John Golembiewski

John Golembiewski, a devoted husband, proud father, doting grandfather, and friend to just about everyone, passed away on May 17, 2025, at the age of 68. To know John was to know someone steady, generous, and deeply rooted in the things that truly matter-family, friendship, and a love of the open road and the cars on them.

Born on August 12, 1956, to Raymond and Loretta Golembiewski, John carried forward the values they instilled in him: hard work, (continuing to operate L&S Freight, the trucking business started by his parents), loyalty, humility, and care for others. He met the love of his life, Carol, in high school, alongside his prized 1967 GTO. He always joked how he was lucky enough to keep them both. He held tightly to Carol's hand for nearly 49 years of marriage. Their love was the kind people hope for: built on trust, laughter, shared memories, and years of standing side by side through it all. Together, they raised four children in Mokena, that grew up and rooted themselves here. In fact, all of the family stayed within a block-because with John, being near meant everything. He loved his family fiercely and was happiest surrounded by them, whether it was a backyard barbecue, a family road trip, or weekend at the racetrack.

John was a true car guy. He loved anything with wheels and horsepower-classic cars, trucks, drag racing, and NASCAR. He was also a loyal Chicago sports fan, cheering on the Blackhawks, Bears and Cubs every season, no matter the record. His love for these things wasn't just about the machines or the scores-it was about the community and joy that came with them. If you needed help, John was your first call. And if he couldn't fix it himself, the answer was "I gotta guy ". He knew everyone in town, and everyone knew him. He could strike up a conversation with anyone and somehow, by the end of it, he'd made a new friend or solved a problem. He worked harder than anyone else-not for recognition, but because that's just who he was. He took care of his people, often putting others first without thinking twice.

John is survived by his beloved wife Carol; his children Scott (Adrienne Thomaston) Golembiewski and Marc Golembiewski; daughter in law Holly Golembiewski, son in law, Ryan Goetsch and his cherished grandchildren Georgia, Hannah, Halynn, Ava, Henley, Hendrix, and Hazel. He was welcomed into peace by his son Greg, his daughter Megan, his parents Raymond and Loretta Golembiewski, and his parents-in-law, Raymond and Georgia Bernard. John is also survived by his siblings Joseph Golembiewski, Beth (Butcher Jim) Gollehon, and Jeff Golembiewski; his siblings-in-law Larry (Gay) Bernard, Gayle (Don) Snedden, Barbara Campbell, and JoAnn (Vince) Pattara; and a wide circle of nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews, and countless friends. John left a mark on every life he touched.

You may have seen him picking up his grandchildren from school, while riding his motorized wheelchair. He was the kind of man who showed up, kept his word, and never left a job half done. He lived a good life, filled with love, loyalty, a little grease under his fingernails, and a lot of heart. He will be missed deeply and remembered always-every time a game is on, a classic car rumbles down the street, or a neighbor steps up to help another.

Rest easy, John you've more than earned it.

Visitation will be held Thursday, May 22, 2025, 2:00-8:00 PM at Vandenberg Funeral Home, 19604 Wolf Road Mokena, IL. 6044. Lying in State Friday , 10:00 AM until time of Funeral Service 11:00 AM at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 10731 West LaPorte Road, Mokena, IL. 60448. Interment to follow in Pleasant Hill Cemetery - Frankfort.