John J. Kornfeind

GLENDALE John Joseph William Kornfeind was sometimes adamant. If you weren’t ready, he might dart off (but if help was needed, he was ever willing). Nobody threw away his stuff without permission (most anything was useful). He wanted to write his obituary exactly his way. Unfortunately, this was not to be. Soon after John had written about his good health, he took a walk at a favorite park and library. On the way home, he was hit by a car. He was taken to two hospitals, but his injuries were too severe. On September 30, John died surrounded by family and friends. Sorry Dad, you’re stuck with this guinea fowl scratch. In 1951, John was born in his beloved hometown, Freeport, IL. He graduated from Aquin High School in 1969, from Loras College with a BA in Sociology, and from AGSIM with a Master of International Management in 1985. While he was a social worker in Dubuque, IA, he met and married his wife, Makiko. He spent 29 years working for Prudential before retirement. His true passion was in helping others, be it through work, as a volunteer or as a friend. Spare moments were spent on one of numerous hobbies and interests, inclusive of genealogy, history, church committees, choir, music, spondylitis support group (founder), antiques, trains (real and HO), travel, photography, hiking, nature, gardening, DIY projects, and Pokémon. His sense of humor and Korny puns, his compassion, his stories, his curiosity and zest for life, his intelligence, his optimism are already sorely missed. John is preceded by his parents, John L. and Helen Kornfeind, and siblings, Michael and Theresa. Survivors include his wife, Makiko; child, Takashi; siblings, Tom, David (Patricia Kee), and Richard (Sherri); Michael’s wife, Maureen; nieces, nephews, cousins, and many friends. A Memorial Mass to celebrate John’s life will be held on Saturday, October 27, 2018, at 10:00 AM at St. Jerome (10815 N 35th Ave, Phoenix). Lively attire or silly socks in his memory are encouraged.