Obituary of John F. Gudac, III
John Francis Gudac, III, age 64, passed away peacefully, with family present, on Sunday, July 9, 2023, at Ascension St. Joseph Medical Center in Joliet after a courageous battle with colon cancer. John was born in Joliet to John (Jack) F. Gudac and the late Patricia O’Connor on March 28, 1959. The family moved to the Quad cities when he was young and he graduated from Assumption High School. After high school, John moved back to the Joliet area, and attended JJC, receiving his Associates Degree. On April 4, 1987, John married Janine Linko. They celebrated their 36th wedding anniversary this past April. After 20 yrs of service, he retired from Munch’s Supply Co. in 2019.
John was always enthusiastic about something, whether it was trains, music, geography, soccer, or history. If he was enthusiastic about it, he learned everything he could on the subject. He was never without an expression or a quick one-liner.
Throughout his life, John cultivated his faith and was always deepening his knowledge of church history. When his two sons started playing soccer, he took an interest in the sport that grew into a great love and appreciation for the sport. One of his favorite interests was being with his friends and family, cookouts, camping, and especially maintaining the campfire.
He collected shot glasses, jerseys, and Christmas decorations. The latter would take over his yard for 2 months out of the year. His latest interests were bourbon, MahJong, pinochle, and the annual Empty Nester Vacation, of which he was a founding member. However, his primary joy was time spent with his family.
John is survived by his loving wife, Janine (Linko) Gudac; his sons, John P. (Kristen Schmidt) Gudac and Patrick (Margaret Lippold) Gudac; grandchildren John Allen Gudac, Aidan Michael Schmidt, Theodor Gudac, and Sebastian Gudac; his father, John (Jack) F. Gudac; sisters Gina (Terry) Mullen and Lauren (Paul) Weihofen; and nieces, nephews, and extended family members.
He is preceded in death by his mother, Patricia Gudac; and a brother in infancy, James Michael Gudac.
In lieu of flowers, memorials in John Gudac’s name to be sent to St. Ambrose University, c/o The Kokjohn Endowment for Peace and Justice, 518 W Locust, Davenport, IA 52803.
All friends and family are invited to join together to celebrate John’s life with a memorial visitation on Friday, July 14, 2023, from 4:00 - 8:00 p.m. at the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black (at Essington) Rd., Joliet. Funeral services will be the following morning, Saturday, July 15, 2023 at Holy Family Catholic Church, 600 N. Brookforest Dr., Shorewood where a Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m. Inurnment to follow at St. Mary Nativity Cemetery in Joliet.
For more information, please call 815-741-5500, or to leave an online condolence, visit his Memorial Tribute page at www.fredcdames.com.
