March 10, 1940 – November 18, 2023
John was born in Chicago, IL in 1940 to Michael (Ted) Book and Edna nee Hemminger. Their dear friend Gloria introduced him to Judith Breiter at a Walther League charity event and they were married in 1960, raising their family in Wood Dale and Bensenville before moving to Seneca, IL.
John worked as an auto mechanic for Long/Schmerler Ford from the mid-60s for many years eventually becoming the service manager at Schmerler Ford. Then, in the late 80s he went to Spring Brook Marina in Seneca, working on boats and becoming a captain.
John had many hobbies and passions – cars, boating, motorcycles, photography – and to support those hobbies worked many long hours at his home fixing cars assisted for many years by his lifelong friend Wally Stephen. He was a crew chief for a short track race car in the 60s, had progressively larger boats for family relaxation and vacationing, absolutely loved flying his airplane (the ‘Fox’ and the ‘Viking’) and would take any opportunity he could to go out and take pictures.
John had many connections to Wisconsin. Often flying or driving to destinations there including Delavan, Milwaukee and his favorite, Marinette where he would visit with his many family members at their cottage.
John had a particular soft spot for Miniature Schnauzers, having two (Schnitzel and Tinker) which he adored.
Another of John’s passions was hot dogs. Not just any hot dogs – Superdawg in Chicago and Gina’s in Bensenville. He would drive nearly 2 hours one way to get a Superdawg. He recalled that one of his first dates with Judy was at Superdawg.
John was preceded in death by his parents, Michael and Edna and survived by his wife of 63 years Judy, son Jeff (Tammy), daughter Barb (Mike), twin brother Jim (Carolyn), sister Linda (Danny) and grandchildren Greg and Kevin.
Visitation is Saturday, November 25, 10am-2pm at Pedersen Ryberg Funeral Home, 435 N York St, Elmhurst, IL 60126 with graveside service immediately following at Zion Lutheran Church cemetery, 865 S Church Rd, Bensenville, IL 60106.
For funeral information, please call JGeils Funeral Services at 630-247-6623.
To all the families that have supported my father, Jim, throughout his 45 years as a funeral director, I hope you will continue to let me serve you moving forward.
Our sincere sympathy. We send love and support from Arizona. Peter and Margaret Furlong , and Ann Brogan.
My Deepest Sympathies..
I first met John when I was a new hire at Spring Brook Marina . John was serious and to the point, but he and I really hit it off, we were partnered together on many days and overnight trips, doing service calls in the Chicago Harbors on owners Yachts. John was a true mentor to me. I learned so much from him. I am still in the Marine industry self-employed and I don’t think I would be where I’m at today. Had Annette follow the lead of John Book
Also, I will never forget every trip to Chicago. We had to go to his favorite hotdog stand Byron‘s hotdogs..
John will always be remembered by me, a lot of times I pick up a tool to do a job and think about a few words he had to say regarding a repair we were working on .
Rest in peace buddy you will sure be missed….
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