On August 28, 2014, John "Mac" McAteer, age 65, lost his sixteen month battle with Leukemia. Through the years he touched the lives of many people as a friend, a teacher, a coach, an athlete, a marathoner, a golfer, an adventurer, an environmentalist, and avid Chicago and Boise sports fan. He had a great passion for the White Sox and Bears. Mac (John) was born in 1948 to Hugh and Virginia McAteer (both deceased). He was also preceded in death by a brother, James. He is survived by brother Hugh (Rob) McAteer (Linda) from Florida, sister Marti Leider (Steve) from Grayslake, IL and his nieces and nephews Shannon McAteer, Megan, Brian, and Nick Leider, and Patty, Mike, and Sean O'Neil. He also leaves a close knit family of friends in Elgin as well as Horseshoe Bend, Idaho. Mac graduated from Carmel High School, Class of 1968. He received his Bachelor's Degree from University of Wisconsin, at Whitewater, and Masters' Degrees from Northern Illinois University and Southwest Missouri State University. He taught science and physical education for 34 years in School District U-46, retiring in 2003. During those years at Eastview Junior High School, and Larsen and Abbott Middle Schools, he coached football, track, basketball, volleyball, sponsored science and outdoor education clubs and chaperoned a variety of school activities. He took pride in his students and the teams he coached. Mac retired to Horseshoe Bend, Idaho where he enjoyed Boise State football, bowling, fantasy football, horse racing, golfing, fiddle playing, woodworking, and mostly his beloved dogs. Mac's love of nature took him traveling our country's National Parks, Alaska, Canada, and of course Ireland. He left us peaceful and content in his mountain home. All of us that knew him are richly blessed and he will be missed. His spirit and memories will live on in the shared experiences of many. There will be a memorial gathering for all to come together and share stories of Mac, celebrate his life, and enjoy camaraderie at Bandito Barneys in East Dundee on Saturday, September 27 beginning at 7PM.

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Published by Daily Herald on Sep. 27, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
for JOHN ATEER

Sponsored by Daily Herald.

21 Entries

Tom Maki

September 21, 2022

Great memories of us teaching and coaching football and basketball together at Eastview Junior High in Bartley, IL
Quite honored to have him as a groomsman in my wedding.
God bless him and thanks for the great memories!

Lora Bailey

May 27, 2019

I was a student at Eastview Jr. High in 1977 and 1978 and I remember Mr. Mac. Really left an indelible impression on me. I've moved around a lot in the years since. My prayers to his family.

Tom Maki

April 13, 2019

Hard to believe that almost five years after John's passing, I have learned of his end to life on earth.
Teaching and coaching with him at Eastview Jr.High, enjoying some after school recreation, and including him as a groomsman in my wedding were just a few of the many memories I will remember. God bless John and all those who were touched by his spirit of life at its fullest!

Jim Kawell

December 9, 2016

Mac was one of my favorite teachers of all time. I loved his blackboard drawings and his positive attitude towards life. We used to catch frogs for his dissection classes. Buck a frog. Great man and mentor. Will be missed.

JOE GARZA

October 25, 2014

I' am sadden to hear about Mr. JOHN Mcateer. As my 8th grade football coach he was the only coach to give me a certificate of merit for most improved running back on his team. Till this day ..I JOE GARZA still have my certificate .I don't remember if I ever said thank you for the honor.. but I WILL SAY IT NOW ..WITH MY TEARY EYES..THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR BEING THERE FOR ME AND EVERYONE YOU INSPIRED UPON. I WISH I COULD'VE BEEN AT BANDITO BARNEYS ON SEPTEMBER 27 ...ONLY A MILE AWAY FROM ME .I LIVE IN CARPENTERSVILLE..I BECAME A CLASICAL ROCK N ROLL DRUMMER AND WOULD HAVE LOVE TO PLAYED FOR FREE AT THE GATHERING..GOD BLESS YOU JONH..AND THE MEMORIES REMANE

October 16, 2014

Rest with the angels, You were a teacher to remember,

Dave DeRoo

October 5, 2014

Coach McAteer - Thank you for all the wonderful memories. You made Eastview Jr. High ('72-'74) such a great experience for me. You truly deserve a place in heaven. Rest in peace.

Herbert Allen

October 5, 2014

Mac will always be the King of Cool, of any teacher I have ever known. One of the rare few that made learning truly fun. Rest in Peace, Mr Mac. -Herbie Allen, Eastview Jr. High, Class of 80.

Marty Steinke

September 30, 2014

Coach Mac thank you for being a great role model ! At Larsen 84-85.

Nancy Martin

September 30, 2014

I met Mac on St Patricks Day 1979 we married St Patricks Day 1998. After moving to Horseshoe Bend ID in 2003 we divorced in 2005. We always had fun I will miss him

Roy peters

September 29, 2014

I'll never forget the time we share my 8th grade year. You were my first basketball and football coach. We were city champs in football and runner up in basketball!! We will meet again, and if you need a point guard or QB I will be happy to be on your team! God bless!!!

Launette Thompson

September 29, 2014

Thanks for being a great teacher!
Launette Thompson
Larsen Middle School Class of 88

Connie Adams

September 29, 2014

He was a wonderful example of a teacher and coach. He touched the life of so many. May he find peace and comfort.

Elizabeth Flores

September 29, 2014

Wonderful teacher. Larsen Middle School 1984-1985.

Susan Hartig

September 29, 2014

Susan Hartig Lloyd Mac, Thanks for the special memories you given me, my family, My Coach, My Neighbor. Wished you didn't leave so soon.. wish there was one more time to see you before you had to go, You were a blessing for so many!

Samantha Stevens-Mothershead

September 28, 2014

Mr McAteer was my PE teacher at Larsen Middle School (1989-1990). He was a kind soul, and I will remember him fondly.

September 28, 2014

to my good teacher thanks for everything you are already missed Betty(Chandler) Elliott

Milt Evans, Jr

September 27, 2014

Thanks for more than a lifetime of memories!