John David Krahenbuhl

John David Krahenbuhl, 71, of Saint Charles, IL, passed away on Friday November 7, 2025. He was born May 15, 1954, to Robert D. Krahenbuhl and Barbara J. (nee. Links)
Krahenbuhl. John was united in marriage to Regina "Genie" (nee. Gorecki) Krahenbuhl on September 1, 1978, in Geneva, IL.
John spent the entirety of his childhood in the St. Charles/Geneva area and outskirts. He enjoyed little league baseball as a boy and was meticulous in his studies and preparation before, during, and after practices and games. John also found a love of basketball while at St. Patrick's Catholic School, and their team won the Diocesan championship in the parlance of today, John was a Baller.
What is a better measure of a man than his level of dedication to all earthly endeavors? For John this began at a young age and continued throughout the duration of his life. First, as an altar boy for early morning church services, then as a friend and bandmate to his many acquaintances; he was a head usher for Christ Community Church, and always as a father and provider for his family. John worked tirelessly at the General Mills plant in St. Charles (and later relocated to West Chicago) for many years so his family of 5 had what they needed. He stayed late or went in early to meet the demands of his occupation. John was an employee that any employer would be proud to have. His dedication and work ethic still provide the means for his family's care and well-being.
John was a musician at heart. He taught himself how to play keyboard and sing well enough to play in local bands at a young age. John found excitement and joy in meeting other musicians who realized the power of music and community. One of his first bands, Ultima Thule, traveled the Midwest and later became The Willing Band, which still continues to make and record music to this day. Even while ill, John continued to work and play with The Willing Band to help long-time bandmates Dave Angel, Rich Wigstone, Dan Smith, Kent Cooper and Chris Gough record their 5th CD. It will be available soon, visit The Willing Band's website at thewillingband.com for more information about the band and all its music.
On a hot summer's night at the softball fields in Potawatomi Park somewhere back in time, a dusty and sweaty young man asked a young lady if he could hold her 6-month-old daughter, Kelly Jean. As Genie recalls, "that began our dream relationship of 47 years." Soon Phillip John and then Alissa Christine were added to the Krahenbuhl fold and the family was complete. John loved being a husband, father and friend. This hardworking man was devoted to his loved ones throughout the duration of his life.
Time passes, children grow and become adults, so it goes with many families. John enjoyed the births of each and every one of his grandchildren. These include Noah Kannan, born to Kelly and Patrick, Benjamin George and Elleanor Corrine Krahenbuhl, born to Phillip and Lauren, and Jacob Dane Carlson, born to Alissa. Being a musician at heart, John used his talents to write songs for and sing to his grandchildren as they grew. Not many kids can say they have a rock star grandpa and mean it. John looked forward to summer vacations in Door County-Wisconsin, Michigan and the annual Memorial Day camping at the West family property in Morrison, IL. He also enjoyed an annual fishing trip with Rich Wigstone and Brett Olson.
After a lengthy illness, John had a fall that fractured his hip and needed surgery. It was during this hospitalization his body and heart quit functioning and, with loving Genie at his side, John passed away. Both Phillip and Alissa were able to be at his bedside in the days before his death to comfort their father in his fragile state. As a true musician, John was able to sing familiar songs with Phillip to pass the time before he left this world for his new and eternal home. John was dedicated to all he did in life, all he knew while living, dedicated to his spirituality, to music, to his family. John David Kranhenbuhl enjoyed a rich life replete with love and friendship.
John is survived by his loving wife, Genie, his children Kelly Kannan, Phillip Krahenbuhl, and Alissa Krahenbuhl, and all their children; Siblings Pat Williams, Robert Krahenbuhl, Peg (Gary) Long, Jane (Rick) Grinker and a host of nieces and nephews.
John is preceded in death by his parents, Robert "Bud" and Barbara Jean Krahenbuhl, and his younger brother, Timothy Krahenbuhl.
A memorial visitation will take place from 2:00 to 5:00pm on Friday November 21, 2025, at Moss-Norris Funeral Home, located at 100 S 3rd St., St, Charles, IL 60174. A celebration of his life will begin at 5pm, following the visitation. A meal will be served at the Baker Community Center right next door from 6-8pm
In lieu of flowers, a memorial account will be set up in John's memory. Contributions can be made out to Regina Krahenbuhl for this purpose.