It has been said that time moves in one direction, and memory in another. My sincere prayer is that the many memories of John's smile, his sense of humor, his family loyalty, and his active life may prove potent balms in the face of marching time. I loved my Uncle John. I recall working with him on his second home near Chicago, scraping windows or painting the kitchen. I remember one particular afternoon helping him remove an old water bed from the upstairs bedroom of the property - that was a humorous but difficult job. He always succeeded in making me smile with his corny jokes and chatty nature. We sometimes called him "sister John," because of how talkative he was. What can you expect, growing up in a home full of women (he had six sisters)? I can see him sitting in our living room surrounded by other family, talking and laughing on a glowing Christmas night. Regardless of the memory, John will always remain loved. May God bless those who mourn his passing, and draw their hearts to Jesus Christ - the gift of God in the face of our despair and hopelessness. 

John was a very special friend from both St. John Garden Club, but also for many years before that from the Chicago Computer Club.  I was planning to be back in Indiana in the Spring and I was looking forward to seeing him again.  My very sincere condolences go out to Sharon and the rest of his family. It's always VERY sad to lose anyone as nice as John!

Shelley, I know how much you loved your dad and I’m so sorry to hear this.   Know that as you mourn his loss, God is welcoming him into His Heavenly Kingdom.  Praying for you and your family.
Love, 
Diane

John was such a kind, friendly, sweet man. He was always so much fun to talk to at all of our neighborhood get togethers. I enjoyed his fun stories, and he always managed to surprise me with some new topic of conversation or life story he shared.  He never shied away from the shenanigans, either- we can be a crazy bunch and John always enjoyed the crowd. He took all of the wild kids in our neighborhood in stride! They will all miss his crazy Halloween costumes! We will miss his young energy on Tapper Street. We were lucky to be his neighbors and friends.

Your dad was an amazing man, full of integrity and character. I am glad I was able to know him. He always made me smile. He told the best stories.  Please accept my condolences to you and your family.

Love, Roni



Visitation

Funeral Service

John W. Holmes age 80, peacefully passed away on Thursday, February 14, 2019.
He is survived by his daughters, Dawn (Paul) Sturman and Shelley (Lex) Venditti; grandchildren, Nicole (Andy) Bullock, Raquel (Rick) Atkins, Wade Sturman and Erin Sturman; great grandchildren, Olivia and Trevor Bullock and Oliver Atkins; sister, Doty Weber; fiancé, Sharon VanderHye; step-son, Adam (Cathy) VanderHye; grandchildren, Ryan and Katie VanderHye and Anya and Joshua Kopischke; and many extended family members and friends.
Preceded in death by his sisters, Marge Tinken, Marion Barthel, Gloria Pappas, JoAnn Dodoer, Lois Saunders and Pat Peloquin.
John was born on July 30, 1938 in Blue Island, IL to the late Louis and Edna Holmes.

OBITUARY

John W. Holmes

July 30, 1938 – February 14, 2019

Chapel Lawn Funeral Home & Memorial Gardens

Show your support

Add a Memory

Share Obituary

Get Reminders

Services