John A. Grzadzinski

John A. Grzadzinski , age 55, of Lynwood, IL, passed away Friday, October 16, 2020.  Beloved husband for 31 years of the late Jan A. Grzadzinski, nee Engelbrecht.  Loving father of Jessica and Jenna Grzadzinski.  Loving pet Dad of Jack.  Beloved brother to Dorothy Grzadzinski and Margaret Wells (Grzadzinski).  Proud uncle of Theresa Grzadzinski and Michael Wells; great-uncle of Anthony.  Loving son of Anthony (late) and Joan Grzadzinski, nee Janocha.  John grew up in Harvey, Illinois, where he also met his wife, Jan from South Holland, IL.  They married and raised their 2 daughters in Lansing, then Lynwood, IL.

John attended Thornridge High School in Dolton, IL where he met the love of his life, Jan Englebrecht; they married and became inseparable until Jan’s untimely death in 2018.  He was wholly dedicated to the bakery profession since age 16 and worked as a baker for Pearson’s in Riverdale, South Holland, and Chicago Heights and in the bakery profession for 40 plus years until he became ill earlier this year; his chocolate donuts and long johns are legendary.  He and his wife Jan owned a small bakery in Riverdale for a time.  John, as his father Anthony, was an avid Cubs fan and was thrilled for their World Series win, and was especially happy when they beat the White Sox; also a staunch Bears, Bulls and Hawks fan, no matter how they played over the years.  John will be remembered for his great sense of humor, even in difficult times, always putting the person with him at ease, never complaining.  His motto was “It is what it is”.  John absolutely had the “gift of gab.”  He was greatly loved and will be sorely missed.

A memorial funeral mass at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, 158th and Emerald Ave., Harvey, IL will be scheduled at a later date.  Interment Holy Cross Cemetery – Calumet City, IL with his beloved wife, Jan.  In lieu of flowers memorial contributions  to John and Jan’s daughters, Jessica and Jenna, would be appreciated.  Checks may be made out to Jessica and/or Jenna Grzadzinski and mailed to Smits Funeral Home, 2121 Pleasant Springs Lane, Dyer, IN 46311.