John E. Hoth
September 22, 1938 – March 21, 2021
John E. Hoth, Age 82, U.S. Air Force Veteran, Member of Downers Grove First United Methodist Church, Loving and devoted Husband of Kathryn, nee Reece; Loving Father of Laurie (John) Giner of Daytona, FL, John J. (Julie) Hoth of Naperville, Il, and Carrie (Angelo) Tallarico of Downers Grove, IL, Cherished Papa of Jessica & Logan Hoth, Ever attentive Papa to Camryn Kelly & Marlo Elizabeth Tallarico; Step Grandfather to Sasha Arden & Mallory (Andrew) Dobbs Herring. Sweet Step Great Grandfather to Gavyn Herring; Dearest Brother Art (Terri) Toot, Sister Janice(Robert) Flaherty, Sister Dorlene (Carl) Kelley, and Brother Norman Toot; Sister-in-law Audrey Gaines, née Reece, Sister-in-law Leonora Johnston, née Reece, Sister-in-law Joanna Prihoda; Beloved Cousin Jerry( Barbara) Hoth, Beloved Cousin Paul “Skip” Arthur and sons David, Danny, and Mark. And many nieces and nephews dear to him. Preceded in death,Loving Mother Edwina Camp, née Arthur, Beloved Stepfather Richard Camp, Father John M. Hoth, Loving Grandparents Frank and Minnie Arthur, Birth Mother Olive M. Toot, née Votaw and her husband Harry Toot. His Adventurous Aunt Doris Arthur, Uncle W. Parker Arthur, and Uncle Paul Arthur. His late brother-in-laws Gilbert “Gene” Gaines, M.A. Reece, Peter Johnston.
Surrounded by his loving family in body and spirit John “Papa” Hoth, a pilot since the age of 12 years old, filed his Grumman Cheetah flight planes with the sweet Angels on March 21 at 1:52 p.m. He is with all who loved him and supported him during his industrious life as he loved to live and never had enough time to do all that he wanted, but always made time to fly and be with family. His accomplishments are broad and sweeping, but the finer points are his steadfast Dairy farm-boy approach to life, early to rise and out the door to work, seven days a week. He never stood still, never a dull moment, and if you were bored he’d keep you busy teaching everything from lawn care to mechanics, even sewing. His mother Edwina, a Master teacher, realized soon John’s intelligence as he often found creative ways to solve problems on the farm. After rigorous testing, John was awarded his Mensa papers at 7 years old, entered Avery Coonley School, and matriculated through to Hinsdale Central graduating in 1957, awarded an engineering scholarship, he chose to serve his country instead with the United States Air Force for 7 years, and was an award winning left handed master shot.
In 1958, he met the love of his life, Kathryn E. Reece. They Married, May 23,1959 and together, they welcomed and raised their 3 children in the Village of Downers Grove, IL. During this time he supported Boy and Girl Scouts, Swim team Boosters, and our Methodist Church events and its transportation department.
He spent 35 years as a much admired Journeyman Millwright at Reynolds Metal Company, McCook,Il. As a successful Journeyman he was proud to have worked on aerospace projects, especially proud of the skins for the space shuttle program. He found pride in the challenge of designing, applying, and building for the Reynolds Metal Company.bo
He loved playing ukulele and teaching songs to his grandchildren on ukuleles he gifted them, often joining Uncle Johns Music Saturday morning jam. He was an accomplished woodworker, mechanic, painter, heating/cooling man, agriculturalist, EPA member, Classical pianist, organist, guitarist, concertina player, bowler, golfer, fly fisherman, soccer, and track man known as “Jumpin’ Jack Flash” in high school. He enjoyed his Rod and Riffle club, Aopa, Young Eagles Flights EAA, Heart&Soul Senior Dance Group and The Sunday Morning Breakfast Club! He always was involved in social clubs and connecting with friends.
Free time was spent working on engines of all kinds, creating and flying home made modal airplanes, fishing in Canada with John J, traveling this country, especially Ludington State Park, Michigan since he was a boy.
John lived a life worth every moment of living. He provided a home, humor, and adventure for his family. Loving life was the Pigs Dinner,12 scoops of ice cream and the fixings, at Park Dairy House of Flavors with his sweet girl Kathy and his children and grandchildren. He is loved deeply.
Gods Speed.
March 29, 2021 – 12:00pm cst
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