John W. Yena
John W. Yena, age 67, of LaGrange Park, passed away on February 26, 2022. Beloved husband of Mary (née Hinni) for 45 years; loving father of Michael (Kiley), Matthew (Megan), & Mark (Lauren); dear grandfather of Griffin, Hunter, Colton, William, Clare, & Bridget; loving son of Jean and the late William Yena; special brother of Nancy, Barbara, & Larry (Peggy) Yena; dear nephew of Richard Yena, Carol Cowser, & Joan Vorhal; son-in-law of the late Patricia and Charles Hinni.
John graduated from Lyons Township High School, and was a proud member of the Class of 1972. He went on to graduate from the College of DuPage and Ferris State University. John retired as the Print Shop Foreman at College of DuPage after 33 years. After his retirement, he worked as a Student Assistant at Downers Grove High School.
John was an avid softball player, coach, & fan. The Bank of Westmont Softball Team, in which he played with lifelong friends, was dear to his heart. Coaching was his passion. He spent 20+ years coaching girls & boys basketball at St. John of the Cross School. He also coached softball, baseball, and girls & boys basketball at several area schools. Most importantly, he was always a proud spectator at his sons’ athletic events.
John had been in poor health for close to six years. The family would like to thank his many doctors and nurses for their care and support, especially Midwest Family Physicians, Loyola University Medical Center, NX Stage Dialysis, AMITA Palliative Care, and St. Thomas Hospice. The family would also like to thank John’s friends who called him daily, weekly, and monthly. We want you to know how much he truly loved your friendship. God bless each of you for your love, kindness, and laughs.
Visitation 2 to 9 p.m. on Monday, March 7 at Hallowell & James Funeral Home, 1025 W. 55th Street, Countryside. A Memorial Mass will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, March 8 at St. John of the Cross Church, 5005 Wolf Rd., Western Springs. Family & friends asked to meet directly at church. Interment private. In lieu of flowers, donations in John’s name to the Benedictine Sisters of Chicago, 7430 N. Ridge Blvd., Chicago, IL 60645, are appreciated (https://www.osbchicago.org/donate). Funeral information: (708) 352-6500
A great softball player,but a way better person. Many great memories from our days playing with The Bank of Westmont Softball Team. Also remember “Little Yiggy” from our early days at Forest Road grade school-RIP Big Orc-Heaven just picked up a helluva left handed
HITTER!!
Yen was a great friend ! He was quiet in his own way, but he was a caring and generous giant. We had so many fond memories playing together with the Bank of Westmont. Yen had a great sense of humor, and we had a lifetime of laughs and great times. You were a terrific teammate !! We were so lucky to have you. The players you coached so well were also lucky to have you as their coach! Yen went through so much the last several years but never complained. Now Rest In Peace Yen. I will miss you greatly. You will always have a special place in our hearts.
Yena Family, First, I am so incredibly sorry for your loss. I hope that your grief will soon be replaced with fond memories and laughter. To say I was saddened to hear this news would be an understatement. Your Dad was, by far, the BEST, in so many ways. Through my years at SJC your father took a special liking to me as a player and person. In my high school years, he allowed me to be one of, I believe, a very few to be his assistant and B team coach for SJC 7th grade bball. It was such fun and an honor. He was the best coach and person. I learned so many valuable life lessons from the great MAN he was. I will never forget car rides home after games and practices. Times when he would start laughing and not stop…Playing for your Dad was the the best! By far my favorite coach ever. So knowledgeable, so stoic, so generous with his time and talents. Can´t wait to play in a game that he coaches, on the carpeted gym in heaven. May god bless his soul and give my best to you all!
My condolences to the Yena family at their great loss
Dear Mary, Michael, Matt, Mark, and family,
I am so sorry to hear about your loss. I hope that you can feel the warmth, companionship, and love that others are sending your way in our thoughts. John will surely be missed but realize the legacy that he is leaving behind will influence others for generations to come.
I always enjoyed coaching with him at St Johns. We had some wonderful times. RIP John
Mary & family,
“Wherever a beautiful soul has been, there is a trail of beautiful memories.”
Please know that you are in our thoughts and in our hearts.
Sharing in your sadness,
Marcy & the Sodexo / Lyons North Cafeteria Staff
My condolences to the family. John was a wonderful man that gave his all. Rest In Peace.
To the Yena family we’re sorry for your loss. John was a kind and warm person, he will be miss my many. Are prayer are with the family. Osborn and Diane Curtis🙏🏾
I watched John Yena coach basketball at St. John of the Cross. He had a very positive impact on many kids. It was ALL about the kids with this guy….including his own. He had a quiet way about him but could dial it up when necessary. I really enjoyed watching him coach.
Condolences to the entire Yena family.
Patrick Maley
My deepest sympathies to the Yena family. As you know already, your husband, father and grandfather was friend to many and always took the time to stop and talk. He loved the kids he coached throughout the years, and he loved his family every bit as much. John will be missed, but hopefully, his selflessness and kindness will stay with all of those he touched during his life. May he rest in peace.
Hey Yen, I owe you a debt of graituted for believing in me that I can play with the Big Boys of
The Bank! Thank you for instilling that self -confidence! Love You Man> RIP! The Pole.