John L. Peredna Jr.

John L. Peredna Jr., 78, of Marengo, passed away peacefully in his sleep on Friday, July 26, 2024, at Alden Estates in Huntley. He was born June 22, 1946, in Chicago, the only child of John Sr. and Katherine (Lutkus) Peredna. Shortly after his birth, his family moved to Hartland, IL in 1947 where they owned and operated Peredna’s Tavern and resided through his upbringing. John graduated from Woodstock High School in 1964 and worked for Woodstock Die Cast and Marengo Auto Parts. He met the love of his life, Linda Wilcox, by chance on the Woodstock Square. With his signature wink, a smile, and his hair done up like Elvis, he married her soon after on December 7, 1969, at St. Mary Catholic Church in Woodstock. John had many hobbies and enjoyed sharing them with his loved ones. He was an excellent cook who experimented with different rubs and marinades, a passion he passed on to his son, Chad. He instilled a love of all things garlic in his family and never forgot to slip a tiny bite of something tasty to the family pup. Cruising the classifieds alongside his wife, John was always on the hunt for the next estate sale. He had a keen eye for finding obscure antiques and collectibles, and an even keener eye for identifying the perfect buyer for each piece, allowing him to build quite the reseller’s empire. John enjoyed the tale of the hunt just as much as the history of the pieces he found, a passion he shared with his granddaughter. He was a man who would always have a little treasure up his sleeve to brighten a person’s day. He had a dry sense of humor, a quick wit, and impeccable comedic timing that left people retelling his jokes even decades later, a trait he shared with his son, John. He enjoyed fishing, boat rides and weekends spent up north with family and friends on the porch at the cabin. He is survived by his devoted wife of 55 years, Linda; his sons, John L. Peredna III and Chad M. Peredna; his granddaughter, Alexandra Peredna (Roman I Kopytko); many brothers- and sisters-in-law; and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents; and brother-in-law. John lived his life the best he knew and left this earth hoping that his family and friends would find safety and comfort in this world. While our hearts mourn his loss, we take comfort in knowing he is no longer suffering. In his final thoughts, John shared his profound love, gratitude and pride for his sons and granddaughter, and especially his wife, Linda, who never left his side and was his rock. He wished to extend his sincerest thanks to friends, loved ones, and the staff at Alden Estates who tirelessly prayed and worked to make his transition and passing comfortable and dignified. THERE WILL BE NO SERVICES.

John L. Peredna Jr.

June 22, 1946 - July 26, 2024