John Peltz

John Allan Peltz, 75, passed away peacefully March 29, 2026, surrounded by his loving family,

John was born a real firecracker baby on July 4, 1950, in Harvey, Illinois, to the late John Peltz and Marian Roche. He is survived by his wife of almost 50 years, Deb (Kraai); his daughters, Ali (Ash Clement) and Jenna Peltz; his son, Jeff (Brittni) Peltz; five of the most awesome grandkids ever wished for–Melody Stejskal-Peltz, Abe, Adler and Alex Clement and Vincent Peltz. He is also survived by his brother, Ron (Kathleen) Peltz, of Georgia.

John was a graduate of Bremen High School in Midlothian, IL. He received his Bachelor’s degree from St. Joseph College in Indiana, and his Master’s degree from Governors State University in IL.

John grew up working in his father’s gas stations in Worth, IL. After receiving his Master’s, he went to work at Whittaker Metals. He began working at Wilson Sporting Goods in 1975 and remained there for 34 years, working the majority of that time as a financial analyst/pricing analyst for Team Sports. When offered opportunities to leave he would always say “Why would I leave? This is the best place to be–sports and finance!” He had the best memories of his co-workers.

John met his wife, Deb, at a pizza parlor in Crestwood, IL, on January 21, 1971. He followed her home and then to a bowling alley, and the rest is history. In 55 years they were never apart. The year 1976 was monumental for them. In March the house they built in Roselle was completed and they were married on August 21, 1976.

Growing up, John was an avid athlete. He played baseball/softball, basketball, golf, bowled, water skied and was a lifeguard. He loved all three of his children but was especially happy that two ended up being athletes. In the early 90s when Ali was playing softball he saw a need for change. He joined the board of the RMSBO and advocated for fast pitch. When that was approved, he was instrumental in the creation of the Roselle Rockers. A few years later, when Jeff was playing baseball he had the vision of a traveling team for Roselle. Consequently the Roselle Renegades was formed. Jeff also played basketball and, again, John wanted Roselle represented by a travel team and the Roselle Raptors became a reality. Although the teams changed their uniform colors over the years, he was always happy to see any of these teams out in the community. His legacy lives on through these incredible athletes.

John had back surgeries in 2008, 2012 and 2022. Unfortunately, he continued to be plagued with back pain. John had strokes in 2010, 2016, 2021, 2024 and tried to live as active a life as he could. He continued to play golf, cards and pool on Tuesdays with Gary Rehor, John Harshbarger and Paul Harshbarger. He actively went to his grandchildren’s events. He and Deb continued to travel, with their last trip, a cruise in January, with their good friends, Paul and Mary Stare. Unfortunately he had two more strokes on March 26 which he fought hard to come back from.

John was a quiet man with a dry sense of humor but left an impression on all he met. He loved his family and he loved the Cubs! He will be missed.

In lieu of flowers donation to The Anthony Rizzo Family Foundation appreciated.