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John Reffke Obituary

Reffke, John A. loving father of Olivia and Lissette; loving husband of Brandy; loving son of Julia M. and the late Leonard G. Reffke; loving and devoted brother of Julia (James), Patricia (Will Fredo), and Leonard W. (Tania); cherished uncle and great-uncle of many nephews and nieces; loving grandson of the late Albert and Mary Fischer, and the late William and Helen Reffke. Visitation Sunday, August 24, from 2 to 8 p.m., at Olson Burke/ Sullivan Funeral & Cremation Center, 6467-77 N. Northwest Hwy. (1 blk N of Devon), Chicago. Cremation private. Info 773-774-3333

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Published by Chicago Sun-Times on Aug. 23, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for John Reffke

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Tom and Debbie Grainger

September 10, 2008

Aunt Julie and family.
We were very sorry to hear the shocking news about Johnny. We will never forget the fun times we had with him. You are in our thoughts and prayers always. May God watch over his precious daughters. All our love, Tom and Debbie and family. We love you Johnny.

Jonathan Alan Reffke

September 6, 2008

I will miss you very much "Tio Porque"

Maria Ramos

September 5, 2008

Oma, Jerry, Jonathan, Jennifer, Jimbo, Grandma Reffke, Uncle Lenny, Aunt Patti.
My prayers go to all of you. I am SO SORRY for you loss, I want you all to know that I have you all in my heart, like ALWAYS. I wish I was there with you in these hard times. I love you! You will forever be a part of my family, as I am part of yours.
Love Always, Mirita

Jerry and Cathy Merwitz

September 2, 2008

Julie,
Jerry told us about your brothers passing. We are all saddened by your loss. Please stay strong and remember that we are thinking about all of you.

Tiffany Berg

August 30, 2008

I'm prayers are with you and loss for your loss. Just keep the memories alive.

mark vance

August 30, 2008

brandy call us please mark&jessica vance 304 752 0558

Carlos & Jayne Ortiz

August 27, 2008

Carlos and I are deeply saddened to loose someone that we have known since he was born. Lenny was just recently out here. This is all so shocking to us, and we can't even imagine how you all must be feeling. Johnny's free spirit and humor was an inspiration to us all, and will remain in our hearts forever. We are sorry that we couldn't get back from Puerto Rico fast enough to attend his funeral. Our thoughts and prayers will always be with you. Love and miss you guys! Carlos & Jayne

Francis/Whitten Family

August 27, 2008

The Refke Family,
We are all so sorry to hear about John. Our hearts and prayers go out to the entire family. May God watch over you and give you strength - today and always.

God Bless and take care,
The Francis Family
(Diane [Whitten], Janis, Christy, Gail [Von Graeff]

Susie Hass

August 27, 2008

Dear Ma Reffke,Julia,Patti,And Lenny,

I am deeply saddened to hear about Johnny.. I have such great memomories.. of all of us just hanging out at the playground and just hanging out on your front porch..or my front porch. I may be far away but my heart is always with my good friends and Hawthorne Family.. He will be missed. My thoughts and Prayers.. are with all of you. Always know we have his funny memories. That alone gives me peace...May Our Father in Heaven Give you Peace of mind just
knowing he is in a peaceful place..getting aquinted with his Dad. What a wonderful thought! I will pray for your peace of mind.
Love Ya all and Miss ya just as much
HUGS AND KISSES from me to all of you

laura hofer

August 26, 2008

julie,and family
i just found out about johnny. i am so sorry .he was like a brother to me. andhe was always there when you needed help. johnny was also very special to me because he helped me take care of my uncle when i was at work. johnny i love you and aways will. your adopted sister laura(laurie) and ernie

SUSAN Badillo

August 26, 2008

Dear Brandy,
My Deepest Regrets go out to the Family,Johnny and I have threw out the years shared many conversations about many different things mostly about family.I can only tell you how happy I was that my cousin found someone as special as you in his life.your unconditional love touched him so deeply.he always just wanted to be loved.Thank you Brandy for all of the love you gave to him.he told me often how much you and the girls meant to him.I can't believe he is gone.I keep thinking my phone will ring and it will be johnny.I pray that my cousin is in a better place with my mom.johnny will always be forever in my heart.my cuz,and I hope the girls and you stay close to our Family.our doors will always be open with much love.god bless always.
Love always cousin Susie

Maureen O'Brien

August 25, 2008

Julia, Patty, and the Reffkey Family. My heart goes out to all of you. I was so shocked to hear that John was the person on the bike. My condolence and prayers for all of you and for John. Sincerely,

jeannette diaz (cagle)

August 25, 2008

sorry for ur loss he was a great man but of course u know that. i will have your family in my prayers.

