John Wilson Obituary

John Robert "Jack" Wilson Naperville, IL - John Robert "Jack" Wilson, aged 67, passed away peacefully on September 13, 2024 at his home in Naperville, Illinois. Born in Waukegan, Illinois, on May 29, 1957, to parents Frank V. and Caroline (Powers) Wilson. John grew up on a dairy farm in Darien, Wisconsin, and quickly picked up the mechanical creativity of his father (Frank) and kindness of heart of his mother (Caroline).

John pursued this love of mechanical creativity by graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in Agricultural Engineering from University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1979.

After graduating, John briefly pursued a Field Engineering position with John Crane in Morton Grove installing and retrofitting on board engine drive seals on oil tankers while on the high seas. His career took a more land- based position when he was offered a position as Design Engineer for Sloan Valve Co. in Franklin Park, Illinois. His creativity and strong work ethic escalated him to Engineering Manager where he was chiefly responsible for new product design. Developing this group of Engineers along with a strong liaison with Manufacturing Production allowed him to convey his ideas "turning ideas into designs and new products" creating new major product lines for Sloan. He was directly responsible for over 30 patents. One of which was the automatic hand sensing faucet which allowed touchless on-off hand washing activation now used routinely in most public washrooms.

John pursued many outdoor pursuits including hiking the trails and climbing cliffs, most notable in Alaska, Mount Rainier and closer to home, Devils Lake Park in Wisconsin. He maintained his love of farming by changing his backyard into a pumpkin patch yielding hundreds of pumpkins in the Fall which for many years shared with his nieces, nephews and neighbors.

John was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Caroline (Powers) Wilson; his brother, Frank E. Wilson; and brothers-in-law, Robert Davis and Bud Johnson.

He is survived by his loving family, including three sisters, Caroline (Robert) Sypniewski of Edgerton, Wisconsin, Mary (Ralph) Dach of Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin, Anne Johnson of Baraboo, Wisconsin; two brothers, Tom (Pam) Wilson of New Port Richey, Florida, Charles Wilson of Janesville, Wisconsin; a sister-in-law Bonnie Wilson, and very special friend Janine Prestinario. John was a revered Uncle to Rob (Angela), Carrie, Ryan (Jolene), Jonathan (Katie), Joe (Jessica), Adam (Erin), Stephanie, Tiffany (Frank), Tom Jr. (Traci), and Jennifer (Art). He was also a great uncle to 17 nieces and nephews.

John also left behind many friends and professional acquaintances with his work family at Sloan Valve during his 35 plus year tenure which was transformative in "Turning ideas into designs and new products."

John will be remembered as a revered brother and uncle.

He will be missed.

A memorial service will be announced at a later date.