John Robert "Jack" Carney

John Robert “Jack” Carney, 81, of Kankakee, Illinois, passed away peacefully at home on April 6, 2026. Born in Chicago, Illinois, to Robert “Bob” Carney and Ruth (née MacIver), Jack was raised in Arlington Heights, where he built a foundation of family values and lasting memories. He cherished childhood trips back to Litchfield, New Hampshire, to visit relatives and stayed connected to his extended family throughout his life. Jack had a lifelong passion for cars, which shaped both his career and his hobbies. He found great joy behind the wheel and took pride in maintaining his sports cars over the years. Jack worked in various aspects of the automobile equipment industry and owned his own automotive service station in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin. In 1987, he moved his family to Kankakee to be closer to aging parents, a decision that reflected how much family meant to him. One of Jack’s favorite places was Road America in Elkhart Lake, WI, where he attended races with his father as a young man and later shared that same experience with his family. Jack appreciated a wide range of musical styles, and especially enjoyed summer evenings with family at Ravinia Festival, listening to bands like James Taylor, Earth, Wind & Fire and Chicago. He was known for his quick wit and was always ready with a comment that could make people laugh. Above all, Jack was a man of deep and genuine faith. As a devoted follower of Christ, an active member of Calvary Bible Church in Bourbonnais, and a spiritual mentor to many, his faith shaped the way he lived and cared for others. Jack is survived by his beloved wife of 58 years, Marilyn (née Schleef) Carney; his daughters, Gretchen (Bob) Van Helden and Heather (Keith) Ohm; and his grandchildren, Sean (Makenzie) Van Helden, Erica (Jacob Johnson) Van Helden, and Alaina Ohm. Visitation will be held at 4:00pm, followed by a funeral service at 5:00pm on Friday, April 10, at Calvary Bible Church, 2587 E Armour Road, Bourbonnais, Illinois. Jack will be remembered for his love of family, his strong faith, his sense of humor, and the many memories he created with those he loved.