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John Robert Wiltgen
John Robert Wiltgen
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John Robert Wiltgen Obituary
"John lived a full life, gathering and embracing many fabulous, famous and adventurous friends," said Steven Oster, his husband and partner for more than 15 years. "John never looked back. He always looked forward, choosing to be happy and fully engaged regardless of his health issues. He was a very special and talented person."
Mr. Wiltgen recently authored a compelling memoir: "The Candy in My Pocket." In this book he welcomes readers to join him on the roller-coaster ride of his unbelievable life.
"John battled many debilitating complications of Type 1 diabetes (T1D) while creating a highly sought after design firm with projects across America, Canada, Mexico - even Africa," said Jean Wiltgen Kaprelian, his mother. "When his internist diagnosed a malady requiring a kidney transplant in 1987, I was the kidney donor, and the surgery was performed at the University of Minnesota. His chances of the surgery being a success were 60%. We were told it should be expected to last 12-15 years - but it lasted 37 years."
His memoir includes larger-than-life tales that are extremely entertaining. Though his life involved many tragedies, it also was spiced with exciting personal and professional adventures and celebrity cameos with stars such as Jane Seymour, Timothy Hutton, Angelina Jolie, Sean and Robyn Wright Penn, Steve Harvey, John Cusack, and the President of Nigeria-the Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Mr. Wiltgen's career also included television appearances on HGTV, NBC, FOX and WTTW. His completed architectural and interior design projects have been featured in more than 200 newspapers and magazines and published in hardcover coffee-table books.
Accolades came Mr. Wiltgen's way regularly. In 1991 he was the youngest designer to receive the Chicago Merchandise Mart's "Outstanding Achievement in the Design Profession" award. In total, his completed projects have earned him 45 prestigious industry awards.
Mr. Wiltgen has been an active supporter of the Chicago Academy for the Arts, which presented him with the Irv and Essee Kupcinet Leadership Award.
He also was honored by the Better Boys Foundation, Landmark Preservation Council of Illinois, American Diabetes Association, Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. For many years, Mr. Wiltgen was a board member for the foundation, now known as BreakThrough T1D, formerly JDRF.
Mr. Wiltgen also judged numerous competitions including an art show of emerging artists sponsored by GLAAD in Chelsea, NY, and assorted design and home-builder associations. His firm created two competitions for design students at Harrington College of Design.
John Robert Wiltgen was born August 21, 1959 at Resurrection Hospital in Chicago to Jean Lillian and Raymond Thomas Wiltgen, Sr.
He graduated from Arlington Heights High School and studied at Ray Vogue School of Design from 1977 to 1979. At the age of 22, he founded John Robert Wiltgen Design, Inc. and was the CEO of this very successful design firm for more than 43 years.
In his memoir Mr. Wiltgen writes about the extraordinary health challenges he battled while embracing his design world, blending the two effortlessly.
Critics describe "The Candy in My Pocket" as an inspirational, but irreverent story about living your best life despite horrifying circumstances.
The memoir journals his 40-plus years as an award-winning designer commissioned by celebrities, world leaders, and other luminaries; his debilitating and death-defying battle with diabetes; and the struggle to hold on to himself and loved ones.
Mr. Wiltgen is survived by his husband Steven Oster, stepdaughter Jenna Oster-Kreis (Dean Kreis), stepson Chad Oster, step-grandson Carter Oster; mother Jean Lillian Wiltgen Kaprelian (Martin Kaprelian); sister Cynthia Wilkin (Tom Wilkin), nieces Savanna Michalak (Steve Michalak), Cassandra Clark (Michael Clark), Gabriella Metz; brother Raymond Wiltgen (Gail Wiltgen), niece Rachel Harris (Keith Harris); and sister Regina Rospenda (John Rospenda), nephews Travis Rospenda and Justin Rospenda and many loving family and friends.
A private memorial service is planned for some time in the future. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to BreakThrough T1D, formerly JDRF.
Breakthrough T1D
Mr. Wiltgen's memoir can be purchased online through Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Barbara's Book Stores, the Book Depository, and Walmart. A portion of book sale profits will be donated to BreakThrough T1D, formerly JDRF.
