John B Cibulka Sr., age 78, a longtime resident of Glen Ellyn, IL, died November 17, 2013, peacefully at home after a long battle with cancer. He was born December 22, 1934, in Chicago to Albert Cibulka and Mary (Cibulka) Prohaska. He was raised in Cicero, attending St. Frances of Rome School and later Morton High School.

Learning the bricklaying trade from his father Albert, John became a skilled bricklayer and stone mason with the International Union of Bricklayers & Associated Craftsmen. He was very proud when he was awarded his Union's 50 Year Pin a few years past. Entering the construction business at an early age, John worked for himself, employing his father among others. In the 1960's he became Vice President of Egyptian Construction Company, leaving that secure position to start Cibulka Construction Company in 1974 with his two youngest sons. He was instrumental in the construction of many churches, schools and government buildings that are still in use today.

John was a bold, self-made man of ideas and vision. During the 70's and 80's the Company successfully speculated in homebuilding, later concentrating in commercial, industrial and institutional concrete construction. He was a fair, generous and honest man, but never one to be trifled with. John never retired and worked side by side with his sons until the end.

In 1953, John met the love of his life, Audrey F. (Cibulka) Brenner and they were married June 5, 1954. They were blessed with four children; John B. Cibulka, Jr., Mark A. Cibulka, Bruce E. Cibulka, and Laura T. (Cibulka) Heidorn.

Throughout his life he enjoyed game hunting, softball, bowling, creative concrete design and creations, woodworking and carpentry, games of chance, and football, but his passion was first and foremost his family. He would spend hours tinkering in his workshop creating numerous inventions and crafting gifts for family and friends. His delightful, sometimes unique sense of humor and limitless heart endeared him to all who knew him and he will not be soon forgotten.

He is survived by his wife, Audrey F. Cibulka, two children, Mark Cibulka, Bruce (Pamela) Cibulka, nine grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren.

A visitation will be held on Friday, November 22, 2013 from 5 to 8 p.m. at Hultgren Funeral Home, 304 N. Main St., in Wheaton, IL. A funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, November 23, 2013 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Petronille Catholic Church, 420 Glenwood Ave., Glen Ellyn, IL 60137. Interment will follow at St. Adalbert Cemetery in Niles, IL.

Memorial gifts may be directed to John's favorite charity, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital (stjude.org).