OBITUARY John K. Marquette Passed away on September 4, 2018 John K. Marquette of Mt. Prospect died on September 4, 2018. Born July 22, 1938, he was the seventh and last son of eight children born to Denis and Margaret (Cullinane) in Chicago.
Warmth, wit, and a wonderful sense of humor carried him through life. Husband, father, teacher, actor, director, coach, and Cub fan, John grew up on the north side of Chicago, the first of his siblings to graduate from college, earning BA from Loyola University and an MA from Northeastern IL U. He took on many roles in life, including frequent appearances in local community theater productions and occasional film commercials. He loved his family dearly.
He took particular pleasure in coaching his sons in the Des Plaines park district baseball leagues and watching all his children perform in stage shows and his grandchildren thrive in athletics and the performing arts. Encouraging, listening, affirming, he was very proud to see them grow to be wonderful people. As a teacher, John shared with his students his expansive knowledge of literature, writing, and speech; he affirmed, encouraged, and tossed butterscotch candy to his pupils; keeping them engaged and enthusiastic.
His focus was on his students and their growth; and in theater, on the ensemble as a whole. In over four decades of teaching, John touched the lives of hundreds of students and directed more than 150 plays and musicals. He was always proud to see his former students succeed on stage, in their jobs, and with their lives as they gained confidence and maturity.
John taught and directed at Notre Dame High School for Boys, Deer Path Junior High, and John Hersey, Buffalo Grove and Prospect High Schools. In retirement, he taught and directed at Oakton and Harper Junior Colleges. He served on the IHSA State Committee for Speech and won the District 214 Friend of the Arts Award.
John inherited his passion for the Chicago Cubs from his father and passed it on to his children and grandchildren whom he loved dearly. John is survived by his wife, Barbara; his children Kevin (fiancée Ann Marie Varallo of Chicago), Lisa (Steve Lahet and grandchildren Ian and Nina of New Jersey), Kyle (Brooke and grandchildren Delaney and Gannon of Arlington Hts. ), and Christopher of Decatur.
Also surviving are two step children, Wally Fryzel of Chicago and Grace Popelka (Josh of Seattle, WA); his siblings Tom (Pat); Denise; Jim (the late Ada); and 44 nieces and nephews. Also surviving are his in-laws Paul Rosen and Marion Berzins. John was predeceased by his parents; his brothers Paul (Jane), Bill (June), Dick (Betty), Bob (Claire); and his ex-wife Mariann.
Alzheimer’s disease ultimately robbed John of his quick wit and ability to walk. Even in his last days, however, his warm smile touched the hearts of his family and friends, those warm Irish blue eyes smiling from deep within. Visitation will be held Friday, September 7, 2018 from 3 – 7 PM at Lauterburg & Oehler Funeral Home, 2000 E. Northwest Highway, Arlington Heights.
Family and friends will gather Saturday, September 8, 2018 at St. Alphonsus Ligouri Catholic Church, 411 N. Wheeling Road, Prospect Heights for a Funeral Mass at 11:30 AM. Interment private. The family wishes to thank the excellent caregivers from Silverado Hospice.
In lieu of flowers memorials to the John K. Marquette Memorial Scholarship Fund, a part of the District 214 Foundation, 2121 Goebbert Road, Arlington, IL 60005. Or Alzheimer’s Association, Greater Illinois Chapter, 8430 W. Bryn Mawr, Suite 800, Chicago, IL 60631.
If you found any mistakes, or you would like to add/remove to this obituary, please contact us by email: info@obituary.memorial. We never ask money for this.
