John Allen Papke, age 71, a resident of Woodridge, IL, died suddenly on Friday, December 23, 2022, at home.  He was born May 15, 1951 in Oak Park, IL to Leslie and Jean Papke.

John grew up in Oak Park and graduated from Oak Park River Forest High School in 1969. After attending college, he graduated from Worsham College of Mortuary Science.  He worked with his father at Postlewait Funeral Home in Oak Park. Later, he worked as an entrepreneur.

He enjoyed fishing and race car driving.  He was creative and good with his hands. He enjoyed cooking and entertaining family.

He is survived by his sister, Bonnie (Brad) Pihl, niece, Betsey (Dan) Doebler, nephew, Bradley Pihl Jr., great nephew, Josiah Doebler, great niece Charis Doebler, and long-time friend, Mike Miller.  He was preceded in death by his parents.

A visitation will be held on Tuesday, January 3, 2023, from 10:00 until 11:00 at Hultgren Funeral Home, Wheaton, where a funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Interment will follow at Mt. Emblem Cemetery in Elmhurst, Illinois.

Memorial gifts may be directed to Grace Lutheran School, River Forest, IL.

Family and friends may sign a guest book at hultgrenfh.com . For more information, please call Hultgren Funeral Home at 630-668-0027.