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John Crane Obituary

Crane, John "Johnny" Lynn Age 2, of Chicago, died on Saturday, August 27, 2011 while snuggled gently in the arms of his mommy and daddy. He was surrounded by his beloved grammies, aunties, uncles and cousins and the compassionate and dedicated staff of the PICU at Children's Memorial Hospital in Chicago. Johnny was born in Chicago on Saturday, September 27, 2008 to Karen and John Crane. Although premature, he was healthy and needed only to stay in hospital while putting weight on his 3lb 15oz perfectly cute body. Before being taken to the NICU, he gave a left-handed wave to mommy as if to tell her "I'm here and I'm Okay!" His first two years of life were spent growing, exploring and doing everything babies and little boys love to do. Known affectionately as "Johnny" or "JohnJohn", his beautiful spirit radiated from the moment he awoke until bedtime. Walks to Gross Park, the library, Lincoln Square or the "up and down gates" were never complete until he would swing open then close each heavy iron yard gate along the way. He had great fun opening and closing all types of doors, big or little, never once catching a finger. Setting up then knocking down his bowling pins and stacking blocks, throwing everything in his playroom down his slide, his Alphabet Train, and his Word Whammer were favorite activities. He loved sleepovers, playing bedroom hoops, camping, the beach, the snow, puddles and everything outdoors. Gently climbing upon then rolling around the floor with mommy, playing with her hair, helping her prepare meals and just being her sweet little guy brought constant smiles and joy. Daddy was his bestest buddy, each day began snuggling in the big bed, running errands, shopping at the Red Ball Store or hanging out at the mall or park, followed with bath and story time at night. In hospital since May 1, 2011, he loved putting on a show when "reading" his favorite book, The ABC's of Cookies. He would line up his markers or crayons on his chest in careful order, then proclaim "I Luuvvvv Purple" or "Green, blue, yellow, red, orange...Yeah, good job, good job Johnny" in his sweet voice while gently clapping his hands. Johnny loved painting, knew his shapes, numbers and all the letters in the alphabet and would sing and clap along in perfect pitch and rhythm to Patti LaBelle singing the ABC's. His unforgettable laugh followed by " It's so funny" while watching Ernie & "Tookie" baking a cake, Ernie with a banana in his ear, Super Grover, Elbows, Bert, Elmo or Mr. Noodle displayed his infectious and whimsical sense of humor. Super Why was a huge favorite, "Super Why..It's the Piggies" he would request. He loved playing Monkey Lunchbox on his IPad and although he was on liquid nutrition since May, he was always ready to order his favorite foods through room service: "chicken rings, cheeseburger, fries, bagel, cream cheese, green beans, pamcakes, wahpples, banananas, mananoni and cheese, pizza, raviolis, adacados," the food list goes on. Johnny was an extraordinary little boy whose sweetness and radiance was never dimmed by the physical challenges he endured daily. He was diagnosed with Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia on September 30, 2009, three days after his first birthday. He received a stem cell transplant on April 6, 2011 at Children's Memorial Hospital in Chicago, which successfully engrafted to fill his body with healthy new stem cells. That victory was quickly overshadowed by persistent complications from graft versus host disease and numerous infections. With each new challenge to his health, and there were so many, he persevered and showed unbelievable strength, courage and kindness that will remain an inspiration to us all. Our family will be forever grateful to the entire dedicated and compassionate team of doctors, 4West nurses and support staff at Children's that cared for and loved Johnny. He is survived by his parents John and Karen (Lynn) Crane of Chicago, his grammies Nancy Crane of Orland Park and Elizabeth Lynn of Chicago, aunts and uncles Pat and John Scully of Lindenhurst, the late Martin Crane of Orland Park, Karen and the late Tom Crane of Homer Glen, Judy and Ed Crane of Hinsdale, Caroline and Mark Boyich of Mokena, Laura and Dan Lynn of Orland Park, Sandra and Mike Lynn of Los Angeles, Matt (Traci) Lynn of Chicago, Mary and Jim Mitchell of Elmhurst and Kevin Lynn of Chicago. Although youngest of all the cousins, he loved hanging out with the big kids: Jeannie, Colleen, Anne and John Scully; Jesse Crane; Jimmy, Tammy and Eric Crane; Mike, Mary and Eddie Crane; Meg, Therese and Emily Boyich; Amy and Katie Lynn; Christopher Lynn; Tara, Luke, Bridget and Tommy Mitchell and Reagan Lynn and Maggie Lovell. The family will receive friends from 12:30pm to 2:00pm on Thursday, September 1, 2011 at Cooney Funeral Home, 625 North Busse Highway in Park Ridge. Interment will be private.

