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John Lattner Obituary
John J. Lattner of Melrose Park, formerly of Oak Park, died peacefully at home on February 13, 2016, age 83. Beloved husband of Peggy, nee McAllister; loving father of Kate (Pete) Gancer, Maggie (Larry) Skiver, Jack (Ann), Tim (Virginia), Bill (Sheri), Mike (Jen), Tricia (Bill) Smith and Gretchen (Mike) Spillane; proud grandfather of Margaret, James, Tim, Maddy, Ian, Emmet, Katie, Luke, John, Clare, Will, Danny, Grace, Erin, Michael, Samantha, Grace, Mae, Tommy, Ryan, Emily, Robert, Simmie, Nora, Henry and Timmy; dear brother of the late William Lattner and Patricia Brennan; Papa John to many. Family and friends will be received at Fenwick High School, 505 Washington Blvd., Oak Park, IL 60302 on Friday, February 19, 2016 from 3 to 9pm. All to meet Saturday at St. Vincent Ferrer Church, 1530 Jackson Ave., River Forest for 12 noon Funeral Mass. Interment private. In lieu of flowers, donations to Fenwick High School Scholarship Fund appreciated. Arrangements entrusted to Conboy-Westchester Funeral Home. For further info 708-F-U-N-E-R-A-L.
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Memories and Condolences
for John Lattner
Harry s
February 13, 2017
Rest John, until you hear at dawn,
the low, clear reveille of God.
Thank you for your service to this nation.
September 2, 2016
I am so sorry for you all, Johnny was a legend in our house. My Dad was Neil Carrothers. I heard all the stories of what they did from Kindergarden through high school together. Johnny came to the house many many times, and we went to the restaurant all the time to see him. Later, I was at Maryville Academy and their was a benefit, and Johnny recognized me and came right over to me and gave me a big hug. What a wonderful man, and what a wonderful group of men, that had such respect and love for each other.
Patricia Carrothers - Fello
Richard Komyatte
March 5, 2016
Dear Peggy and Family,I consider it one of the great privileges and lifetime honors to be able to call Johnny a friend. He was my hero from the timeI listened to Notre Dame games on the radio when I was in high school. I still vividly remember the Georgia Tech game when the student body sang Happy Birthday. So you can imagine how thrilled I was to meet him years later. We shared so many fun experiences. Trips that he arranged to attend Spring football practices as well as several lunches, dinners, and charitable events. I prize a photo of Johanny, EdRobibson, and me with the Heisman trophy taken about twenty years ago. Although we lost contact several years ago, I feel so fortunate to have called him in January. We shared the exciting news that we both had granddaughters who were freshmen at Notre Dame. It was there that I learned of his cancer. I was at Notre Dame a week later and made a trip to the Grotto to pray for God's peace to be with him.
The very day he died, I also was on the campus and again visited the Grotto. I felt so privileged to be able to light a candle ant to pray for his soul at this special place on the day he died.
I have never known such a famed person as humble as Johanny. He was, indeed a good and caring man. Truly, a NOTRE DAME man! May he now live in the eternal peace he so richly deserves. Richard Komyatte, class of 1959.
Marvin Worley
March 1, 2016
I was so sorry to learn of John's passing. Not only was he such a great athlete but a great human being. I have many fond memories of him. I wish you and your family the best.
A fellow Fenwick Friar.
Marvin "Bud" Worley
February 21, 2016
To the Lattner Family,
I met John as a young boy through my Uncle Bob who he eventually went into the restaurant business with. For the years to follow John and Peg became part of our family as they would come over on some Sunday's where he would throw the football around with us .
It was those days spent with John that made me the N.D. Fan that I am today. I admired John not only as a great football player and a Heisman trophy winner but more so as a great person .
My condolences to Peg and the Lattenr family.
RIP John.
Ellison/Nevers family
February 21, 2016
I had the sincere and humbling pleasure to meet Mr Lattner
At a dedication for a fellow Notre Dame Alum "Mr Motts Tonelli" in November 2011. Growing up in Austin, Johnny Lattner was a household name. I found Him to be a most genuine and modest man, yet Iconic in his day. Johnny Lattner exemplified all that is Good in a Man and set an example for generations to come, on How to carry and conduct yourself with Dignity and Integrity.
I will forever cherish the picture he and I took that day. He even looked like he could play a few more downs !!