For more information, please visit the following websites: https//www.thecandyinmypocket.com and www.jrwdesign.com
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justin rospenda
November 25, 2024
As we gather here today to celebrate the incredible life of John Rospenda Wiltgen, I want to take a moment to reflect on his impact on all of us. He was more than just a family member or a friend-he was a guiding light, sharing wisdom and laughter in equal measure. Throughout our time together, he told me many memorable quotes and stories, each one leaving a mark on my heart. But there´s one particular saying that has stuck with me throughout my life: "You only live once, so live life to its fullest." This simple yet profound message encapsulated his approach to life. He embraced every moment, reminding us all to seize the day and cherish each experience. Whether it was through his adventurous spirit, his infectious laughter, or the way he found joy in the little things, he taught us that life is a precious gift. As we reflect on the memories we shared with him, let us honour his legacy by living vibrantly, pursuing our passions, and holding our loved ones close. He wouldn´t want us to dwell in sadness but instead to celebrate the beautiful moments, just as he did. As we continue our celebration of John´s life, let us share our favourite stories that remind us of his unique spirit. Whether it was his knack for finding humour in everyday situations or his willingness to lend a helping hand to anyone in need, countless moments defined who he was. John had an incredible ability to connect with people. He made everyone feel valued and understood, from the youngest to the oldest. I remember a time when he organized a family gathering, ensuring everyone had a role to play, from games to storytelling. His enthusiasm brought us together, creating bonds that will last a lifetime. Let´s also take a moment to honour John´s passions-his love for adventure, his dedication to his work, and his deep appreciation for nature. Whether it was hiking up a mountain, sharing a good book, or simply enjoying a sunset, he found beauty all around him. As we move forward, let´s embrace our own passions with the same passion he demonstrated. In closing, I encourage each of us to carry a piece of John´s spirit with us. Let us live boldly, spread kindness wherever we go, and always remember that life is to be cherished. Together, let´s continue to share his stories, uphold his values, and keep his memory alive in our hearts. Here´s to John-a life well-lived and a legacy that will inspire us forever. Thank you for being here to celebrate him today.As I look around the room, I see so many faces that remind me of the beautiful tapestry John wove throughout his life. Each of us carries a piece of him within us, shaped by our shared laughter, our conversations, and those unforgettable moments we spent together. What stands out to me the most is the remarkable way he could make even the most mundane experiences feel extraordinary. I remember our family camping trips, where John turned ordinary nights by the campfire into a magical celebration. With his guitar in hand, he´d strum tunes that resonated with everyone, urging us to sing along, no matter our vocal talent-or lack thereof! Those nights were filled with stories, stargazing, and the warmth of a family bound by love. It´s these moments that remind me to cherish life´s simplicity. As we navigate life without him, I challenge each of us to seek joy in our daily interactions. Let´s not shy away from expressing our love and appreciation for one another. John had a gift for not just telling people how he felt, but also for making each person feel special. He listened intently, celebrating our victories as if they were his own and offering support during our struggles without hesitation. In honour of John, let´s create new traditions that embody his spirit. Whether it's a monthly family dinner, volunteer opportunities to help those in need, or spontaneous get-togethers, I believe we must come together and strengthen the bonds he cherished. We can keep his legacy alive by ensuring that his love for connection sparkles brightly in our gatherings. I also want to encourage everyone to pursue their adventures and passions in whatever form they may take. John didn´t just love adventure in the traditional sense; he found excitement in learning new things, from cooking techniques to new hiking trails. Let´s strive to embrace life with curiosity and enthusiasm as he did, continuously nurturing our interests and expanding our horizons. In closing, I want to echo the words of John himself: "Life is an adventure waiting to be explored." Let´s honour him by exploring our paths with the same courage and zest he embodied. May we speak his name often, share our memories, and carry his spirit forward in every act of kindness we perform. Thank you all for your love and support today as we celebrate the life of an extraordinary man. Here´s to you, John-may your boundless spirit guide us always.
Bruce Berger
November 3, 2024
My memories go back a long way, all the way to grade school. We lived across the street from John and his family. John and my brother John were best of friends, our parents even hung out together. I remember even then John had a certain knack for designing things. I even remember the night we got a hint of his upcoming disease, it was Halloween, and you can imagine lots of candy...I smile now but ... John and his family moved to Arlington Heights and wouldn't you know it a year later so did we...they lived right around the corner from us....many many fond memories...condolences to Ms. Jean, Cindy, and of course "little Ray"...
Bruce Berger
Maureen Noonan
October 30, 2024
I first learned of John in one of my Diabetes facebook groups. I bought and thoroughly enjoyed his book and contacted him afterwards to see if he would come to the health care centre where I work. He agreed but unfortunately I have not received permission from my work yet. I believe that he was certainly a character and am sad that I never got to meet him in person. My deepest condolences to his family and all who were lucky enough to know him. May you rest in peace John.
