John Straub

John William Straub, 91, died peacefully on January 13 with both his daughters at his side. He lived and was active in Winnetka for the majority of his life. John was born on April 14, 1926 by midwife in Park Ridge, IL to Walter and Anne Straub. After moving to Winnetka, he attended Hubbard Woods School, Skokie School, New Trier, and North Shore Country Day Schools. He served in World War II, qualifying at age 17 for aviation cadet training. John was then considered too tall to be a bombardier or fighter pilot, and he worked in aircraft engine maintenance and lab supplies. John graduated from Yale University in 1949 and worked for the First National Bank of Chicago. In late 1952 he joined his father's firm and later became president of W.F. Straub & Co., a manufacturer of honey, patented dried honey, and molasses. John was also a director at William Blair from roughly 1965 until 1996. In June 1952 John married Jane Easter; they were married for 54 years until her death in January 2007. He has been the beloved husband of Shirley Gately since July of 2008. John, who believed strongly in giving back to others, was extremely involved in volunteer work and the community. He worked with the Planned Parenthood Association of Chicago and also served as its board president. John was a Director of the Juvenile Protective Association. He also served as Vice Chairman of Goodwill Industries of Chicago. In addition, he was a Trustee of the Ravinia Festival, the oldest outdoor music festival in North America. John volunteered for the Executive Services Corporation of Chicago, consulting with a food kitchen on fundraising and helping veterans under stress with their financial affairs. John was most proud of his work as a board member of the Wieboldt Foundation, which gives grants to community organizing groups that work in low-income neighborhoods. John began his foundation work in 1964, served as the foundation's president, and remained actively involved until age 90. In the Winnetka community, John was a substitute teacher at Christ Church Sunday school, and since 1990 he served as an election judge almost every year. In addition, at age 84 John was appointed to the Winnetka Caucus, a bipartisan advisory for various village boards. John loved to experience other cultures and to travel, which he did extensively. He was an avid reader with particular interest in history, geography, and politics. He will always be loved and remembered for his keen mind, curiosity, and incredible memory. His warmth, generosity, and avid interest in others enriched the lives of everyone he met. John is preceded in death by Jane Easter Straub. He is survived by his wife Shirley; his sister Anita Darrow; two daughters, Joan (Philip) Pifer of Great Falls, VA and Jennifer (Patrick) Corrigan of Winnetka, IL; five grandchildren, Jacqueline Pifer, Rebecca Pifer, Katherine Corrigan, John Corrigan, and James Corrigan; and a host of nieces and nephews. Services will be held on Saturday, February 10 at 4 pm at Christ Church (www.christchurchwinnetka.org), 784 Sheridan Road at Humboldt Avenue in Winnetka. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be sent to the Wieboldt Foundation, 53 Jackson Boulevard, Suite 1060, Chicago, IL 60604. Info: www.donnellanfuneral.com or 847-675-1990