May God Bless Him and the wonderful Lattner family
Paul Levine
Rita Helle
February 19, 2016
Peggy and Family, So sorry to hear about John. I still can remember his laughing face and childhood pranks. Prayers and good thoughts from
RITA HELLE
Richard McHugh
February 19, 2016
John was great in everything he did. A true humanitarian and he lived Christ's teachings each day. We pray for John, his wife and his family and friends.
February 19, 2016
On behalf of the clients, staff, and board of directors of Aging Care Connections, I would like to express my deepest condolences to the family of John Lattner. He was truly a selfless man of incredible achievements. For many years, John gave his time and shared his prestigious Heisman Trophy with our agency to assist us with our fundraising efforts. His tireless support and endorsement of our agency, as well as his support of so many other agencies was, without a doubt, one of the most generous acts I've ever witnessed.
This truly unique kindness could only come from a truly unique man.
We thank you. We miss you. We wish your family peace.
Debra Verschelde
Executive Director
Aging Care Connections
Teri Gottfreid
February 19, 2016
My sincere sympathy for the whole family. I have many fond memories of weddings and holiday celebrations with John & the whole family. May God be your strength & comfort during this time of loss.
February 18, 2016
John was my college football coach at the
University of Denver. He and I recruited
the Pittsburgh area for the University
of Denver.
John was a terrific person, loaded with
with passion for his beloved Notre Dame.
He was wonderful coach who really identified with the young players on the
team. His personality was engaging, funny, serious all wrapped up in a unique individual.
Fenwick High School, Notre Dame and
the University were very blessed to have
his presence. He filled the atmosphere
with positive energy and a passion for
the great game of football.
All of his players were fortunate to
have been coached by a Heisman Trophy
winner. I felt very honored that
he attended my wedding in 1961 in
Denver, Colorado.
He will be missed by all those who
knew him. He will be a great loss
to his family and community.
I send my sincere condolences.
Augie Tammariello
Asheville, North Carolina
February 18, 2016
My sympathy to the Lattner family. Johnny was a good friend of my father as they grew up together and played at Fenwick.
Mark Wojtys
John Clark
February 17, 2016
A great football player, a great restaurantuer , but especially a great friend. Have a safe journey and rest in peace.
chris Pickell
February 16, 2016
My deepest sympathy to the entire Lattner Family. My first thought when I heard about John were the great spring break trips to Panama City Beach FL that we took with the entire Pal Family. There was so much fun and total craziness going on which was always brought on by John. He made sure that everyone had a great time. I will always remember those times.
Chris Pickell
February 16, 2016
Dear Peggy and family,
My sincere sympathy on John's passing. I have fond memories from the Christening party in Denver to many great dinners Dave and I enjoyed at the restaurant.
You and yours will be in my prayers.
Peg Curran
Federal Way WA
jerry healy
February 16, 2016
To the Lattner family, so sorry for your loss. I met John up here in northern Wis. He was with a group of guys renting a cabin for snowmobiling. They heard I was a hudge ND fan and invited my self and my to boys in for a cocktail ,,pop for my boys . John took my address and sent me the Time magazine with his pic on it. He autographed it ,,,to Jerry a great Notre Dame fan. It is still behind my bar framed. I nor my sons will never forget that great man that we met up here in 96. God love John and Notre Dame. Jerry healy
February 16, 2016
To the Lattner family: Condolences and God bless your family. Margie & Edward Bock
Tom Lea
February 16, 2016
My deep sympathies to the Lattner family. Mr. Lattner was my high school football coach for a year and I've never forgotten him. Seven, or eight years later, I stopped in at his restaurant to say hello. I was amazed that he remembered me, and asked about some of my other team mates. Fond memories, and thanks for everything Coach.
February 16, 2016
Rest in peace
February 16, 2016
Sorry for your loss. May the God of comfort strengthen you doing this difficult time. Psalms 83 : 18.
February 16, 2016
Peggy and Family,
Condolences on the death of Johnny. I will miss seeing him at the club everyday, still doing push-ups up until a few weeks ago. He always had a hello and a smile.
May wonderful memories and the love of family bring you peace.
Marcia Alpert
Mary King Gil
February 15, 2016
Dear Jack, Ann, and the entire Lattner family. We offer our most sincere sympathy & condolences on the loss of your dear father, husband, grandfather. Our hearts are with you all during this very difficult time.
