John R. Lemon

John R. Lemon, 70 years old, beloved by, and loving husband and father of, Brenda Brdar and Alex Lemon, passed away on April 12, 2022 of complications from cancer. He will be deeply missed and dearly remembered by sister Julie, sister-in-law Lori, brothers-in-law Heinrich and Rad, and by nieces Eva and Brynn, and nephews Blake and Cody, as well as numerous other relatives, friends, and neighbors.

John earned B.A. and M.A. degrees from Illinois Institute of Technology, and was a civil engineer at the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District for 20 years, before retiring in 2015.

While John's interests, hobbies, and favorite pastimes included gardening, woodworking, baking bread, playing the ukulele, camping, cheering for the Cubs, attending concerts at Millennium Park and other venues, visiting Chicago's great cultural attractions, and reading voraciously, his passion for sailing, especially on Lake Michigan, was paramount in his life. Besides sailing for pleasure, he earned his Captain's license and became an expert sailing teacher, volunteering at local sailing schools. His students and colleagues treasured his friendship and greatly admired his skills. John has sailing friends from coast to coast and beyond, as well as numerous friends from various chapters in his life.

He has always been on the side of those struggling for social justice and will be greatly missed by so many who were touched by him and thought the world of John.

Arrangements for an open house in celebration of John's life are pending.

Donations in John's memory can be made to: Judd Goldman Adaptive Sailing Foundation, 623 W. Lake St., Suite 150, Chicago, IL 60661, or donate online. Note: The address on their website has not been updated. 

For information please call 773-588-5850 or visit www.cooneyfuneralhome 
 

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