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Published by Chicago Sun-Times on Sep. 1, 2011.

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Ken Kufner

August 25, 2020

May little Johnny continue to rest in peace, amen. Respectfully, Ken Kufner STL

Pam Gutierrez

September 2, 2013

Karen and John, my deepest regrets that I am just now reading for the first time precious Johnny's beautiful and stirring obit. Karen I have said it always, you should be a writer. I love this picture and know that in as much as Johnny was a special gift from heaven to you guys, you were the most perfect parents a baby could have ever had. I am so sorry I did not know of the service or else I would have been there. I love you guys, and you know I loved Johnny with the big, absolutely beautiful mesmerizing blue eyes. That was absolutely the most beautiful Obituary I have ever read, and you are the most beautiful family I have ever known. Please forgive me for this oh so late entry, and for missing the service. I pray continually that you and John console one another and know all the while that your perfect little angel is watching over you.

Love you both with all my heart.

August 28, 2013

Praying for you & your parents, little guy.
Wish I had the pleasure of meeting you, I think of you often.
Xoxo.

Love Auntie

August 27, 2013

Sweet Baby Crane
I am praying for your parents today.You are so Loved & Missed.Hugs kisses & giggles with uncle Tom.

Ann Lousin

October 16, 2011

As so many others have said, I do not know your family, but was moved to tears by the beautiful tribute you gave your son. He, like all children, was a precious gift. His life was so brief, but he was unbelievably lucky to have parents like you. May God comfort you in your sorrow.

Aunt Karen

September 27, 2011

Sweet baby Crane,

What a devastating loss for your family,May your mommy & daddy find the strength they need together to get thru this day & the remaining days of their lives.You are missed & loved so much.

Shannon Wickham

September 9, 2011

Karen and family, so very sorry for your loss. Karen, you and I were pregnant at the same time when you were working here at the USAO, and my daughter Collette is just a few months younger than John. I can't imagine what you're going through, but please know that our prayers are with you.

Josephine Thomas

September 7, 2011

John and Karen, I just learned of JohnJohn's passing. Words cannot express my sorrow. While I didn't know him, I certainly know the love that a child can invoke in your heart. I pray that you find the strength to weather this storm together. As a GranNee to two beautiful little bundles of joy, I can only imagine the pain. When you're flooded with sadness, think of his beautiful face. When you're tempted to give up, think of his perseverance. I will keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers and hold my little ones a little bit closer. Love, Josephine with HSA.

Rosemary McNatt

September 7, 2011

I do not know you at all, and you do not know me, but I am writing to say how sorry I am at the loss of your beloved son. The obituary you wrote was so vivid and beautiful, I felt I could almost hear John listing his favorite foods and laughing. I can't begin to imagine your heartbreak, but I want you to know that I am praying for you and your family tonight. God bless and keep all of you.

Dani Truty

September 6, 2011

We've never met, but I'm a mother and a grandmother, with a darling little two-year-old grandson. I read your beautiful obituary, saw a picture of the pudgy little arms, and a bit nod formed in my throat. What a beautiful little Angel this little Johnny appears to have always been! God's will be done, and God please grant us strength and faith when we sometimes do not understand.

Therese "TT" Boyich

September 5, 2011

A is for Apron. Which matches this hat.
B is for Butter.
And C is for? Cat? No. Cookies.

I miss you more every day my little monkey-man.
You are forever alive in our hearts. Those who met you were blessed to have seen your beautiful smile, heard your heart-warming voice and feel your precious Eskimo kisses. You changed my life, little man.

