John H. McLane
John was born March 15, 1921, in Oak Park, IL, the son of Charles S. and Harriet E. McLane. He grew up and graduated from high school in LaGrange, IL. After completing junior college, he joined the army and served stateside during World War II. John married Georgene Clark on July 16, 1944, and upon his discharge from the military, they moved to Denver, CO, where John received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Denver. John and Georgene then moved to West Chicago, IL, to be closer to family. Called up as a naval reservist, John served as a meteorologist on the USS Antietam during the Korean conflict, spending time in the Pacific and Japan.
In 1955 John began his long career in education in Necedah, WI, later teaching in Hinsdale, IL, and finally in Burlington (IL) Central School District where he taught high school and junior high math and science for 29 years. After his retirement, he taught math classes at Elgin (IL) Community College and Judson University (Elgin), the latter for eleven years.
John enjoyed reading, making clocks, bird watching, astronomy, helping his students, and spending time with family. He was a member of Amity Lodge 472 of West Chicago and the First Baptist Church of Elgin.
Longtime residents of Hampshire, IL, John and Georgene moved to Mauston, WI, in 2003, where John lived until his death. Georgene died in 2007, and he was also preceded in death by his parents, two infant children, brothers William, Wallace, and Farnam McLane, and sisters Elizabeth Sherret and Jean Cortesi.
John is survived by daughters Kathy (Bill) DeVoe of Mauston, WI, Patty (Mark) Ealy of Adams, WI, and Nancy (Bob) Lazar of Highland Park, IL; grandchildren Ellen (Dave) Dahlstrom of Foley, MN, Nora (Eric) Czarnecki of Tomah, WI, and Meg (Matt) Petrowitz of Lyndon Station, WI; great-grandchildren Caleb and Anna Dahlstrom, Olivia and Jillian Czarnecki, and Mason and Molly Petrowitz; brother-in-law William Sherret of Arkansas, and many nieces, nephews, and friends.
Roseberry’s Funeral Home, Friendship, assisted the family with arrangements.
Mr. McLane was such a kind and caring man and excellent teacher. I had him during the early 80s. He was one of the toughest teachers at Burlington Central but one of the best because he always made you want to be your best. He was the gold standard of teachers. Prayers of peace and comfort for your families during this difficult time.
He was a very special person and a wonderful teacher. My prayers are with you.
My sympathy goes out to Mr. McLane’s family!! He was a huge part of my high school life…enough so, that he came to my wedding!! I sure hated geometry….but Mr. McLane helped me learn those darned theorems!!..He is remembered fondly by many of us from Burlington Central!!…I hope I can speak for many of my classmates of 1982!!…Thanks, Mr. McLane!!
Patty and all the family,
We were saddened to hear of your dad’s death. Once again after your Christmas letter we discussed Fred’s knowing your dad as teacher and my remembering him as your dad and visits at your house. We have fond memories of him and pray that your memories will ease your sadness over time. Prayers with all of you. Fred and Sherry
Patty and Mark, Our sympathy goes out to you at this sad time. We did not know your father, but it appears he had a good and active life, hope the many fond memories help at this time. We think of you guys often and the kids always talk about their memories back on Cedar St. with the Ealys. Our prayers are with you, Dennis and Judy