John Andrew Kasman

John Andrew Kasman of Palos Heights, Illinois, peacefully departed this earth for his heavenly home on September 17, 2024, surrounded by his loving family, after a brief battle with metastatic cancer at the age of 83. He was born on May 15, 1941, to Margaret (nee Rosmis) and John Christopher Kasman in Chicago, Illinois. He is preceded in death by his parents and older sister, Janet Merrill.

John grew up on the South Side of Chicago, just around the corner from the original home of the White Sox. He graduated from Mount Carmel High School and pursued engineering at the University of Dayton, where he met his future wife, Marilyn (nee Lowe). After earning his degree in Industrial Engineering from the Industrial Engineering College of Chicago, John and Marilyn married on April 20, 1963, and built a beautiful life together in Oak Lawn, IL, where they were active members of St. Linus Catholic Church.

John is survived by his devoted wife, Marilyn, and their three children: Beverly (Jerry) Schatte of Addison, IL, Barbara (Mark) Sowske of Naperville, IL, and John (Christine) Kasman of Kirkwood, MO. He took immense pride in being a grandfather to his eight cherished grandchildren: Jessica, Andrew, Olivia, Sofia, Tessa, Ava, Cameron, and Jack.

In 1973, John and Marilyn founded Aero Rubber Company, a venture that began when their youngest son, John, was just two years old. John's passion for his work and dedication to his team helped the company thrive. Family was the cornerstone of John's life; he cherished celebrating holidays, birthdays, and even casual Sundays cheering for the Bears. Family vacations to Clearwater Beach created lasting memories, reflecting his love for togetherness.

In his leisure time, John enjoyed collecting antique English sports cars and attending car shows with friends. He also loved collecting antiques including his beautiful collection of clocks and bookcases. He had a passion for music, barbecues, and family gatherings, all of which brought him great joy.

A memorial mass celebrating John’s life will be held at 11:30 am on Friday, October 18th at St. Alexander Church in Palos Heights, IL. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Alzheimer’s Association would be appreciated. Following the mass, a balloon release in his memory will take place on the church grounds. John always believed a celebration was not complete without balloons. 

John's legacy of love, hard work, and devotion to family will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew him.