John S. Matijevich, 88, of North Chicago passed away on Thursday, November 3, 2016 at his home. The night before he passed away he enjoyed watching his beloved Cubs win the World Series and even stayed up late to enjoy the post-game celebrations. He was born December 25, 1927 in North Chicago and was a lifelong resident. John was a former member of Holy Family Parish in North Chicago for many years. He was a member of the Croatian Fraternal Union Lodge 848, lifetime member of the Moose, Knights of Columbus and honorary member of the Elks. John served in the United States Army. John served in the Illinois House of Representatives for 26 years, retiring in 1992. He was the assistant Majority Leader under Michael Madigan and served on many other committees during his time as a State Representative. John was a fighter for the common man while he served his community in Springfield. John was also at one time the Police Magistrate for the city of North Chicago and served as the Police Chief of North Chicago. He also wrote a column for the North Chicago Tribune and later for the Lake County Journal and Bob Schroeder Publishing. He is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Agnes (nee Pavelick) Matijevich; son, Robert Matijevich of North Chicago; sister, Rose Matijevich of Gurnee; niece, Anne (John) Walin; nephews, David and Michael VanDyke. John is preceded in death by his parents, Mike and Anna Matijevich; brother, Louis Matijevich; sisters, Katherine Matijevich, Mary Matijevich and Frances VanDyke. Funeral services were private for the family at PETERSON & PATCH FUNERAL HOME 408 N. Sheridan Rd. Waukegan with Father James Merold officiating. Interment was at Ascension Cemetery in Libertyville. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, any donations be made to either the charity of your choice in John's memory or St Jude Children's Research Hospital. Please sign our online guestbook at www.petersonandpatchfuneralhome.com.

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Published by News Sun from Nov. 9 to Nov. 10, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for John Matijevich

17 Entries

Mark O'Brien

November 1, 2022

In my revisiting John's obit, II noticed that my entry referred to him as "Bob". You gotta love/hate autofill. John was and still is, one of my lasting friends from my days at the GA. When I called and talked with him over the years (and that was often) he would always end our conversations with 'tell anyone that might remember me, hello'. What a great guy. I still miss JOHN.

Sarasota, Fl

Linda Hoover (KRAUSE)

November 13, 2016

I can remember when Mr. Matijevich helped our family with relation to getting my grandma out of a State Hospital to a nursing home! Our family was and is still forever grateful! My thoughts and prayers and with his family!

Arthur Temp

November 12, 2016

John,Turned my life around for the better when i was 20 years old.I did have a chance to thank him years later,God Bless

Michael McClain

November 12, 2016

Matijevich Family. My Dad, Elmo "Mac" McClain held John in high esteem in the House of Representatives. When my Dad passed away I took his place. I was 24. John and others "took me under their wings" and helped me learn the process and journey through the maze of our legislative duties. He was a wonderful, wonderful man, as you know. John and I continued to talk albeit infrequently but we did communicate. I thank you for sharing him with your community and Illinois. We are a better State because of him. My prayers go to you and hope that you remember his humor, laugh and good times only.....God bless.

Eddie Pasiewicz

November 12, 2016

Mrs. Matijevich and Family

Our Thoughts and Prayers to You and Your Family during this very sad time. I always remember growing up next to you on Jackson.

Eddie Pasiewicz and Family

mark obrien

November 11, 2016

Agnes & Robert, I was so sorry to hear of John's passing. I want you to know that Bob was one of my favorite legislators over the 30+ years I worked for the General Assembly. I can't count the stories that Bob and his seatmate, Zeke were the basis for. We had many laughs and suffered some hard losses, during long sessions. I will miss him greatly. May he rest in peace.

Mark O'Brien
Sarasota, Fl

November 11, 2016

Sincere sympathy and prayers,
Kitty Pucin Andreassen

Rev. Clarence and Karen Evans

November 10, 2016

He was a very good friend of my family as I knew him by sight as I grew up in North Chicago,a very dedicated man.
May God Bless the family

Don/Barbara Clark

November 10, 2016

Our deepest condolences to the family.

Marion Murphy

November 10, 2016

Dear Agnes and Son, I send my sincere heartfelt sympathy. A life that touched so many can never be forgotten. May the love of God surround you during this time of sorrow. You're in my thoughts and prayers. My husband Noah E. Murphy certainly respected John is his long service to our community, and as a friend. Mimi Murphy

Sharon (Krause) Bower

November 10, 2016

I just want to say I am sorry for the passing of John. My prayers are with all of the family. I can say that when I was in business John was the one person who helped me get my lottery machine. For that I was always thankful. He was a great person and I know he will be missed.

RUSSELL KAPHEIM

November 10, 2016

ONE OF MY BEST FRIENDS IN THE GOOD OLD NORTH CHICAGO DAYS

BEST WISHES TO HIS FAMIY

RUSS AND RITA KAPHEIM

Mitzi and BILL Morrissey

November 9, 2016

Dear Agnes and Robert, Bill and I send our deepest Sympathy to you along with our thoughts and prayers. We have many fond memories of John, also very grateful for all his yrs of dedication to North Chicago.