Laurie Harper
October 30, 2024
So sorry to hear John has moved on, and. sending my families condolences to his family. John and I met through a FB Group, and I had a wonderful conversation with him not long ago. We discussed doing some projects to advocate for improving options for people who have Diabetes. As a fellow long timer, 69 years, we shared some common struggles. I had hoped to meet him sometime. A wonderful, loving human being. To those that love him, you're fortunate to have had him in your life. A wonderful person, who will be missed.
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Nancy Rospenda
October 26, 2024
I didn't meet John until our son John married his sister Regina. I'd see him at family events and loved to hear his stories and get to spend some time with him. What a funny, fascinating person with such a love for life! One memorable evening we got to play poker with the family and John and Steven. I Don think I stopped laughing the entire evening! He was a fierce poker player but he beat you with such charm and jokes that you enjoyed losing to him. I only wish we could have more nights like that. Rest in peace John and beat St. Peter in poker!
Lisa
October 25, 2024
John´s life is one of inspiration. My heart goes out to his family for their loss.
Michiko Romm
October 16, 2024
My thoughts have been with John´s family non-stop since last week - especially with Jean & Mary Lou, & Steven - who I was so thrilled to meet when John & I officially became neighbors for a brief time.
John, I still remember crystal clear when I first met you at an interview for a part-time position at your JRW Design firm many years ago. While I was already well aware of your luxury residential design talent, I was equally impressed with your real world insights & feedback regarding the design industry, design schools & my design portfolio. I felt like I had learned a lot from you during our interview, & I was so grateful & excited when you decided to hire me the next day. I am eternally thankful for getting to know you not only as one of the top luxury interior designers in the industry, but also as a successful business owner juggling equal parts right brain & left brain, & more recently as a successful author, & best of all - as a kind, approachable, fun-loving person who loved his family & friends & enjoyed living his best life while overcoming life long health issues. You are still one of my biggest inspirations as a designer & business owner to this day, & I will always credit you as my unofficial mentor. You have even helped me get through this past rough week - as I would hear your voice pushing me to keep going & keep on living. I have already told you numerous times, but I´ll repeat myself again: you were born to be a designer to lift the spirits of all those who had the golden opportunity to be immersed in your beautiful artistry & positive inspiration & zest for life. John, you are loved by all & you will truly be missed here - but I am happy knowing that you will continue to create & reinvent beautiful, inspiring spaces & worlds for everyone to joyously celebrate - no matter where you are. As your other half, Steven, said - you are a very special & talented person - I totally second that.
Best, Michiko
Thelma Krause
October 16, 2024
John was one of the most unique people I have ever met. He loved life and made the most of it despite physical obstacles. I called him the energizer bunny because he was always open to new experiences. He was extremely kind and generous and had a great sense of humor.I enjoyed the time that we spent together, particularly our trip to Venice. He was a very special person and will be missed greatly.
Debra Levi Holtz
October 16, 2024
John was a cherished friend to my mother, who loved him like an adopted son. They spoke nearly every day until her death last year and she would recount to me all of John's adventures and how special he was. In the months before my mother's death, I had the opportunity to get to know John myself and he became like the brother I never had. John and Steven were a great comfort to me after my mother's death. Like everyone who knew him, I will miss John's laugh and positive approach to life. May his memory be a blessing to us all.
Karyn Meyers
October 15, 2024
John and I were close friends for almost 40 years. We talked at least 2 or 3 times a week. We never lost contact. Half of our conversations whether on the phone or in person were half laughter always. I called him when I needed him and he called me when he needed me. But we also worked together for several years. Sometimes I would bring him in on my real estate projects to be the designer of the models and showroom/trailer. He also hired me and I worked for him to help him develop business opportunities. We had many laughs and giggles and very often I would get a call to do one of his favorite things. Karyn what are you doing Sunday? John, want to go for brunch? Karyn I will buy lunch after we go to open houses. We had to constantly lower our laughing as we critiqued the designs. We were very bad..I miss that the most. John I miss you every day. To John's family that seemed like my adopted family sometimes, my deepest condolences. John was the brightest star, the funniest, the warmest and loving and caring, bigger than life person I have been blessed to love and be loved by.
Jeff Meyer
October 14, 2024
First of all my condolences to Steven and John`s family.
John and I knew each other for 41 years.
We were partners for 15 years .
