Obituary for John Edwin Srutowski December 31, 1959 - September 29, 2026 John Edwin Srutowski was born on New Year's Eve, 1959, at Little Company of Mary Hospital in Evergreen Park, Illinois. He was the fifth child born to Edwin and Valarie Srutowski. His mom told him he should have stayed inside a little bit longer so she could win the new washer and dryer for having the first baby born in 1960.

The family lived in a home on Kildare on the south side of Chicago. It was built by their father and decorated by their mother. His Polish-speaking grandparents lived two doors down. John attended St. Turibius Grade School and Quigley South High School, Niles College, and continued his education at the University of Illinois College of Pharmacy in the Loop.
His first job during college was working in a pharmacy run by Mr. Jablonski. He still remembered the lessons Mr. Jablonski taught him. He secured his first full time pharmacy position at Walgreens in downtown Chicago, working the overnight shift.

John met his future wife, Diane Cloutier, through a mutual music friend. They were married on May 28, 1988, by his dear friend, Father Gene Winkowski.
After a couple of years at Walgreens, John decided he would like to move up north to be near Diane's family in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. He found employment with Shopko in Escanaba, and the family moved home. John then began working on his Master of Public Health Administration and obtained a Director of Pharmacy position in Alpena, Michigan. Since then, he worked for over 15 years as Director of Pharmacy in Wisconsin, Colorado, and South Carolina, finishing his career in West Allis, Wisconsin. During this time, John also earned his Bachelor of Music degree from Northern Michigan University.

John retired on January 2, 2025, after turning 65 just days before. His passion was music and he had great dreams of starting a wedding band in Delta County. He had the music selected, business cards printed, bandstands ordered from England, musicians chosen, and his first gig booked. He was so excited!

Yet, multiple myeloma interrupted his musical plans, with a diagnosis affecting over 95% of his bone marrow. He and Diane went to Loyola Cancer Center in Maywood, Illinois, and began treatment. After fighting so hard for 18 months, never complaining, John died at 10:48 p.m. on September 29, with Diane holding his hand and their children, Sarah and Charles, standing by his side.

We give thanks to God for all the prayers and support we received throughout this long, difficult journey. John is survived by his wife of 38 years, Diane; his daughter, Sarah (Nathan) Albrecht; and his son, Charles Srutowski (Sarah Lesieki). He is also survived by his mother-in-law, Maxine Cloutier; sisters-in-law Jean (Don) Viau, Julie Bougie, and Jeri Cloutier; brothers-in-law Mark (Lisa) Cloutier and Jon (Pam) Cloutier; and many nieces and nephews. His siblings are Nina (Pat) McGowan, Joe Srutowski, Julie (Jim) McNulty, Paul Srutowski, and Edwin Srutowski. He was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents, and brother, David Srutowski; his father-in-law, Harold Cloutier; and brothers-in-law Michael Cloutier and Gary Bougie.

Funeral arrangements are as follows: Saturday, November 21, 2026 Visitation 2:00-4:00 pm Funeral Service 4:00 pm Virtual Service Link: https://www.youtube.com/@firstlutheranchurchgladsto9243 Luncheon to follow in the fellowship hall The service will be held at First Lutheran Church, 1212 Minneapolis Avenue in Gladstone, Diane and John's home congregation, with Bishop Katherine Finegan, Pastor Elisabeth Daniels, Pastor Terry Frankenstein and Pastor Brenda Greenwald officiating. Burial will take place on May 28, 2027, John and Diane's 39th wedding anniversary, at Lakewood Cemetery in Stonington. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to First Lutheran Church in Gladstone or a charity of your choice.

Arrangements are under the personal care and directon of DUNN FAMILY FUNERAL HOME with CREMATORY, 1801 S. Douglas Road, Oswego, IL 60543. For information: 630/554-3888 or www.dunnfamilyfuneralhome.com