Stacy Dalke

August 25, 2008

My heart goes out to you all. Brandy I am praying for you to have strength to go on and take care of your beautiful little girls. I'm sure your daughters will hold their father close to their hearts forever. My deepest sympathy to you, your family and Johnny's family. God bless all of you.

Tasha (Barkes) Gilley

August 25, 2008

To The Reffke Family,
Our Thoughts and Prayers go out to your Family. You will always be Remembered.
Barkes and Gilley Family

Greg McDonald

August 24, 2008

To the whole Reffke family,

What I remember most about Johnny was when he was young, between the the ages of 7 and 10. Johnny and Duane Sullivan would always be at the garage of Tom Thomas who lived at 1114 w. Roscoe. They loved to hang out with us working on cars and motorcycles, having learned to use ratchets and wrenches at an early age. They were good and fun kids to have hanging out with us, being myself, John Scanlan, Tommy Thomas and Manny Godines. As they got older, you would see the both of them flying around the neighborhood on dirt bikes having a blast. These are my favorite memories of Johnny and Duane, Two great kids, that even though we were ten years older than them, I am sincere in saying it was great to have them both as friends and to watch them grow up.

Greg

Sharon Burke (Rossi)

August 24, 2008

Mom (Reffke), Julie, Patti, Lenny and family. Just wanted to say how sorry I'm am for your loss. Johnny was a great person and so were all of you growing up,lots of memories. We all had great times growing up at Hawthorene wish we could have seen each other more. Lenny and I used to be ping-pong partners and Johnny never wanted to play.Johnny would just play the outdoor sports, he always had a nice bicycle for me to ride and now I hear he worked on bikes and cars that was Johnny. Miss and have been thinking of you all. My thoughts and Prayers are with all of you.

mark middleton

August 24, 2008

Johnnie my friend alot of memories are going thru my mind right now,growing up around Hawthorne was awesome.we did alot of crazy things together.you'll be missed my friend.To the reffke family,my thoughts and prayers are with you all.

Eva Hughes Mark Thomas

August 24, 2008

Dear Julie and family! I am so sorry and I wish I could do something to help you.He is now in a better place where no pain or heartache exists,he is with his father, his friends Ronnie and Tommy.I guess the good Lord wanted Johnnie to make him laugh, Tommy to play music and Ronnie to fix all those holes in heaven.He needed another angel.He will be missed.Julie I love you Honey you are in my thoughts my heart and my prayers. God bless all of you.
Your other Mom and Mark

john nuno

August 24, 2008

and we knew haw to laugh, and we knew haw to cry ..............yeah,we sure knew haw to live.... and ride ....i ll miss you MY BROTHER

Cathy Babiez

August 24, 2008

Julie,

I am sorry to hear about Johnny. Steve and I are thinking about you during this very difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Our deepest condolences are with you, your Mom, Patty, Lenny, and all the kids.

God bless-

Lew Nash

August 24, 2008

My heart goes out to you at this time and in the days ahead.

Charlene Leitsch

August 24, 2008

Oh my precious friend, I just got the news and I too relived that night many years ago....I know no words to share that will ease your pain..{a time to laugh and a time to cry} are of little confort but these word are found in our Bible. Wish I could hold you all and remind you how much you mean to me. Thank God for memories and the many blessing he gives us. Will lift you all up in prayer to the throne of God and may you fine peace and confort in your time of great sorrow. Charlene and
Bud

Mike Talles

August 24, 2008

Dear Julia,My deepest sympathyfor you and your entire family.It is tragic to see him pass as his father did at such a young age.
Love , Mike T.

Sandi Rodriguez

August 24, 2008

Mrs. Reffke, Julie, Patty, Lenny,
Please know that I am praying for family and friends to comfort you, faith to uphold you, and loving memories of Johnny to help you smile again.

