John Charles Masbaum

CARY – John Charles Masbaum, 75, died Dec. 31, 2011, at home in Cary encircled in the loving presence and prayers of his large, close family and Patricia, his devoted wife and companion of 52 years.
He was born Sept. 9, 1936, to Charles Henry and Eugenia Antoine (Dorszynski) Masbaum in Milwaukee.
John served in the Army after attending DePaul University, where he majored in accounting. In 1960 while serving in the Army, John received the Medal of Commendation. John was a gifted entrepreneur, real estate investor and owner of several successful businesses.
He will be most remembered for his deep faith in God, which he enthusiastically shared with others, even while suffering from Parkinson's disease for many years. One of the highlights of his spiritual life was organizing and participating in a sacred pilgrimage with his wife and St. Anne's parishioners to Medjugorje. As an active member of Sts. Peter and Paul Church in Cary, John reached out to help others, which included serving as a Minister of Care for the sick. At an earlier time in his life, while a member of St. Theresa in Palatine, he obtained the rank of Fourth Degree in the Knights of Columbus. Years ago, John also served on the parish council at St. Margaret Mary Church in Algonquin, where he enjoyed organizing successful fundraisers.
John loved his large family and being around people. He enjoyed life fully and especially appreciated the close relationship with his loving wife, Patricia, and the delicious home-cooked meals she prepared. He made many people laugh with his contagious sense of humor. A devoted husband, father, brother, grandfather, uncle, cousin and friend to many, he will be missed dearly.
John is survived by his wife, Patricia Agnes (Henning), whom he married April 11, 1959; his children, Susan (Eric) Shaffer, John Jr. (Tracey), Julie (Paul) Bauer, James (Renee), Jennifer (Stephen) Parisi and Rosemary (Clinton) Green; two brothers, Thomas and Joseph (Evelyn); and grandchildren, Anthony and Alex Pusateri, Aaron Shaffer, Taylor, Benjamin, Hunter and Breanne Masbaum, Billy and Meghan Pixley, Zach Bauer, Mellissa, James and Connor Masbaum, Daniel and Annabella Parisi, Anthony, Samantha, Brett and Luke Green; brothers- and sisters-in-law, Robert (Elizabeth) Henning, Edward (Linda) Henning, Mary (Terrence) Boland, Anna (Lee) Flannagan and Theresa Henning; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Rita (Edward) VanRyswyk; a nephew, Edward VanRyswyk; his father- and mother-in-law, John Sr. and Agnes Henning; a brother-in-law, John Henning Jr.; and grand-nephew Asante, son of Catherine VanRyswyk.
The visitation will be from 10 a.m. until the Mass celebration at 11 a.m. Friday, Jan. 6, at Sts. Peter and Paul Church, 410 First St., Cary. Interment will follow in St. Michael the Archangel Cemetery, Palatine.
In lieu of flowers, your prayers for John and his family will be appreciated. Memorials can be made to American Parkinson Disease Association Midwest Chapter, 2050 Pfingsten Road, Suite 127, Glenview, IL 60026; or Hospice and Palliative Care of Northeastern Illinois, 405 Lake Zurich Road, Barrington, IL 60010.
For information, call Davenport Family Funeral Home, at 815-459-3411. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.davenportfamily.com.