John A. Piper, 87, retired personnel director of the former Wisconsin Steel Works in Chicago and a veteran ham radio operator, died Sunday in his longtime residence in the Beverly neighborhood. Mr. Piper remained active during his retirement, writing a newsletter for a group of retired steel executives that he organized and pursuing a boyhood hobby of operating ham radio station W-9-DKA. A native of New Holstein, Wis., he is survived by his wife, Lucille; a daughter, Mary Anne Sullivan; two sons, Donald and John Piper; five grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren. Visitation will be from 3 to 9 p.m. Tuesday in Donnellan Funeral Home, 10525 S. Western Ave. Mass for Mr. Piper will be said at 10 a.m. Wednesday in St. Barnabas Catholic Church, 10134 S. Longwood Drive.
