John “Jack” Leo Hester, 78, formerly of Oak Park, beloved husband of the late Jeanne, nee White; loving father of Steve (Laura), Donna (Norm) Joyce, Michelle (Jim) Collins, Terri (Mark) Hannon, Gerald (Kathy), David (Renee Stewart-Hester) and the late Andrea; cherished grandfather of Chris, Brittany, Jeanne, Colleen, Jay, Jennifer, Julie, Kevin, Kelly, Sean, Patrick, Teddy, Spencer and Melanie; brother of William “Bill”; brother-in-law of Robert “Bob” (Ann) White. Jack was born on the West Side of Chicago in 1927. He attended Resurrection Grammar School and thanks to his uncle, Father Leo, attended St. Rita High School where he played football. Rather than going to college on a football scholarship he chose to join the Navy, serving in the South Pacific in World War II. Upon his return he joined the IBEW union and went to work at Illinois Bell where he remained for 38 years. He met his bride to be, Jeanne, while on a service call and shortly thereafter married her, a marriage of love and commitment for 48 years. Jack and Jeanne enjoyed their retirement as “snow birds” by spending their summers in Ilinois and their winters in Florida. Jack’s departure leaves a footprint on this earth of seven children and 14 grandchildren who will dearly miss him. On June 19, Jack joined Jeanne to watch over the kids from afar. God bless them. Memorial Mass 10 a.m. Saturday, July 8, 2006 at Christ The King Church, 1501 S. Main St., Lombard. Family prefers “church appropriate” casual attire. Interment Queen of Heaven Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to either the WWII monument in Washington, DC or any hospice care provider. Arrangements by Ahlgrim Funeral Home. Info, 630-834-3515 or www.ahlgrim.com.
