John “Jack” Sterling, age 79, of Wood Dale, formerly of Chicago, District Chief and Chicago Firefighter for 38 years, passed away in his home on Monday, Dec. 19, beloved husband of the late Elaine, nee Moffett; loving father of Timothy, Kathleen (Del) Whitkanack, Corinne “Corky”, Eileen Kampwirth and John (Eileen); dear grandfather of Trisha, Carole, Erin, Kevin, Brian, Tim, Lauren, Patrick, Grace, Delaney and Conner; great-grandfather of Calvin and Clara; fond brother-in-law of Dorothea Bartlett; uncle of many nieces and nephews. One of seven children, he was preceded in death by his parents and siblings. He led by example, was deeply loved, and will be missed. The family expresses special thanks to Andy Pekala, his devoted caregiver and friend forever. He was a member of Firemans Post No. 667. Visitation Wednesday 3 to 9 p.m. at Geils Funeral Home, 260 W. Irving Park Road, Wood Dale, IL. Funeral Thursday 8:45 a.m. from Geils Funeral Home to St. Alexis Catholic Church, 400 W. Wood St., Bensenville, IL, for Mass at 9:30 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Misericordia, 6300 N. Ridge, Chicago, IL 60660. For info call 630-766-3232 .
