John P. "Jack" McKune

John "Jack" Patrick McKune, age 97, of Lake Barrington, IL, formerly of Park Ridge, IL. Jack was born on October 5, 1927, to Marie E. and John E. McKune in Chicago, IL.
Jack grew up with his younger brother, Jim, in the Rogers Park neighborhood of Chicago. He attended grade school at St. Timothy in Rogers Park, high school at St. George in Evanston, and college at the University of Illinois. He graduated with a degree in mechanical engineering.
Many of Jack's fondest childhood memories were of the summers spent at his father's family farm in Spring Green, WI, and his mother's hometown of Perryville, MO. A favorite hobby in high school was falconry. With a neighborhood friend, he would capture and train red-tailed hawks. In his 20s, Jack was a hunter of deer and pheasant and loved to fly fish.
In 1945, during World War II, Jack joined the Navy. As a midshipman in the V-5 Naval aviation program, he received his pilot training in Pensacola, FL.
Jack was a senior mechanical engineer at Western Electric - AT&T's Hawthorne Works Plant in Cicero, IL. He held several patents and retired in 1986 after 35 years.
Jack married Marowyn Ryan on November 14, 1959. They bought a house in Park Ridge in 1961 and raised their four sons there. They attended weekly mass at Mary, Seat of Wisdom for 57 years. Jack and Marowyn enjoyed a large group of friends from church. They would gather for monthly dinners, bridge games, and picnics.
In retirement, Jack was an avid golfer. He belonged to several golf groups and was very proud of his hole-in-one. He had a large social network at the Lutheran General fitness center, which he attended daily. They golfed together and took several hiking trips out West.
Marowyn and Jack traveled extensively in their retirement. They particularly enjoyed Europe, Egypt, Israel, and their numerous Caribbean cruises. Jack's favorite time was family time. He loved seeing his children and grandchildren grow. Jack was a regular fixture on the sidelines of his grandchildren's sporting events and in attendance at musicals and plays. They moved to Lake Barrington Woods in 2019.
He loved to read science fiction and fantasy books like Game of Thrones, The Hunger Games, and Wheel of Time – all before they were made into shows. In his later years, he especially enjoyed women's basketball, particularly featuring Caitlin Clark. He tried not to miss any Iowa Hawkeye or Indiana Fever games.
Beloved husband of the late Marowyn J. McKune, née Ryan. Loving father of John (Lisa) McKune, Michael (Kelly) McKune, Robert McKune, and James (Karen) McKune. Cherished grandfather of John (Abby), Michael, Charlie (Marissa Rath – fiancée), and Luke McKune; Honor, Declan, and Bridget McKune; Jessica and Patrick (Anna) McKune. Fond uncle of many nieces and nephews. John was preceded in death by his parents, John and Marie McKune.
Wake Saturday, July 26, 2025 from 11:00 a.m. until time of Funeral Mass Noon at Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church, 410 N First Street, Cary, Illinois 60013. The mass will be live-streamed. Please check back for a link to the video. Family and Friends will meet for a Graveside Service at 2:00 p.m. at All Saints Catholic Cemetery & Mausoleums, Des Plaines, Illinois.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Pioneer Center for Human Services.