Love,
The King Gil Family
John Miller
February 15, 2016
Dear Peggy and Family,
I became a friend of Johnny's in the 70's PAL group that would go to the ND games in the RV. One year when they asked him to bring his Heisman for a half-time ceremony a couple of the guys carried it back to the RV after the ceremony and put the Heisman on the dashboard. About five minutes later a horse's head pops into the EV with a campus cop on top who leans in to see what is going on. She tells us that she got a report that someone was stealing the Heisman and came to investigate. We told her that it was Johnny's, not the school's and she was cool. Who would steal a Heisman and put it on the dashboard? Right?
We will all miss Johnny and we are all better for knowing him. Many great memories of a full and fun life!
My sincere condolences on your loss.
Gene Byrne
February 15, 2016
Dear Peggy and family
We were so saddened to hear of John's passing. What wonderful, kind and compassionate person he was. As great as he was as an athlete, he was an even greater human being.
Gene and Char Byrne
Diane Schildgen
February 15, 2016
I'm very sorry to hear about your dad. I remember the birthday parties and ice skating at the restaurant in Marina Towers and all the kids on Wenonah.
....And then there was the very hot summer day when he pulled up in a brand new station wagon with wood along the side, and parked in front of the house. For some reason, Katie had the car keys (we were only about 9 yrs old) and was trying to open the back door/trunk. She couldn't turn the key and told me to try. I SNAPPED it off right in the lock. Thought he was going to kill me, but he just walked out the front door, down the stairs, shook his head, and asked how I'd managed to do that....
Always a nice guy.
George Ghesquiere
February 15, 2016
Deep sympathy to the Lattner family on your loss from a classmate at St Thomas Aquinas and a neighbor from the block. John
was a great guy and a warm friend.
George Ghesquiere
Tecumseh, Michigan
Donna Ambrose
February 15, 2016
One day, several years ago, I walked into the Fox Park Bridge Club for my usual Wednesday game, and was told that the gentleman and lady at a couple tables down were relatives of Kate and Mary Rose. I was amazed to find out that it was the famous John Lattner and his wife, Peg. When I arrived at their table, I was in awe. I quickly found out what a lovely and fun couple they were. My deepest sympathy to Peg and family. He was an amazing man.
Janice Wiggins
February 15, 2016
Maggie - I am so very sorry to learn of the passing of your father. You and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers as you face the difficult days to come.
Ross Avery
February 15, 2016
Tim and Family, I am sorry for your loss. I wish we could be there on Friday and Saturday but the state wrestling meet is this weekend and our son Ezra made it to state. I will be thinking of you and you will be in my prayers as you pay tribute to your dad this weekend. Ross Avery and Family
Bob Schiewe
February 15, 2016
Our prayers go to the Lattner Family.
Four generations of our family knew John, and three generations saw him play every game at ND. In my mind Johnny Lattner was the greatest football player ever to play for ND.
John was a giant among men. He was always a perfect and humble gentleman. He was kind to everyone and an outstanding role model for all ages. His smile was infectious and he will be greatly missed.
The world would be so much better if it was filled with Johnny Lattners.
God bless the Lattner family You have inherited an outstanding legacy.
Bob Schiewe Family
Duneland Beach,IN.
Oak Park,River Forest,IL.
Tom Rostkowski
February 15, 2016
Greart memories of play catch with Johnny and the Brennan Brothers on Van Buren in the late 50's. Rest In Peace Johnny!
Bill Sullivan
February 15, 2016
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Johnny was a great man and always made us smile. He will be missed by all.
Nancy Ryan
February 15, 2016
Dear Peggy, what a wonderful, husband, father and gentleman you shared your life with all these years. You and John made the 2011 Heisman weekend a time for me to always remember. What a great guy.
Tom McHugh
February 15, 2016
Dear Peggy and family,
A great teammate and roommate, but most of all a loyal friend. I will miss John until we meet again.
Patty Clarke (Old Madison St. neighbor) ~
February 15, 2016
Peggy and Lattner family,
I am so sorry to hear of Johnny's passing. Please accept my deepest condolences. It was so much fun living next door to him on Madison St. when I was little. Johnny was always so nice and fun to be around. He will be missed by all who knew him. May God Bless Johnny and you, and hold you in the palm of His hand.
February 14, 2016
Peg, we send our love, and prayers, to you, and all the family! Our long time friendship holds great memories of a special man !
John always called me Rosie, I would say hi John my name is Louise ! I loved it !
