Prairie State Wire

John Deane Donahue, 97, of Flossmoor, IL, peacefully passed away on February 11, 2025. Born on January 13, 1928, near Cullom, IL, John was the beloved husband of the late Rosemary W. Donahue and cherished father of Joan, John (Mary Edna), Michael (Leslie), Kathleen (Liam), and Kevin (Peggy). He was a special uncle to Laurel Perry and is survived by his sisters Pat McDonald and Teresa Doherty.

A Marine Corps veteran and graduate of the University of Illinois, John earned a degree in finance in 1952. He started his career as a CPA and later served as Chairman of the Board of Pet Life Foods, Inc., the family business. John was family-centered, actively engaging in his children's lives by coaching Little League baseball and attending their athletic events. He was involved in a south suburban fair housing group and shared a deep connection to his Irish roots through extensive travels in Ireland.

Maintaining a connection to his birthplace, Cullom, IL, John continued the family farming tradition on farmland that had been in their possession for over a century, growing corn and soybeans. He was a devout Catholic, actively involved in his parish, St. Veronica, where he participated in weekly Mass and supported his fellow parishioners in upholding their faith.

John had a heart for charitable endeavors and was a devoted supporter of the Saint Joseph Indian School, promoting Native American education in a positive environment. A visitation will be held at Tews-Ryan Funeral in Homewood on Tuesday, February 18th, from 3:00 to 8:00 pm. Prayers will be offered at the funeral home on February 19th at 9:45 am, followed by Mass at St. Veronica in Flossmoor, IL. Burial will take place at Calvary Cemetery in Steger, IL.

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