John "Jack" M. Lynch

John Michael Lynch 1938 – 2026

John “Jack” Lynch, 87, of Plainfield, Illinois, passed away peacefully on March 14, 2026. Those who knew him will forever remember his friendliness and charm, along with his gift for making others feel valued. He lived fully, loved deeply, and carried the lessons of his life journey into every day of his later years.

Jack was born in Joliet, Illinois on March 15, 1938, to Dorothy (Maher) Lockwood and Kenneth Lynch, and spent his childhood with his big sisters, Joan and Ginger, along with grandmother, aunts, uncles, cousins, and numerous lifelong friends, all of whom he treasured and loved. He attended The Cathedral of St. Raymond school and Joliet Catholic High School, before completing his B.S. degree in finance at the University of Illinois in Champaign-Urbana. Jack obtained his graduate and postgraduate degrees in banking from University of Wisconsin–Madison and attended DePaul University College of Law. He enjoyed a long career in finance serving in various executive roles including with Continental Illinois National Bank and Trust Company (now Bank of America), M&I Northern Bank (now BMO Harris Bank), and First Midwest Bank.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Margaret “Peggi” Lynch, with whom he shared his five surviving children: John (married to Dorene), James “Casey”, Sue (married to Mike Lyons), Jeff (married to Vicky), and Tom (married to Casey). He was loved and known as Papa Jack to his eight grandchildren: Sean and Erin Lynch (John and Dorene); Mike (married to Libby) and Megan (engaged to CJ Wright) Lyons (Sue and Mike); Sophia and Sarah Lynch (Jeff and Vicky); and Russell and Harper Lynch (Tom and Casey). He always enjoyed spending time with his family, who will never forget his patience, kindness and gentle presence that instantly put everyone at ease.

Jack was also preceded in death by his parents, brothers-in-law Tom McGrath and Henry Bourg, sister-in-law Joan and brother-in-law Paul Claussen, brother-in-law Jim and sister-in-law Ann Marie Russell.

He is survived by his five children, three daughters-in-law, one son-in-law, eight grandchildren, sisters Joan McGrath and Ginger Bourg, cousins, and numerous nieces and nephews, along with their children and grandchildren.

A memorial Mass will be held at the Cathedral of St. Raymond in Joliet on Saturday April 11, 2026, at 11:30 am. Donations to Cornerstone Services of Joliet (cornerstoneservices.org) in his name are greatly appreciated.