E. John Potempa

Visitation Date: Thursday, July 30, 2020
Visitation Time: 3:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m.
Funeral Date: Friday, July 31st, 2020
Funeral Time: 9:30 am
Place of Funeral: St. Isidore Church
Funeral Notes: Prayers and final viewing will begin at 8:30 a.m. on Friday morning at the Funeral Home. During visiting hours, it is still recommended to follow the State of Illinois guidelines limiting gathering and guests should continue to wear masks and practice social distancing.
Interment: Private

E. John Potempa of Bloomingdale, IL. Beloved husband of the late Carol (nee Janz). Beloved father of Michael (the late Jim) Fracaro and Sandi Potempa. Playful Grand “Puppa” to Blue, Amber, and Smooch. Fond Uncle to many. Proceeded in death by his parents Frank and Charlotte, his sisters Yvonne (Ed) Bradtke and Yolanda (Stanley) Oman.

John was a proud U.S. Navy Veteran. He served his community as a Police Officer in Skokie, Rosemont, and finally in Bloomingdale, IL where he served as Chief of Police. John was an investigator for the DuPage County Public Defenders Office for many years. His passion for investigation led him to open his own business, PPI – Potempa Private Investigations.

John was involved with many fraternal and political organizations including The DuPage County Chiefs of Police Association, Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police, ASIS, American Legion, Past Commander of the Alvin W. Koehn 5813 VFW, Bloomingdale Township Republican Party, and the DuPage County Republican Party.

A proud resident of Bloomingdale, John served as President of the Westlake Townhome Owners Association for many years.

Visitation to be held at Salerno’s Rosedale Chapels, 450 W. Lake St., Roselle, IL 60172 (3/4 mile west of Bloomingdale/Roselle Rd.) Thursday, July 30 from 3PM – 9PM. Funeral Mass to be celebrated on Friday, July 31 at 9:30 AM St. Isidore Parish, 427 W. Army Trail Rd., Bloomingdale, IL. Interment Private.

Donations to The 100 Club of DuPage County, www.hundredclubofdupage.org, can be made in his name.

For information 630-889-1700 or www.salernofuneralhomes.com

Guestbook


Posted by:
John Joseph Flood

Posted on:
Sunday, August 2, 2020


Posted by:
Chris Cavenaile

Posted on:
Saturday, August 1, 2020

I had the pleasure of knowing John, I was the concierge in the community where he live. He was a great man, a big jokester, love to talk about his police work. He will be deeply miss by all of us here at our community. My prayers go out to you Sandy we really thought a lot of your father. God Bless

Posted by:
Cindy. Georgantas

Posted on:
Friday, July 31, 2020

What a beautiful tribute to. John and so well deserved. R. I. P John and you have earned your biggest star.

Posted by:
Colin Wickstrom Familt

Posted on:
Thursday, July 30, 2020

Sandi, We are so sorry for your loss. We will have your family in our thoughts prayers. We love you. Colin, Diane and Caleb Wickstrom

Posted by:
Kathy Welsch

Posted on:
Thursday, July 30, 2020

Sandi & Michael May Papa John Rest In Peace now and May you find comfort with memories of wonderful times you shared. We are lucky to have shared holidays and special events with him. We have some fond memories of Papa John. We love you and you are both in our thoughts and prayers. Love Joe, Kathy, Steven, & Melissa

Posted by:
Gary Schira

Posted on:
Wednesday, July 29, 2020

John hired me as a full-time police officer in Bloomingdale in 1972 and was my first Police Chief. He took a “ chance” on a young kid and was the impetus for my 34+ year career there. No one was more proud than John when I became Chief in Bloomingdale in 1983 and then later President of the Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police! So glad I got to see him on his recent 91st birthday! My sincere condolences to Sandi, Michael and his entire family. Rest In Peace Chief! Gary Schira