Ed & Kathy Keenan

August 23, 2008

You are in our thoughts and prayers.

Jennifer Stapleton

August 23, 2008

My uncle John was not perfect, but he loved each and everyone of us. I'm going to miss riding on the bike with him, seeing him smile and driving me crazy. Life and our family will never be the same. Uncle John is 1 in a million! I love you & miss you Uncle John!
Nennifer (As he would call me)

Natoma Nuno

August 23, 2008

My heart breaks knowing i'll never see you again. I watched you grow up.And i love you,God Bless you. My Deapest sympathy to your family.Natoma(ma)Nuno

Donna Belluomini

August 23, 2008

Brandy,

Larry & I are here for you and your 2 beautiful daughters. Please know that we are here for you and knew John was such a nice & fun loving person.

Melissa Reffke

August 23, 2008

We are very sorry to hear about your loss. We love all of u very much. You are in our prayers. If any of you need anything we are here for you. He will truely be missed. Love, jerry , melissa and precilla

DIANNE HALL-MATEJKA

August 23, 2008

To the Reffke family I'm the sister of Ed Hall I grew up and I remember
I went to the same grade school
Hawthorne, as John did my condolenses are with your entire family. God Bless all of you. Dianne Hall-Matejka River Falls, Wisconsin

Jennie Heuser

August 23, 2008

Certainly a "one of a kind" the world will not be the same without him...
You will be remembered always....
Sleep well...
and to the family,my prayers are with you all

Sandra Schafer

August 23, 2008

Julie, Pat, Julie, and Lenny & family
You are in our thoughts and prayers. Please know that you have our deepest sympathy and condolences.
Your many friends from Dwight, IL

Tracy Nuno

August 23, 2008

To the Reffke Family,

Our family's thoughts and prayers are with you all.

Dave & Denise Cangiolosi

August 23, 2008

Brandy,We are So sorry for your family's loss.We send our condolences. And best wishes for you and your family.

Gerald Reffke

August 23, 2008

I miss you uncle john. i wish i could have said i loved you just 1 more time. but you already knew it we cant replace some1 like you. i am very sorry that i cant be there but we still have 4 months left on this deployment i miss all of you guys i promise i'll come home to all of you soon

Jennifer Stapleton

August 23, 2008

Uncle John will forever be remembered in my heart. I will always remember taking rides with my uncle on his bikes. He was so loving an kind and a great pain in the butt too! I love you and miss you Uncle Johnny!

Love ALWAYS
"Nennifer" (as he would call me)

Mary Bucaro

August 23, 2008

Dear Julie, Jim & Family,
We were so sorry to hear about your brother. Please know that all of you are in our prayers. May your memories bring you comfort.
With our deepest sympathy,
Michael & Mary Bucaro & Family

Scott Schaffner & Family

August 23, 2008

Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Judy Shipman

August 23, 2008

My deepest sympathy to Brandi, her and Johns girls, and the Reffke family. I pray that you will all find the strength to keep Johns spirit alive, and hold all your memories close to your heart!

Uncle Bill & Aunt Betty

August 23, 2008

Uncle 'Puckalowski' and aunt convey our deepest sympathies. We remember how proud your dad and grandma were when Len and John were born and also remember that very sad time 40 years ago when I lost my brother and best friend.

The Webb / Gomez Family

August 23, 2008

Johnny,

You will never know how much you meant to our family. It was a running joke that whenever we mentioned your name you must have had a radar because you always seemed to turn up. My grandmother really enjoyed spending time with you. You always made her laugh with your stories. Hopefully you will continue to tell her stories up in heaven. God bless you!

Karen & Bill Albert

August 23, 2008

Please accept our deepest sympathies. We have not seen John since he was little but our hearts go out to my BEST babysitter Julie and her family in their time of sorrow.

Debbie and Carianne Eisa

August 23, 2008

Reffke, of everyone in the group that hung out together you truly were our comic relief. You will be forever missed and always remembered. May the memory of you and the help of our Lord guide your family through the times ahead. God bless all of you.

