John Leo McKinnon

John Leo McKinnon died peacefully surrounded by his loved ones at Advocate Condell Medical Center on Saturday January 11, 2020, in Libertyville, IL at the age of 77. 

John was preceded in death by his infant son, Christopher Michael, his parents, Leo and Eleanor and his sister, Kathleen Stewart. 

John was born on June 13, 1942, in Seattle, WA to Leo and Eleanor (Kinerk) McKinnon. He graduated from Stadium High School in Tacoma, WA prior to enlisting in the United States Army and was stationed in Korea. After returning from the service, John married Lynda Freed, his high school sweetheart, and began a long career with Sears, Roebuck & Co. As he climbed the ladder with the company, John, Lynda and their four children moved around the West Coast with stops in Klamath Falls, OR, Kennewick, WA, Vancouver, WA, Seattle, WA, and Alhambra, CA. In 1985, John was selected to be part of the Discover Card start up and was relocated to the Chicagoland area. His children remember him as a hard-working, energetic, curious man who taught himself everything he knew. John was a man that encouraged them to pursue their goals and was by their side each step of the way.

John loved his ’58 Chevy Impala and was a big car enthusiast. He loved working with his hands and often built ship models, cars, household objects, furniture and tackled projects that most would have left to professionals. He also loved sports, especially the Seattle Seahawks and the University of Washington Huskies.  

John is survived by his loving wife, Lynda; their four children: Eric (Lucy) McKinnon of Wadsworth, IL, Todd McKinnon of Libertyville, IL, Lisa (Tracy) Gladson of Las Vegas, NV, and Sara (Humberto Jr.) Martinez of Long Grove, IL; and his 11 grandchildren: Bridget, Maggie, and Nora McKinnon, Morgan McKinnon and Natalie Leach, Hannah and Emily Gladson, and Anya, Bella, Olivia, and Christian Martinez, his siblings: Mary Rochon, Larry McKinnon, Dan McKinnon, Carol Wilson, and Tom McKinnon, and many cousins, nieces, and nephews. John was a loving husband, father, brother, uncle, and papa.

A memorial celebration of John’s life will be held at a later date. In remembrance of John, a donation to Alzheimer’s Awareness would be greatly appreciated.

Arrangements entrusted to Sambrano Funeral & Cremation, Gurnee. Please sign the guestbook at LauraSambranoFunerals.com; 847-571-7719.

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