernice, his two brothers and sisters-in-law, Richard and Minerva (Mickie), and Joseph (Donnie) and Rosemary.

John is survived by his children: Wayne, Dianne O’Brochta, Steve (Vicki) and Donna. Grandchildren: Michael Drinka (Katie), Kristin Drinka, Jacqueline Perez (Dave), Theodore (TJ) O’Brochta (Amber Streitz), Robert O’Brochta, Stephanie Rizov (Martin), Kathryn Holstine (Nicholas), Steve Drinka. Great-grandchildren: Blake Drinka, Brady Drinka, Adam O’Brochta, Henry O’Brochta, Thomas O’Brochta, Graeson Perez, Elena Perez, Camille Holstine, Paige Rizov.

The children have planned a private, family only service.