Moon and Louise Calkins
George Bliss
February 14, 2016
A Legend only comes around once in a while. Mr Lattner is that person. The Entire Family at Millers Pub was honored to have John as a regular. No one was more respected or loved than Johnnie "Mr Heisman" Lattner. The Stories regarding Fenwick and the Classic Games at Notre Dame. St Bernardine Catholic Church in Forest Park benefitted much from his kindness. Never will there be a bigger hero from Oak Park. John, you made all of us who knew you the luckiest people on the planet.
Paul & Anne Politi
February 14, 2016
Our deepest sympathy to Peg and the rest of the Lattner Clan.
Your and Jonny's kindness to us will be a memory that will remain with us forever. Jonny was a great man. It is said that those who are not missed are not loved. We will miss Jonny and his smile. My he be at rest in the arms of our Lord.
Patrick McCann
February 14, 2016
The first Fenwick and major football "star" I ever met -- 1957.
Larry McAllister
February 14, 2016
Johnny was bigger than life and as a McAllister we were always proud of accomplishments both on and off the field. His family and kids were always kind to Aunt Sally my mother. My brother and I were altar boys and served Peggy and John wedding. There are only fond memories of Johnny with that big smile.
Larry McAllister
Walnut Creek,Ca
Philip Hugh Smith
February 14, 2016
Chicago will be sad with the passing of Johnny .He was the Guest of honor at the Chicago annual St.Patrick's parade back in 2006. He was on the cover of Time magazine and received the Heisman Trophy and was always a gentleman .A great credit to the Irish,Fenwick and Notre Dame.He was married to the love of his life Peggy Mc Allister who he dated from the first time I knew him in our high school days in 1948 and got married 10 years later .I still have a picture of Johnny,Peggy and Joanne Smith ,my date at time and others at a prom get together at the Edgewater Beach hotel Marine Room. Love goes out to Peggy and her family of 8 children on their loss .God be with you all
Jack Lambke
February 14, 2016
Peggy,
Your loss, is shared by many who have known John, over the years. I first met John in '57, at St. Bernardine's after Mass,by my Dad, who was a Big Ten referee,and had many games in South Bend, during John's years. John, always addressed him, as "REF". I continued seeing John, after college, at both restaurants. It was at Marina Towers, where John and I, were founders of the Frank Leahy Post.
John, was a friend, over those many years. My prayers, are for you, and your wonderful family.
I am sorry, that I will not be able to attend the funeral, as I will be out of town, on business beginning Wednesday.
Friar '61
cynthia McAllister
February 14, 2016
A short snapshot in the life of a Heisman trophy winner and my husband's uncle was published in the Chicago Tribune. I feel he should always be remembered for his reverence, family spirit, humble service, compassion and stewardship of his Heisman Trophy. He recognized that life and all other goods are gifts from God and should therefore be used responsibly for the good of all; trust in God's providence and the generosity of others to provide for our needs; just compensation for our spirit of gratitude and sharing. Always have the desire to raise others up and put their needs before our own. What a wonderful beautiful life Johnny Lattner lived.
George and Jean Ann Rochford
February 14, 2016
With our deepest sympathy to Peggy and the Lattner family, John was a joy to know. Truly one of the kindest people I have ever known. Rest in peace John.
Niki Chibucos
February 14, 2016
A truly great man who leaves a great legacy of generosity and kindness.
Niki Chibucos
Eleanor Locati
February 14, 2016
Love and sincere condolences to Peggy and her loving family.
February 14, 2016
God rest your sol,John.
George Benzing
Ken Andres Brother in law
Daniel Rochford
February 14, 2016
Our deepest sympathy to the Lattner family! You will be missed dearly. RIP John
Tim & Anita Callahan
February 14, 2016
Our deepest condolences.
Phil Nash
February 14, 2016
Goodbye to one of the truly good guys from 1st grade at St Thomas Aquinas through Fenwick and Notre Dame. Bless you, John!
Phil Nash
tom noonan
February 14, 2016
thoughts and prayers to Peg and family
tom noonan
February 14, 2016
thoughts and prayers to Peg and family.
From the Staff of Conboy's Westchester Funeral Home
February 14, 2016
Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.
Colleen Nash
February 13, 2016
Our deepest condolences. Rest in peace John.
Colleen and Gary Nash
Carol Lund
February 13, 2016
Our deepest sympathy to the Lattner Family.
Carol Hughes Lund & Family
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