John Hager Grimberg, the eldest of three sons, was born to John and Sylvia (Hager) Grimberg on January 24, 1938, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. His formative years were spent in Roseland, Illinois, where he attended Roseland Christian School and graduated from Chicago Christian High School in 1955. He continued his education at Calvin College (University) and earned a Master's in Education from Michigan State University in 1967.

John dedicated his professional life to education, serving as a teacher and administrator in the Kenowa Hills and Forest Hills public school systems. Driven by a spirit of adventure, he embarked on a year-long teaching experience in Sydney, Australia, before returning to a fulfilling career teaching mathematics at Forest Hills Central Middle School, from which he later retired.

On August 10, 1972, John married Janna Hugen Grimberg, the love of his life. Their 52-year partnership was filled with joy and blessed with three children: John, Janelle, and Jill, and later embraced Jose. John cherished family time and found pleasure in camping, biking, fishing, and traveling. Friendships with life-long college friends and church friends were also treasured. An avid reader, he possessed a remarkable ability to absorb and share fascinating stories on a wide range of subjects gleaned from books, the daily newspaper, and life’s experiences.

Gifted with a servant's heart, John readily offered his extensive knowledge of cars to assist others with repairs and diagnoses. He also contributed his time and skills to service projects through Master’s Builders and served on the consistory of his beloved church.

John was a man of profound faith, which provided him with strength and solace in his later years as he navigated the challenges of dementia. He will be deeply missed by his family and friends.

Surviving are his three children and Jose, and nine grandchildren.

They are: John and Damien Grimberg of Bayport, Minnesota
    Cohen, Simon, Weston
Janelle and Steve Molenhouse of Grand Rapids, Michigan
    Matthew
Jill and Tyrel Stevenson of St Maries, Idaho
    Hazel, Juniper, Tellen
Jose and Kathy Flores of Oakland, California 
    Samantha, John

Of his original family, John leaves his brother Ken Grimberg; sister-in-law Barbara Grimberg. Of his wife’s family, he is survived by Dr. Jan and Marla DeRoos, Beryl and Marti Hugen, Joel and Judy Hugen; John was preceded in death by his parents; his brother Howard Grimberg, and his sister-in-law Barb Grimberg.

The family will greet visitors on Monday, May 12, from 5 - 8 pm at Stroo Funeral Home. The funeral service will be held at 11 am on Tuesday, May 13, at Providence Christian Reformed Church, 7730 Eastern Ave. SE with Rev. Mark Heijerman officiating. There will be an hour of visitation prior to the service.  Interment will be in Pine Hill Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to a Christian School of your choice or Roseland Christian Ministries, 10858 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60628