Jon J. Dederich

Elmwood Park – Jon Joseph Dederich, age 77, was called to his eternal home by his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Saturday, July 18, 2015 from Wheaton Franciscan – All Saints Medical Center.

Jon was born in Racine on July 5, 1938 to Joseph and Anne (nee: Drewek) Dederich. Jon was united in marriage with the love of his life Bonnie Lee (nee: Collova), at Holy Name Church Racine WI.

He was a dedicated husband, world's greatest father, and loving grandfather who cherished his time spent with family.  He will be dearly missed by those that knew and loved him.  He treasured being in the presence of his entire family and extensive circle of friends

Surviving are his loving wife Bonnie, their children, Cheryl Lynn (Mike) McCrary, Rhonda Lee Dederich and Mark Jon Dederich; adored grandson, Cameron Dederich; brother, Harlan “Lonnie” (Jacque) Hall; brother-in-law, Don F. Collova; sister-in-law, Deborah Lynn (Tom) Hoagland; his loving nieces, nephews, cousins and friends – too numerous to mention all by name.  Jon was preceded in death by his father, Joseph Dederich; mother, Anne (nee: Drewek) Hall; Bonnie’s parents, Frank F. and Genevieve A. (nee: Wassermann) Collova; and brother-in-law, Randall L. Collova.

Following graduation from Washington Park High School, he faithfully served our country in the United States Marine Corps.  After his service, Jon completed 10, 400 hours of apprenticeship training at various manufacturing companies towards fulfilling his goal in becoming a Tool and Die Maker at Gales Mfg.  He was employed at Belle City Mallable in Racine as a Metallurgical Research Technician, Badger Tool, Moxness Products, Racine, as a Project Engineer, and American Motor Corp, Kenosha, as a Process Engineer. 

Following his career in the corporate world, he enjoyed teaching Machine Shop courses in Racine at Gateway Technical College. He was given the opportunity to teach a variety of subjects in China, where he was enriched by the cultural interaction with the people over the course of several weeks.  Jon was also a member and Chairman of the Society of Manufacturing Engineers and actively recruited others to join.  He became a confident public speaker and strong leader through his involvement with Toastmasters International, and other various accomplishments too many to list.
Among his interests, Jon enjoyed gardening (he was a farmer at heart), bird & nature watching, vacationing with his family including traveling to their second home in Branson MO, scenic drives in the country, monthly Travelogue shows, making wine from their personal vines grown at their home, bowling, playing pool, interacting with their beloved animals, going to the movies, dining out, enjoyed wood working, repairing & refinishing things. He loved antique cars including his classic 1955 Metropolitan. 

Jon lovingly supported his children in the pursuit of their interests and accomplishments with treasured lasting memories. He and his wife enjoyed attending their various extracurricular events and sporting venues in which their children participated.  He loved to help others and often donated his time as a volunteer.  If you needed something and Jon didn't have it, he would make sure he would get it for you; he was bound and determined no matter what! He was an avid reader with a hunger to enrich himself and to share the knowledge he gained with others. He had a good sense of humor and knew how to tell a good joke. He was patriotic, proud of his country and enjoyed watching the Green Bay Packers games along with his wife Bonnie. He and his wife were members at Grace Church where he enjoyed volunteering to cook for specials events.  He was also actively involved in the Promise Keepers Ministry through his church.
Jon's family extends a warm heartfelt thank you to St Luke's Hospital in Milwaukee, Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare, Racine, Aurora Medical Center including Dr. AJ Capelli M.D. in Kenosha, and the EMT’s for their professional and compassionate care that he received during his time of need.
The family also expresses thanks to Grace Church for their prayers throughout the years, for the prayer support at the home church of his daughter and her husband, as well as the love and prayers from all of our family, extended family, neighbors and friends.  May God bless you all!
The visitation will be on Monday, July 27, 2015 from 3:30pm – 5:30 pm at Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home, and service beginning at 5:30 pm, with Ministers Mike & Cheryl McCrary officiating.  Suggested donation memorials can also be made to the American Heart Association or the American Cancer Society.