John W. Hart, 81, passed away on May 13,  2024, at Prairie Crossing Living and Rehab Center in Shabbona. 

He was born on August 1, 1942 to Paul and Genevieve (Westberg) Hart of DeKalb. John attended DeKalb schools participating in chess and the bowling team, graduating from DeKalb High School in 1961.

John worked for Rogers Heating and Air Conditioning and as the maintenance man for  Edgebrook Mobile Home Park. He then moved on to work at Kishwaukee Hospital for over 30 years. He retired as the Maintenance Supervisor in 2006.

John married Dottie (Dorothy) Smith in Sycamore on May 22, 1970.  In 1983 they purchased  their forever home in Shabbona. John was a great woodworker, building his own kitchen cabinets and many furniture pieces for their home. He enjoyed the many hours he spent tinkering around in his workshop, traveling with his wife, driving through Shabbona Park, and the companionship of his rescue dogs, Midnight, Annie and Gabby.  He embraced technology to keep up on the news and view pictures of family events like the traditional taffy making parties.  

John is survived by nieces and nephews, Roxanne (Mike) Thompson, Beverly Buehler, Cheryl Buehler, Kim (Dennis) Hackler, Lonnie (Marianne) Buehler, Rod (Meredith Orstead) Buehler, Janell (Jon) Dunker, and many great nieces and nephews.

John was preceded in death by his parents, his son Bradley Hart, his wife Dottie Hart, brother Tim Hart,  sister Paula (John) Buehler, niece DeLaine Henderson and nephews Richard Buehler and Robert Buehler.

John enjoyed the time he spent living at Prairie Crossing Living and Rehab Center in Shabbona.  The friendship and loving care that was provided by all the staff over the past few months was truly appreciated.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Friday May 17, 2024 Anderson Funeral Home in DeKalb. 

Private interment of cremated remains will be at Elmwood Cemetery in Sycamore.

Donations in John’s name can be made to the Tails Humane Society.

For information, visit www.AndersonFuneralHomeLtd.com or call 815-756-1022.