John Frederick Obituary

John Timothy Frederick Sr.
Born: June 17, 1947
Died: December 23, 2025
John Timothy Frederick Sr., 78, passed peacefully into the loving arms of his Lord and Savior on December 23, 2025.
John was born on the south side of Chicago, Illinois, on June 17, 1947, the third of nine children born to Leo and Alberta Frederick. He grew up in the family home on Albany, where lifelong values of hard work, faith, and family were formed. John attended Luther South High School, graduating in 1965.
In March of 1969, John began what would become a lifelong career in the elevator industry, working for more than 42 years as an elevator mechanic and constructor. Over the years, he worked for Haughton City Elevator, U.S. Elevator, ThyssenKrupp ETI, and Anderson Elevator. Known for his integrity, reliability, and tireless work ethic, John earned the respect of coworkers and made many lifelong friends. Each summer, he especially looked forward to the union picnic - a tradition he loved sharing with his children and grandchildren. John was, quite simply, one of the hardest-working men in the business, and he took great pride in providing well for his family.
John met the love of his life, Daphne, in 1971. They were soon married on February 5, 1972, and shared nearly 54 years of marriage marked by deep devotion, partnership, and love. Daphne was John's joy and his constant companion. Together they raised their family in Downers Grove, building a life rooted in faith, steadiness, and care for others. Through every season, John's love for Daphne was evident in the way he cared for her and provided for their family. Their marriage was a beautiful testament to enduring love and grace. First and foremost, John was a family man. Nothing brought him greater happiness than watching his own four children and later, 11 grandchildren grow, cheering them on throughout all their many activities and milestones. He treasured time spent with family - whether it was the many summertime road trips in the family's blue Suburban "Bluebird," traveling to Florida for some sunshine, enjoying weekend getaways to Michigan and Indiana, or simply gathering with his many brothers and sisters.
Wherever John was, family was at the center. John's faith in Jesus Christ was deep and abiding, and it shaped how he lived and loved. He was an active member of Bethel Lutheran Church, serving as a trustee and ensuring his children were educated there. His life was a quiet testimony of faith lived out through care for others. John lived a good life, one marked by responsibility, humility, and love, and we trust he has been warmly welcomed into glory.
John is survived by his beloved wife, Daphne nee Bulahanis, of nearly 54 years; his four children, daughter Melissa (Jamie) of Lisle, IL, and sons John (Emily) of Glen Ellyn, IL, Brock (Christy) of Wheaton, IL, and Lance (Shana) of Wheaton, IL; his 11 cherished grandchildren, Jaden, Bradley, Silas, Ben, Grant, Austin, Cameron, Susannah, Kate, Julianne, and Violet; siblings Art, (and late wife Louise), Judy (Robert), Dan (Sue), Bill (Marcella), Virginia (Don), Leo (Candace) and many dearly loved nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Leo and Alberta Frederick, and his brothers, Pete (Alyce) and Paul (Barbara).
Services were held at Bethel Lutheran Church in Westmont on Monday, December 29, 2025 and John was laid to rest at Clarendon Hills Cemetery. Donations made in John's honor to Dupage Senior Citizens Council or Bethel Lutheran Church are greatly appreciated. Arrangements by Adams-Winterfield & Sullivan Funeral Home, Downers Grove, IL (630)968-1000 or www.adamswinterfieldsullivan.com.