John S. “Jack” Boyke, Sr., lifelong Elmhurst Resident, USMC Veteran, Retired Semi-Truck Driver for over 32 years with Celli Trucking Co, Schiller Park, IL originally hauling sand and gravel, later hauling buck cement. Jack was proud of his accident-free driving record during his career and his accomplishment of driving more miles backwards than most people drive forward. Jack had a great sense of humor and a zest for life and having fun. He loved cars, wished he could own one of every kind and two of most. He loved anything with an engine that went fast. In his early years Jack could be found cruising the streets of Elmhurst in either his iconic supercharged 1050’s Ford or Studeillac (Studebaker with a Cadillac Engine). He was always up for a drag race. Jack was an excellent mechanic and handyman. There was hardly an engine he couldn’t tune to run better or anything he couldn’t fix.
Jack was happiest attending milestone events, school events and sports events for his children and grandchildren. He was also happiest down on the Missouri farm or up at the lake in Wisconsin. An avid boater from an early age, Jack built his own speedboat in High School with this brother Paul. Jack really liked the lake life. Animals, kids and mostly everyone Jack met were immediately attracted to his soft, kindhearted and fun-loving personality.
Jack was preceded in death by his parents, John T. And Gertrude, brother Paul, his loving wife of 56 years, Sharon and his 4-legged girlfriend Maggie; Jack is survived by his three sons, John S. Jr. “Steve” (Kimberly), Scott and Brett (Marianne); he was “PJ” (Papa Jack) to grandchildren Ryan (Lynda), Daniel, Connor, Cole, Kolby, Kayla, Cody (Carli), Alex and Mercy. Jack is also survived by several nieces, nephews and sister-in-law, care giver and companion Joy Burkland.
Visitation Saturday, November 16, 2024 8:00 a.m. until time of funeral service 11:00 a.m. at Gibbons Funeral Home, 134 South York Road, (½ mile North of Saint Charles Road), Elmhurst. Interment Queen of Heaven Catholic Cemetery, Hillside.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Dementia Society of America, PO Box 600 – Doylestown, PA 18901. For funeral information please call 630-832-0018 or www.gibbonsfuneralhome.com.
