John F. Morath

John F. Morath of Morton Grove, Illinois, passed away on February 25, 2021.

He was a loving husband to Patricia, nee Schallawitz; father to Carol Butcher, John Jr. and Julie Munnings; grandfather to Amy and Thomas Butcher and Robert W Munnings.

Dad was born in 1921 in Chicago He was the second of four sons born to parents Johann and Marie Morath. The family lived above their Webster Avenue grocery on Chicago’s North Side.

In 1939, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy. He primarily served on the U.S.S. Salt Lake City. In 1942, they were the first US ship to engage the Japanese in battle at Wotje Island. Three months later, they escorted the USS Hornet to launch Doolittle’s Raid on Tokyo. He earned four battle stars in South Pacific fighting. John remained in the Naval Reserves through 1955.

The ‘50s & ‘60s brought a marriage to Pat and three children. They settled in Morton Grove and enjoyed the suburban lifestyle, with two brothers living nearby and brother Bill in southern Wisconsin.

He worked for a specialty steel company for 33 years, retiring in 1981. With the kids on their own, he and Pat were able to travel. Trips included Caribbean and Panama Canal cruises, Hawaii and Las Vegas. He also loved working in the yard and around the house.

He was preceded in death by his brothers William, Erhardt and Herbert.

No memorial is planned at this time.

Donations can be made in Dad’s name to the Gary Sinise Foundation, which provides support to American troops and veterans. https://www.garysinisefoundation.org/

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