Aunt Karen and Uncle John,
I love you both. I am so glad you were his Mommy and Daddy. Mommy tumming. Daddy Tumming. He loved you both so much and you were the best parents he could have ever had throughout all of this. You gave him so much love.
"Mommy's Gotchu". Aunt Karen. You are an amazing mother and a beautiful person. You have a truly amazing capacity to love. You are, without a doubt, the strongest person I know. I am so blessed to have you as my Aunt. I love you.

He will live forever in our hearts.

With so much love,

Aunt Carolyn, Uncle Mark, Meg, Therese and Emily Boyich

September 5, 2011

Karen and John, our hearts are broken, but as you so beautifully and courageously articulated at the funeral, he is everywhere with us, he is the wind, he is in the rays of sun, he is everywhere that there is beauty. We will hold him in our hearts forever. We feel so blessed to have had him as such a special part of our lives. We miss him every minute and love him more each day. Thank you for the 2.11 uears/months we spent with Johnny. His memory will live on and we will tell all the funny memories/stories that we have tucked safely in our hearts for the rest of our lives. All those who knew him, loved him, were captivated by him and always commented about just how special he was. He was truly a shining light in this family. He brought such joy and happiness to all of us. Thank you both for such a beautiful little boy. We have him under lock and key in our hearts forever.

Eileen McIntyre FoleY

September 4, 2011

I am so sorry for your loss. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.

Renee

September 4, 2011

The picture of your beautiful little boy caught my eye. My deepest sympathy to you and your family. Though we have never met, I too am a mom and know the love that only a parent can hold for their child. My prayers are with you.

Judi C

September 4, 2011

My heart aches for you. What a gorgeous little boy taken so young. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. John is another angel in heaven. God Bless You.

Marilynn

September 4, 2011

My deepest sympathy to the Crane family. No bond is as great as that between a parent and child. May you allow the loving memories of John and your lives with him to hold you thru this difficult time that you are enduring. John5:28,29. Such a beautiful baby, my heart goes out for you.

Kelsey Chavez

September 4, 2011

Dear John, It was a pleasure meeting your family and your little boy at my graduation party last year. I'm sorry for your loss, you now have your very own guardian angel watching over you always. Love Kelsey Chavez

Tom & Cindy Vitale

September 3, 2011

Karen and John,

We were very sorry to hear of your loss. May your son rest in peace.

Love, Tom and Cindy

Ken Kufner

September 2, 2011

John, Ed and family,
So sorry to hear about your loss. Please know my thoughts and prayers are with you and the family, both now and always. Please also remember that Johnny will always be in the loving arms of our lord Jesus Christ, now and always, Amen.

God bless,

Ken Kufner
St. Laurence High School '85

September 2, 2011

John, Karen and Family:
What a wonderful tribute to your son. We don't know if there are words that can bring you comfort but know that you will be in our thoughts and prayers.
Rich ("Jughead") and Peggy Nielsen

Jeanne Cassidy

September 2, 2011

John and Karen,
I know words are not much comfort now. My parents lost two young children. At times when it seemed impossible to go on, they found the courage and strength to do so and I know you will. Their bond is unbreakable. They will be celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary tomorrow. They have said numerous times the only way they made it through is to believe that their precious Tommy and Mary Ann are in heaven looking down on them and they know they will spend eternity with in heaven with them. Please now that Johnny is in heaven with my brother and sister and they are showing him the ropes. They will keep him safe and happy until you meet again in heaven. You are not alone, he is there with you in your heart and soul.

John, you are such an amazing man. When you were in pain you always comforted Tony. I will be forever grateful to you for helping him through.

Love,
Jeanne

bob scully

September 2, 2011

John and Karen,
There are no words. I'm so very sorry.
Bob Scully

Patti Holzner

September 1, 2011

Dear Karen, John, Lynn & Crane Families, What a beautiful tribute to your Son. There are no words that can comfort you, except perhaps that Johnny is in God's loving arms, safe and sound. He will be protected for all eternity. We wish you strength, love and faith, during this awful time in your lives. We are praying for all of you. Our Deepest Sympathies.... Patti Holzner and families.

