John W. Glueckert was born on January 20, 1935, in Arlington Heights, Illinois to Richard and Mary (nee Neville) Glueckert. He died Monday, August 14, 2017, peacefully at his home. A lifelong resident of Arlington Heights, he graduated from Arlington High School, Class of 1954, and attended Northern Illinois University before entering Worsham College of Mortuary Science.
John started his career in the funeral industry working for Bob and Betty Black at Black's Memorial Home in downtown Arlington Heights. He later worked for Howard Haire and purchased Haire Funeral Home in 1970, changing the name to Glueckert Funeral Home, Ltd. in 1976. In 1987 John relocated the funeral home to its current location on Arlington Heights Road. He served in the US Army from 1958 to 1964 as a Supply Sgt. while stationed at Ft. Leonard Wood, Missouri. John was a member of the Arlington Heights Lions Club for over 50 years, serving as president in 1967-1968 and was a Melvin Jones Fellow. A thoroughbred enthusiast from his early years, he was an avid horse player and owner. John enjoyed his lunch time handicapping with "the boys" and his afternoon trips to Arlington Park. He is a former member of the St. James Men's Twilight Golf League and was a Charter Member of the Knights of Columbus Holy Rosary Council #4483. John is survived by his wife of 59 years, Rosanna N. (nee Airdo); his children John W. (Lori) Glueckert, Jr.; Mary Cecelia (Marc Heidkamp) Glueckert-Heidkamp, and Jacqueline (Chris Mahon) Glueckert; his grandchildren Riley Mahon, Alexi Heidkamp, Carson Mahon, and Seth Heidkamp; and his sister, Mary Ellen Borton. He was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Rosemary Kinnard, his brother, Richard F. "Bud" Glueckert; and his brother-in-law Wilbur Borton. Visitation from 3:00 pm until 8:00 pm, Thursday, August 17, 2017, at Glueckert Funeral Home, Ltd., 1520 N. Arlington Heights Road (four blocks south of Palatine Road), Arlington Heights, Illinois. Prayers 11:15 am, Friday, August 18, 2017, at the Funeral Home, proceeding to St. James Catholic Church, 831 N. Arlington Heights Rd., Arlington Heights, Illinois for Mass at Noon. Interment Private. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to St. James Catholic Church, 831 N. Arlington Heights Rd., Arlington Heights, IL 60004, or to Northwest Community Healthcare Foundation, 3060 W. Salt Creek Lane, Arlington Heights, IL 60005. Funeral information and condolences can be given at www.GlueckertFH.com or 847-253-0168.