John King Gooch, 98, of Hinsdale passed away April 13, 2023, at UChicago AdventHealth Hinsdale Hospital.
He was born in 1924 in St. Paul, Minn., to Raymond and Ruth Gooch.
He was employed with 3M (Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Co.) for 43 years. He worked mostly in the Midwest, living in St. Paul, Minn; Upper Arlington, Ohio; Park Forest and Hinsdale.
He served eight years in the US Marines in World War II, where he was assigned to Guam and China, and in the Korean War. The remainder of his time was in the reserves.
His passion was playing golf, fishing and hunting. His many business trips (hunting and fishing) on the house boat, Grace Ann II in Kenora, Canada, on Lake of the Woods, were some of his fondest memories. He loved playing golf at Olympia Fields County Club, where he got a hole in one.
His priorities in life were faith, family and country. He was a devoted son, brother, husband and father. He was a very active member of Grace Episcopal Church and held several roles over 50 years as a member.
The family offers special thanks to Hinsdale Hospital and Advent-Health St. Thomas Hospice for their wonderful care.
John is survived by his daughter, Kathleen Leonard; his granddaughters, Amy (Chris) Jones, Katherine (Matt) Hedman, Melissa (Dan) Becker and Kimberly (Corey) Hanson; his great-grandchildren, Alex and Lucy Jones, Greta and Nels Hedman, Zeb and Isaac Becker and Samuel and Audrey Hanson; his sister, Shirlee Gooch; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 68 years, Audrey; his sister, Priscilla Phillips; and his daughter, Nancy Bass.
A memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, April 29, at Grace Episcopal Church, 120 E. First St., Hinsdale.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Grace Episcopal Church, 120 E First Street, Hinsdale, IL 60521; or St Paul's Episcopal Church, 1710 E. Superior Street, Duluth, MN 55812.
Brian Powell Funeral Directors of Hinsdale handled the arrangements.
