John Karl Pradel, better known as Jack Pradel, age 81, and a lifelong resident of Naperville, Illinois, passed away peacefully on Thursday, August 13, 2026, at 9:09 AM

Born on December 26, 1944, to Arthur and Virginia Pradel, Jack grew into a man who was deeply devoted to his faith, his family, and the people he was blessed to know.

After graduating from Pittsburg State University in Pittsburg, Kansas, Jack went on to build his own successful business, Pradel Concrete Corporation. He was a hardworking man who took great pride in providing for his family and creating a comfortable life for those he loved. His strong work ethic was matched by his generosity, and he gave of himself freely and without seeking recognition.

In 1967, Jack married Virginia (Ginny) Anneburg, beginning a beautiful journey that would span 59 years. Together, they built a family and a lifetime of memories.

Jack was a man you were honored to know. He loved God and his family fiercely. He was incredibly selfless and giving-strong as an ox, quiet but wise, funny, well-spoken, and able to bring humor and charm to any room. He was, in so many ways, indescribably bigger than life and yet humbler than pie.

The stories of Jack are endless, and the memories he leaves behind are priceless. His was a full life, shaped not only by its joys but also by its hardships. He grew through those experiences and intentionally became the husband and father he wanted to be. Those who knew him best saw the depth of that love in the way he lived his life.

Jack had a soft spot for the underdog and for those who could not fight or fend for themselves. He had an especially soft spot for babies, children, the elderly, and people with disabilities, and he had a way of taking them under his wing. His genuine concern for people made him someone who is easy to love and difficult to forget.

Jack is survived by his beloved wife, Virginia Pradel; his sons, Tim Pradel and Cris Pradel; his daughter, Jacqui Grisenthwaite and their spouses; ten grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren. He leaves behind a family who will carry his stories, his lessons, his laughter, and his love for generations to come.

Jack's greatest desire would be that those who mourn him would not be without hope. He would want everyone to know that he is in Heaven, celebrating with Jesus and reunited with those who have gone before him. He would want others to give their hearts to God, knowing that a life with Him is rich even in times of pain and sorrow-and richer still in Heaven, in the arms of the Lord.

Jack would not want to be remembered for his accomplishments, his business, or the things he achieved in this life. He would want to be remembered for his love of God, his love for his wife and family, and his love for the people God placed in his life. His greatest legacy is not what he built, but the lives he touched, the family he cherished and the faith he lived.

Though he will be deeply missed, his stories, his laughter, his wisdom, and the love he poured into others will live on for generations to come. Most of all, may his life point others to God and may those who knew him find comfort in knowing that Jack is now home, celebrating with Jesus and reunited with those who went before him.

A funeral service and reception will be held at Harvest New Beginnings Church, 5315 Douglas Rd., Oswego, IL 60543, on Saturday, August 29, 2026 at 1:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Wayside Cross (Lifespring Women's Ministry) in memory of Jack.

Please include "In memory of Jack Pradel" on the check or in the comments section of the online payment.

By mail:

Lifespring Women's Ministry

215 E. New York St.

Aurora, IL 60505

Online:

https://www.waysidecross.org/mothersdaygift/
Arrangements entrusted to DUNN FAMILY FUNERAL HOME with CREMATORY. For information, 630-554-3888 or visit his memorial page at www.dunnfamilyfuneralhome.com