John Doolen Obituary
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away on Saturday, September 27, 2025 at Northwest Community Hospital in Arlington Heights.
John was born on February 18, 1936 in Foster Township, a son of Gilbert Lowe Doolen and
Mabel Lois (Headley) Doolen.
John attended the University of Illinois in Champaign and graduated in 1958 with a
Bachelor of Science in City Planning degree. John then moved to Omaha, Nebraska to work in
City planning, then on to Chicago as a City Planner from which he retired.
John loved to travel, experiencing new cultures, food and art. He often traveled with his
younger sister Linda Doolen to Mexico for cooking classes. John also loved his many cats over
the years. After Misha passed away, he felt it wouldn't be fair to adopt another cat, so
regularly volunteered at the Buddy Foundation shelter cleaning, feeding and caring for the cats
there. He also made friends with the neighbor's cat who was a regular visitor for treats and
cuddles.
John is preceded in death by his life partner, Robert Beutlich and his sister, Linda
Doolen. He is survived by his brothers, Glenn Doolen of Kinmundy, IL and Gerald Doolen of
Sparta, IL and his sister, Barbara Shanafelt of Granite City, IL.
John will be sadly missed by his family, friends and neighbors.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Matz Mt. Prospect Funeral Chapel 410 E. Rand Rd., Mt.Prospect, Illinois 60056, (847) 394-2336.
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