I helped him through his medical issues when we weren´t together for another 13 years. He could always count on me. When he needed me. I was there immediately!
He was an amazing person . We met in our 20s. I learned a lot from him. He was a perfectionist at his craft. He always inspired me to sharpen my creative skills.
And I´m so thankful for that.
I have a lot of great memories to make me smile.
The pictures I shared are from Mexico in 1985. With all his health challenges. He never complained..
Always a smile on his face.
He called me every day!
And I truly miss talking to him already
He´s an angel on my shoulder now.
I´ll see you again one day John
I know my mom welcomed you to the gates of Heaven.. She loved you as much as I did always. I know you´re busy renovating the heavens right now.
Dail St Claire
October 14, 2024
In loving memory of John Robert:
When Great Trees Fall
By Maya Angelou
When great trees fall,
rocks on distant hills shudder,
lions hunker down
in tall grasses,
and even elephants
lumber after safety.
When great trees fall
in forests,
small things recoil into silence,
their senses
eroded beyond fear.
When great souls die,
the air around us becomes
light, rare, sterile.
We breathe, briefly.
Our eyes, briefly,
see with
a hurtful clarity.
Our memory, suddenly sharpened,
examines,
gnaws on kind words
unsaid,
promised walks
never taken.
When great souls die and
our reality, bound to
them, takes leave of us.
Our souls,
dependent upon their
nurture,
now shrink, wizened.
Our minds, formed
and informed by their
radiance,
fall away.
We are not so much maddened
as reduced to the unutterable ignorance
of dark, cold caves.
And when great souls die,
after a period peace blooms,
slowly and always
irregularly. Spaces fill
with a kind of
soothing electric vibration.
Our senses, restored, never
to be the same, whisper to us.
They existed. They existed.
We can be. Be and be
better. For they existed.
Carol Collins
October 13, 2024
John was an incredibly talented designer and special person1 It was a pleasure to know him and experience his work, humor and energy. I am grateful to have crossed paths professionally with John through a client in common. Wishing Steven and the rest of the family peace of heart and mind at this difficult time.
Susan MacPhail
October 13, 2024
I met John in 1979 when I was going to Valparaiso University. I took a train from Valpo into Chicago on the weekends to hang out with my cousin, with whom John was close friends with, and has remained close to ever since. I worked for him as a receptionist for a summer in 1982 and have seen him on a few occasions since. I enjoyed interacting with him since then as Facebook friends and have always admired his humble, fun and endearing ways.
John was highly esteemed and successful, but he was also very heartfelt, sincere and kind - and so much fun. For those who were close to him, life will not be the same without him. My heart goes out to his family and close friends. He was such a shining star.
I have donated to Breakthrough T1D (formerly JDRF) in the past, it's a great organization and I hope the research and support they do will continue.
RIP - John, you touched the lives of so many in such a positive way. You were loved and will be sorely missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing you.
Sincerely, Susan MacPhail
Michele
October 13, 2024
I have lots of photos
I will find them
Steven please call me
Shelly Zucker
847 910 6666
James Armstrong
October 13, 2024
John had so much spirit in everything he did. Years ago, as a fellow board member at JDFR and the Chicago Academy for the Arts we worked together to create successful fundraiser events. With fond memories of John I know heaven just welcomed a star angel. Our sincerest sympathy to all of John's family. Cherish all of the happy memories.
Rafael Murillo
October 13, 2024
I still remember receiving an email from John a couple of years ago and feeling honored and excited for the opportunity to meet him. He was a wonderful person with an incredible eye for detail. He always made me feel special, which was one of his greatest qualities. It breaks my heart, but I know he lived his life to the fullest. If there´s one thing I learned from him, it´s to live life fully and without regrets. Cheers, my friend-you will be missed.
Laurie Waldin Leeds
October 13, 2024
I met John not long after his diagnosis we were neighbors and our moms were very good friends, it was that kind of neighborhood!. I would hang out with John, Cindy, Ray and Regina depending on who was home at the time nit really to babysit but to be sure of John felt unwell someone was there to make a call and get help. We seemed to be more like buds chatting about all sorts of things. I was mesmerized by his talent way back then when he did a painting of the Grand Canyon. I always thought he´d sold it but he and I more recently were talking and he said he had not sold it!! Was so glad he hung on to it. To Jean and you all my heartfelt condolences and prayers.
Tony Agerone
October 13, 2024
John was a good guy and a great friend for many years to my cousin Jeff Meyer he was a master at decorating he will be missed
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