John E. “Jack” Ryder

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John E. “Jack” Ryder, age 68, of LaGrange Park. Navy Veteran. Beloved husband of Deborah A. Ryder, nee Rizzo; loving “father” of Jona and Bryan Van Deun; “Big Jack” to Barrett Van Deun and Ainsley Van Deun; brother of Susan (Roland) Cull and Barbara (Edward) Welk; brother in law of Nick Rizzo, Sue Sullivan, Marty (Sue) Rizzo and Kris (Dick) Schultz; uncle and great uncle of many nieces and nephews.  Jack was born to Raymond A. Ryder and Elaine Unger Ryder. He was welcomed by his older sisters Sue and Barb.

After a not so stellar two years of college, Jack joimed the Navy.  Once his naval service was finished, he worked full time and earned his B.A. from Elmhurst College in 1982 and his MBA from University of Chicago in 1990.

Jack worked for the Illinois Dept. of Transportation for 271/2 years.  He took early retirement at the end of 2002.  His second career was at the University of Chicago as a contract specialist for construction.

A longtime resident of LaGrange Park Jack was a Village Trustee for 12 years, he represented the First United Methodist Church in LaGrange at the local, national and international levels. He was a member of the American Legion and Lions Club.

There will be a visitation at Hitzeman Funeral Home, Ltd., 9445 31st Street, Brookfield, IL 60513 on Friday, August 16th from 3-9 P.M.

The celebration of his life will take place on Saturday, August 17th at 10:30 A.M. at the First United Methodists Church of La Grange at 100 West Cossitt, LaGrange, IL 60525.

In lieu of flowers, memorials appreciated to the First United Methodist Church, 100 W. Cossitt Ave, La Grange, IL 60525.

Information 708-485-2000 or www.HitzemanFuneral.com

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Messages of Condolence

  1. Cathleen Keating Wilburn condolence:

    Deb, I was so sorry to hear of Jack’s passing. Not only was he an excellent Village trustee and pillar of the church, he was just a terrific guy. Prayers are with you.


  2. James Discipio condolence:

    Deb, I am so sorry for your loss. Jack was a good man, always caring for his community. Jim


  3. Bob & Cindy Lautner condolence:

    We are so sorry to hear of Jack’s passing…please accept our heartfelt condolences. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family..


  4. Lois Nemeth condolence:

    Prayers for comfort. I am happy to have met John “Jack” Ryder at the Northern Illinois Annual Conference these past few years. His legacy will continue to inspire all Lay Members. Thanks be to God.


  5. Alka Lyall condolence:

    Deb, please accept my deep condolence on the passing of Jack. He was an amazing human being, with much love and care for all the people that ever met him. His view towards life and all the challenges that came with it- made him an inspiration to many. I will miss his presence at church conferences.
    Alka Lyall


  6. Daphne Sligh condolence:

    Deb, I offer my sincere condolences to you and your family on the passing of Jack. As you know, Jack was part of the University of Chicago Facilities Services team and brought so much light and humor despite his health challenges. We loved his debates on a variety of subjects and of course, the days when you would come to visit and bring us cookies. My thoughts and prayers continue to be with you.


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