PATTI COLE

August 22, 2008

John Refke,
Our sincerest sympathies to your family and all your loved ones. We know that you are in a better place. Know that your sister Julia is loved and cared for.
Love, The Cole Family

Cathie

August 22, 2008

To our family as you read this I am really sorry Aunt Julie, Julie, Patty, Lenny and your children I am sooo very sorry to hear how Johnny left this world. I remember that night when we found out about my uncle, your father. I remember the screams and I can't even imagine what you are feeling tonight. I am still here for you all.
Love your real cousin.

Mark Miller

August 22, 2008

To the Reffke family,
All our prayers and sympathy go out to all of you, Auntie Julia, Julia and Lenny. John you we will be missed.

Mark and Nancy Miller

Carianne & Debbie Eisa

August 22, 2008

Reffke (we never did call you John), we all had some fun times and shared a lot of laughs. Thank you for the great memories. May God Bless you and your family. Our prayers are with all of you.

Carianne & Debbie Eisa

Pedro, Angelica, Vero, and Vivi Nieves

August 22, 2008

Our deepest deepest sympathy to everyone who knew and loved Reffke...he was truly one of kind! You didn't have to be in his company but only for a second before his incomparable energetic personality made you laugh and smile. Our family was fortunate enough to spend some time with Reffke, Brandy and his beautiful girls at the pool a few weeks ago. We remember how he boasted about how his oldest was a dare devil just like him as she cannon balled into the pool and we watched that Fathers Pride shine on his face when his little one called out, "Daddy Daddy catch me!" When it was time for everyone to get out of the pool he wasted no time helping out the life guards and shouted "Ok everyone out of the pool!" No doubt he will be watching over his angels from heaven! He will be missed and never forgotten..his death was a terrible loss! Not too many free spirited, genuine,daring and wholeheartedly good souls left in the world! RIP Reffke! God Bless Brandy..Olivia..Lissette.
You're in our thoughts and prayers.

Maria Larsen

August 22, 2008

Johnny, there are no words to console those left behind. Your genuine smile and the way your eyes lit up whenever we saw one another will now be part of what lights up our sky; from the heavens watch over us. Sleep peacefully my little one, for in my eyes, you will always be that sweet little boy I knew and loved. May God bring peace to your whole family at this very sad time in their lives.

CarolandRon Allain

August 22, 2008

HI Lenny,

It's Carol, Cassandra's sister. I'm so sorry to hear about your brother. I hope that you find closure with such a horrific situation. Ron & I are here for you if you ever need to chat. May God bless your family and help you as well.

Steve and Maureen Swanson

August 22, 2008

We were deeply saddened to learn of John's untimely death. You are in our prayers. May God be with you in your sorrow.

Cathy Nolte (Babiez)

August 22, 2008

I'm so sorry to hear about Johnny. I hadn't seen in a very long time, but remember him being a good "kid".

Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.

mark vance

August 22, 2008

So sudden,,what to say,,,were very sorry for your loss,stay strong and be thankful of what you do have in those giirls is the heart of john,,he left the best thing for you all,,a piece of him in them,,best wishes,,may god help guide you through this tough time

Flora Colon

August 22, 2008

Johny I will always miss you

Titi Flo

Liz Batista

August 22, 2008

Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

John Bezazian

August 22, 2008

To John's Family, I'm sorry for your loss. He was a great person to know and be around. I just seen him the other day and he put a huge smile on my face. He will be missed. R.I.P. Buddy

lionel & lionel jr vega

August 22, 2008

sorry for your family's loss.we send our condolences.wishing the best for you.

Sonia Teruel

August 22, 2008

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

Amy Brownlow

August 22, 2008

We just wanted to send our deepest condolences. I was friends with the Nieves family. Wishing the best for the family.

Ericka Haynes

August 22, 2008

I'm so sorry for your family's loss. We all send our deepest sympathies.

Susan Badillo

August 22, 2008

My Dearest Cuzin,
My thoughts will always Be with you.I will never forget our many conversations that we shared.I know your love will be with us always.
Life was hard for you, I know god has a better life waiting for you.I promise to you I will always help to look out for your girls.johnny thank you for always being there for me.you will be greatly missed.
Love Susie

Christine Richards

August 22, 2008

Your favorite personal bankers send their deepest sympathies.

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