John Kawano, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend, passed away peacefully at home on May 10, 2022, with his loving family in attendance. Survived by his son, Alan (Diane Lamyotte), daughters Susan (Patrick) DiMario and Nancy (Mat) Littleton, and grandchildren Robert DiMario, Rachel (Ryan) McNamara, Sarah and Mathew Littleton as well as sister Fran, brothers Jim (Fujiko) and Eddie (Diane) Kawano along with in-laws Marietta Hidaka, Rita (Kenny) Imamoto, Richard and Larry Fujio. Uncle to many nieces and nephews.

Preceded in death by his dear wife of 70 years, Masako Martha, parents, Ei (Wakahara) and Yonusuke Kawano, brothers Cike, Tom (Mary), Mak (Frances) and niece Sharon Yokoi, Frank (Toki), Joe, Sam (Aiko) and sisters Mary (Charles) and niece Sheryl, and Sue as well as in-laws Sue (Byron) Fujisawa, Aya (Tom) Kaita, Amy (Shag) Okada and niece Jayne Ito, Dorothy Fujio, Mits Hidaka, Nancy Fujio, niece Carleena Fujio and nephew Rick Imamoto.

Born March 16, 1928 in Garland, Wyoming, he was devoted to his family, and all who knew him recognized his capable nature, common sense and determination. His strong work ethic was unmistakable, starting as a child working on his family farm in Wyoming, then working for Marshall Wells and Northern Pacific Railroad in Montana to support his young wife and son before moving to Chicago in 1954 and attending DeVry Tech while working nights at American Tara Corporation. He began his distinguished 35 year career at IBM in 1956 and finished his family home in Des Plaines in 1963. We will always remember his fortitude, resourcefulness, and selfless dedication to others.

Memorial visitation will be held Friday, June 17, 2022 at G.L. Hills Funeral Home, 745 Graceland Avenue, Des Plaines, Illinois from 9 am until the time of the service at 11 am, followed by interment at Eden Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials to JASC, 4427 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60640, https://www.jasc-chicago.org or Sons & Daughters of the 442nd Regimental Combat Team, 933 Wiliwili St, Honolulu, HI 96826, http://www.442sd.org/ would be appreciated. Funeral care provided by G.L. Hills Funeral Home and Cremation Center. For information, please call 847-699-9003 or visit www.glhillsfuneralhome.com