Colleen Green

September 1, 2011

Karen and John, Johnny will be forever in our hearts. We will miss him. We love you all! Patrick, Colleen, Maura, Sean, and Bridget

Jeni Pilcher

September 1, 2011

I have never met you nor did I have the honor of meeting Johnny, but his "big kid" Ann Scully is one of my favorite people in the world and I know how much she loved him. My thoughts and prayers are with your family. May you cherish every beautiful memory and may you find comfort knowing he is with the Lord. What a beautiful angel! PEACE
Jeni Pilcher

Michelle Smith

September 1, 2011

I am very sorry for your loss. I read the obits all the time in the sun times and his cute picture and age caught my eye. Your family will be in my prayers. In Sept of 1999, I had my 1st child, a stillborn daughter. I know what it is like to lose a child and I want you to know your little boy is now an angel that is watching over you and the rest of the family. Maybe he will make friends with my little girl! May God bless you and your family in this time of mourning.

September 1, 2011

We loss a child, our only one. God gives comfort thru the very difficult days ahead. 2 Corinth 1:3-4

September 1, 2011

our deepest sympathy to your family Nancy..
we were your neighbors@4341 keeler...
joanne-laurie-roberta and h.keohane

Kathy Frugoli

September 1, 2011

Dear John and Karen,
Our condolences to you and your family. Life does not make sense and losing a child is tragic. We are truly sorry for your loss. Our heart aches for you and your family.
Kate & Dan Sullivan

Mary Beth PICU, RN

September 1, 2011

My thoughts & prayers are with you during this difficult time. I was so saddened to come into work on Mon. & see Johnny's room empty. You have a very special little Angel forever watching over you.

suzanne hall (USAO)

September 1, 2011

karen, my deepest sympathies to you and your family. keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers

Luis Anderson

September 1, 2011

May god bless little John he is in Gods hands now.Our prayers are with you and your family. We will continue to pray for you.

A stranger

September 1, 2011

God bless you and your family

John V.Fitzgibbons

September 1, 2011

Dear John and Karen I am so sorry to hear about your son John my deepest sympathies and prayers go out to you and your families I am so sorry for your loss.

September 1, 2011

You do not know me but I read your incredibly moving obituary in the SunTimes today. Your son was clearly a remarkable boy (I have a 2 year old daughter myself and was moved to tears reading your beautiful tribute) Please know that your family is in the thoughts and prayers of many people out there. Lorna, Chicago, IL

Mark Hughes

September 1, 2011

Dear John & Karen
Our deepest sympathy for the loss of little Johnny. May God bless you and your family at this time of sorrow. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

September 1, 2011

Karen and John,

Mike and I want to extend our heartfelt sympathy to you and to your families. We will keep you in our prayers. God Bless you. Mike and Teresa Volpentesta

Jennifer

September 1, 2011

Although I do not know your family, your tribute to John was absolutely beautiful. My deepest sympathy to your family. May the Lord wrap John in his arms and keep him until you all meet again one day.

kevin r. chavez

September 1, 2011

dear crane family my deepest sympathy to everyone kris,kevin kelsey,keller,keaton,karlin;chavez

jose cabrera

September 1, 2011

dear john,I realy feel very sorry for your BIG LOST.jose cabrera.

Wacile Anderson

September 1, 2011

God's blessings to you. Sorry, I will not be able to be with you at this time, but if you need me for anything later, just pick up the phone. Wacile Anderson

September 1, 2011

Dear John and Karen, Words cannot express how saddened we are for your loss.John was a lucky boy to have such wonderful parents .Our thoughts and prayers are with you.May God bless you and your family.
All or love, The Sallas family

Joanne - HSA

September 1, 2011

My heart is just broken for all of you. I know anything I can possibly say is inadequate. I have the newborn picture of Johnny and his Daddy on my desk and looking at it just makes me smile. That's how I will remember him with a smile on my face and in my heart. God bless all of you. I know he thanks you for his newest beautiful little Angel.

