John Thomas Singelmann

John Thomas Singlemann, 79, formerly of Somonauk and Rockford, IL, returned to the Lord on August 15, 2015, the Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. He was born to Oliver P. and Ann F. Singlemann on September 16, 1935. John was a devout Catholic, serving as an Altar Boy and singing in the Boys’ Choir at Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church in Chicago where he also attended and graduated from elementary school. He graduated from St. George High School in 1953. He served our country with the Illinois Army National Guard from 1958-1961. He was a kind, generous, handsome, hardworking, successful, funny, intelligent man, and passed away peacefully in Phoenix, AZ, after battling health issues. We are so thankful for the gift we had in Jack and we are so very, very sad to say goodbye. He was a loving son, husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend. We as his family, are forever grateful for having been blessed with him.

John began his professional career as a Project Manager at Standard Asbestos Mfg. Co., then Brand Insulation Co., Luse Stevenson Co. and finally Universal Insulation in IL. John was a member of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Somonauk, IL and Holy Family Catholic Church in Rockford, IL for many years before relocating to Arizona. John joined St. James the Great Catholic, Glendale, AZ. He served the Knights of Columbus for many years as a 4th Degree Knight and frequently served as an Honor Guard for the Diocese of Rockford. He enjoyed working in his yard, recreational flying, opera, especially Andrea Bocelli, spending time with family and friend, taking his boat out on the lake, chocolate fudge, and enjoying a COLD BEER! Especially a cold beer.

John was a generous supporter of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital as well as many other charities within and around the community.

John’s passions were his devotion to his Roman Catholic faith and his love and heart for helping sick children and pro-life advocacy.

John was united in marriage with Joan Eddy on September 21, 1968 in Park Ridge, IL. John is survived by his 3 children, Steve Green, Linda Kalaitzakis, and George Singlemann, as well as 13 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren, 2 brothers Thomas Singlemann and Michael Singlemann, and sister Patricia Singlemann-Vesper, as well as 13 nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Oliver P. and Ann F. Singlemann, his wife Joan, daughter Tammy, and sister Mary Ann “Jill” Singlemann Rollberg.

On Tuesday, August 25, 2015 from 10:00 am-11:00 am there will be a visitation at St. James the Greater Roman Catholic Church, 19640 N. 35th Avenue, Glendale, AZ 85305. The Funeral Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Father Robert Aliunzi at 11:00 am following the visitation.

John has requested donations be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105, wwwstjude.org in lieu of flowers.