John J. HardeJohn J. Hardek k

John J. Hardek John Hardek was a devoted husband to the late Mary Ann Hardek for 61 years, and a beloved father to three children, Sherry, John Jr. and Mari Ann. He was also a loving grandfather to Bridget, Zach, Jon, Marianne, Catalina, John III, Maddison, Morgan, Nick and Ava. Fond brother of Robert (Rose) Hardek, Edward Hardek & and the late Diane (late Frank) Kralj. A kind uncle and dear friend of many. From humble beginnings, he was the first-born son of John and Angeline Hardek. He grew up in Chicago, attending St. Rita’s High School, before serving in the US Army, where he was stationed in Japan as a Lieutenant in the Ski Patrol. After coming home, he went on to graduate from the Business School at Northwestern University. He had an entrepreneurial spirit from the beginning, with his own Good Humor truck, as a proprietor of a discount store, in his days as a stock broker, and even sitting on the Chicago Board Options Exchange. Throughout his life, he had a passionfor real-estate ventures. But one of his proudest accomplishments was serving as Trustee for the Village of Oak Lawn for many years. He truly was a pillar of the Oak Lawn Community. He was lucky enough to travel around the world, including RV camping trips across the U.S., hiking the Great Wall in China, scaling the ruins of Macchu Picchu, staking out the Grizzly Bears in Alaska, and even visiting Poland to get in touch with his roots. He loved boat rides in Lake Geneva, where he taught his grandchildren how to fish. Sunsets in Florida were another favorite, accompanied by rounds of rum and coke, noodle horse races, and many evenings as the leader of the Coconut Patrol. He gave selflessly to the Catholic Church and the Chulacana Mission. He was a master card player but by proxy, because we all know Mary Ann was the real shark. John lead a full life. He will be missed dearly. Visitation Sunday, March 24th from 3 until 8 p.m. Chapel prayers Monday, March 25th, 9:30 a.m. at the KERRY FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION CARE CENTER, 7020 W. 127th Street, Palos Heights proceeding to Saint Germaine Church, Mass 10:30 a.m. Entombment Holy Sepulchre Cemetery.