John Imlah, Jr, 98, died peacefully July 18th, 2026 at Solstice Senior Living in Palatine where he had lived since 2021.
John was born September 8, 1927 in Chicago to John and Helen (Lincoln) Imlah. John attended Zoro Lutheran School and Austin High School. He then transferred to Chicago College. John proudly served our country by enlisting in the U.S. Army, where he spent over 3 years stationed in Germany, then later was called up for Korea.
John married the love of his life, Virginia Edith (Sanborn) on January 21, 1950 in Chicago. John was employed by Continental Can Company from 1945- 1985, at which time he retired. He ended his career with Continental Can Company as an Assistant Controller. John and Virginia loved to travel together. They visited all 50 states as well as 8 countries. They enjoyed most of their travel in their RV. John enjoyed living in the warmer climates, in Pharr, TX, in the winter months.
John had a special talent and interest for wood carving. Carving wood sculptures and reliefs, he especially loved creating birds and bears out of wood to sell and to give to family and friends. John had a natural ability as a carver and whittler. His skills and enthusiasm for the wood arts not only allowed him an expression of art and beauty, but allowed him to share his flair in wood creation with all of those who received his beautiful treasures.
John shared other interests including his computer club and wood carving groups such as the Texas carvers. He really enjoyed his time reading books. His favorite subject was Western themes, which he so admired and cherished. He also enjoyed and shared with others throughout the years in many different Bible study groups. Always being very active at the Lutheran churches that he and Virginia, belonged to as a faith community. Throughout John’s life he attended the Lutheran churches, including St. John’s in Mt. Prospect and St Peter’s in the Huntley Area. John's Christian Faith was very important to him as well as sharing with others.
John is survived by his children, John (Rita) Imlah, William Imlah, Rev. Peter (Nikki) Imlah, and Victoria( Joe) Passi, his loving grandchildren Jay(Dana), Jill (Kevin), Aubrey (Charlie), Angie, Abbi(Jake), Bethany and Josh. Adored great-grandchildren, Callie(Connor), Hayden, Matthew, Samantha, Jimmy, Madison, Kendra, Addison, Jase, Jacob and great-great-granddaughter, Delilah. John is preceded in death by his wife the late Virginia Edith Imlah, and grandsons Scott, Jeff, and Micaiah. His devoted brothers include Kenneth (Carol) Imlah, and the late David (Dorothy) Imlah, and the late James (Mary) Imlah.
A Memorial Gathering will be held on Saturday, August 22, 2026, from 10:00 AM until the time of the Memorial Service and Inurnment at 11:00 AM at St. John’s Lutheran Church 1100 S. Linneman Road Mt. Prospect, IL. 60056 (847) 593-7670.
Please leave a video condolence by entering your name and click the "Record" button below. You can always preview your video prior to submitting it. Please note that you may receive a prompt to grant DefioreFuneral access to your camera. This is only temporary and will be solely for the duration of recording your condolence message.
John is at peace with his Lord and Savior. Our deepest sympathy.
Such a beautiful peace written with such love and thoughtfulness. Our thoughts and prayers are with all Johns and his family
Your dad was one of the kindest most genuine person anyone could have known. Will always remember him and your family from the old days at Leahy Circle.