Maureen

September 1, 2011

Crane and Lynn Family, I am so very sorry for your loss. What a handsome little boy. Your Tribune tribute brought tears to my eyes. May he rest in peace and may God comfort you in the next days ahead.

September 1, 2011

Dear John, Karen, Nancy, the Crane and Lynn Families,
What a beautiful little boy, and such a wonderful tribute above.
I am deeply sorry for your loss. You and your families are
in my thoughts and prayers. Marie O'Ryan

Ron and Kathy Frugoli

September 1, 2011

Dear jOHN and Karen may God watch over you and your family at this sad time my deepest sympathy.

Tony & Jeanne Cassidy

September 1, 2011

John and Karen,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Please know that Johnny is watching out for you from up above. He will forever be your guardian angel and be with you in your heart until one day you meet again.

August 31, 2011

Our deepest sympathy.

Marge, Alisa & Kristen Luchene

Colleen Green

August 31, 2011

God Bless Johnny Crane! You will be forever missed and forever in our hearts. May God grant you peace, hope, and strength John and Karen. We love you all, Patrick, Colleen, Maura, Sean, and Bridget Green

Cherie & Ray Fiedler

August 31, 2011

Dearest Karen & John, Lynn & Crane Families,

In our hearts and with deepest faith in the Lord, we know Johnny is in Heaven, from where his soul came to you here on earth. He will forever be cherished, loved and missed. God bless him and keep him forever, and may He comfort you as you need to be. We will keep Johnny and you in our prayers. With love and deepest sympathy, Ray & Cherie Fiedler and family.

Joe Lynch and family

August 31, 2011

Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you.

Barry Ecklund and family

August 31, 2011

John and family- Our thoughts, prayers and heavy hearts are with you on this day. May God bless Johnny and may God keep him at his side.

Thomas Adolphson

August 31, 2011

Johnny will have friends in heaven to keep him company until you are reunited. I do not know your family, but your story touched me today in the Tribune, so please know all of you are in my prayers. Tom

John Szot (DWM)

August 31, 2011

No bond is as great as that between a parent and child. My deepest condolences are with you as you grieve.

Debby Domka (former colleague at USAO)

August 31, 2011

Karen and family - my thoughts and prayers are with you all. God Bless lil Johnny

Tom & Marge Swanson

August 31, 2011

This is truly a time when words are inadequate. We are so sorry for your loss. May God bless you and your family. Love & Prayers. Tom & Marge Swanson

judy quartuccio

August 31, 2011

My deepest sympathy, you are in our prayers. Judy,Mike,Cameron,Colin Quartuccio

Jim, Gail and Sara Vickrey

August 31, 2011

You have our deepest sympathy for your loss. Know you are both in our thoughts and prayers and may God bless you and embrace you during this difficult time

Paula Gabriel

August 31, 2011

May God Bless and watch over you at this most difficult time.

Barbie Hines

August 31, 2011

He was absolutely perfect in every way.

sue & pete dennis

August 31, 2011

You are in our thoughts in this most trying time.

Donna Westog

August 31, 2011

Although I never met Johnny, his Aunt Caroline and cousin Therese spoke so lovingly of him. My heart aches for your family. May God bless you and embrace you during this most difficult time.

Rick and Tami Klein

August 31, 2011

Our prayers are with the family.

Michael Marshall

August 31, 2011

May you see God's light on the path ahead
When the road you walk is dark.
May you always hear, Even in your hour of sorrow,
The gentle singing of the lark.
When times are hard may hardness
Never turn your heart to stone,
May you always remember when the shadows fall—
You do not walk alone.

Michael Marshall

August 31, 2011

May you see God's light on the path ahead
When the road you walk is dark.
May you always hear,
Even in your hour of sorrow,
The gentle singing of the lark.
When times are hard may hardness
Never turn your heart to stone,
May you always remember
when the shadows fall—
You do not walk alone.

Tim Marino

August 31, 2011

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Nick Dever

August 31, 2011

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

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