John C. Gemborowski

John C. Gemborowski, 82, of Belvidere, IL, passed away peacefully at home after a brief illness.

Born and raised in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, John carried with him a quick wit, a deep faith, and a lifelong devotion to the Green Bay Packers. He graduated from Don Bosco High school, class of ‘61. His passing leaves a tremendous void in the lives of those who knew and loved him.

John was married to the love of his life, Mary Gemborowski (Plasil) for 60 beautiful years. Together, they built a life full of laughter, travel, and family traditions. He was a devoted father to Nadine Darling (husband David), Bart Gemborowski, and John Paul Gemborowski, and a proud grandfather to Jack, Tory, and Liz Darling. John is predeceased by his parents, Frank and Cerena (Malak) Gemborowski, and his sisters Delphine Gemborowski and Rita (Dick) Hegetschweiler, who were the heart of his world.

John was a systems analyst for Allstate Insurance for 42 years, a career that brought him from Milwaukee, Florida, Mississippi and back to the Midwest. For the last 16 years, John found joy working as a ranger at Timber Point Golf Course, a perfect match for his love of the game. Whether on the green or with a Southern Comfort on the rocks (with an olive, of course) in hand, he could always be counted on for a quick joke. When a nurse once asked if she could take his blood pressure, he grinned and replied, “As long as you give it back.”

A man of strong Catholic faith—and an even stronger allegiance to the Packers—John lived a life full of warmth, humor, and tradition. He had a deep love for music, especially Blue Bayou, and rarely turned down a sweet treat, particularly cookies, dark chocolate, or custard from Kopps or Leon’s.

John adored his four-legged companions—Sandy, Reggie, Camilla, and Clementine—who brought him much comfort and joy through the years. He also loved traveling, especially with Mary by his side, from the charming streets of Prague to the hills of Italy to visit their granddaughters studying abroad. He never missed a chance to enjoy goulash or Gigi’s Pizza, and a cigar was often close at hand.

John’s humor, warmth, and generosity of spirit touched all who knew him. His memory will live on in every shared laugh, every Packer game, and with each bite of Milwaukee ham & roll, with extra butter.

He will be deeply missed.

Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00am on Tuesday, August 12, 2025 at St. James Catholic Church, 402 Church Street, Belvidere, IL 61008. Burial will take place at 11:00am on Wednesday, August 13, 2025 in St. Adalbert Cemetery Chapel, 3801 S 6th St Milwaukee, WI 53221. In lieu of flowers please consider donations to Capuchin Community Services - St. Ben's community meal program in Milwaukee, WI. Express condolences to the family at www.fitzgeraldfh.com