John Voorhees Ebbert, age 88, of Lake Bluff; a caring man of faith who was devoted to his family, passed away in the morning of Monday, August 4, after a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease. His children, John S. and Susan, were by his side until the end.

John was born August 7, 1936 in Chicago, IL, and lived in LaGrange and Western Springs, IL, and Kansas City, MO, in his early years. Ever present was John’s passion for sailing, first instilled by his father, which included sailing on Glen Lake in Michigan. Among his many accomplishments after graduating from Lyons Township High School and the University of Idaho (B.S., Business, 1960), John took over the family business, W.W. Wilcox & Co. After successfully selling the business, he continued his career as an executive in the hospitality supply industry. Later, in his retirement years, he sustained his passion for sailing in a memorable trip with his wife, Sharon, going from Milwaukee to Florida in a sailboat they called “Val.” Thereafter, John visited family and travelled with his wife while living in Florida, South Carolina and, finally, Lake Bluff, Illinois. In his leisure time, John enjoyed the company of family and friends, tennis, taking photographs and cooking a good steak on the grill.

John was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 64 years, Sharon, his mother and father, Carol and John F. Ebbert, and sister, Evelyn M. Ebbert. John is survived by his cherished family including son John S. Ebbert, daughter Susan (Mark) Vogg, his grandchildren Amanda (Eric) Moritz, Lauren (partner James Neiweem) Vogg, Kristin (Alex) Valente, & Elizabeth (fiancé CJ Wurster) Vogg; great-grandmother of Beatrice Mae & Theodore Joseph Moritz; also survived by cousin Marcia (Patrick) Nolan, and many lifelong friends.