John W. Westerhoff

John W. Westerhoff, 83, of Kankakee, passed away Saturday, September 3, 2022, surrounded by his loved ones at his home following a brief illness. He was born March 6, 1939, in Kankakee the oldest son of Marvin R. and Norman J. (McInturf) Westerhoff. John graduated from Kankakee High School in 1957, where he once infamously filled the swimming pool with ducks from Bird Park. On December 30, 1961, he married Joan M. Reardanz at St. Martins of Tours in Kankakee. She preceded him in death on January 24, 2008. John loved all his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren with all his heart. He enjoyed traveling to Las Vegas with Joan, bottled Coca-Cola, 3K Pizza on Friday night, ice skating, dogs (especially his Tootsie Roll), and John Wayne movies. John began his career at Spudnut Donut and worked for Roper Stove in Kankakee. He spent most of his career as a production supervisor at various plants around the county, eventually retiring from Excel Packaging in 2014. His real passion, though, was on the ballfield. John was the biggest fan of the St. Louis Cardinals, attending several World Series at the Old Busch Stadium. He coached hundreds of young ball players in the Kankakee area in Little League, Pony League, American Legion Post 85, ending his coaching career in 1980 with the semi-pro team the Pacers. Surviving are one daughter, Tami (Jeff) Kinkade of Kankakee; one son, Richard Westerhoff (Kelli Marsalli) of New York; three grandchildren, Dr. Clinton Kinkade (Dr. Tori Lee) of Massachusetts; Rachel (Zach) Sell of Oklahoma, and Mackenzie Kinkade (Tim Keown) of Kankakee; two great grandchildren, Bryer and Winnie Sell of Oklahoma; one brother Dr. Thomas (Sally) Westerhoff of Quincy; two sisters-in-law, Jane Westerhoff of Bourbonnais and Linda Haney of Tennessee; two brothers-in-law, Gary Reardanz of Kankakee and Dennis Reardanz of Kankakee; and many nieces, nephews, and dear friends. In addition to his parents and wife, he is preceded in death by two sons, Ty and Dennis Westerhoff; two brothers, James and Andrew Westerhoff; one nephew, Bart Haney; one niece, Nicole Westerhoff-Sanders; and one brother-in-law, Dan Haney. A Celebration of John’s life will be held from 2pm to 5pm on Saturday, September 17, 2022, at Jensen Funeral Home, Kankakee. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Uplifted Care of Bourbonnais or the family’s wishes.