John Mccallister

Beloved husband, brother, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and uncle, age 95. Survived by his loving and caring wife, Sylvia; Preceded in death by his loving and devoted wife of 63 years, Maren ("Chessie"); Also survived by daughter, Maren Pamela; sons, John and wife Connie; Bob and wife Karen; grandchildren, Josh and wife Cathy; Robin and husband Brad; Nate and wife Abby; 7 great grandchildren, Caleb, Jacob, Ava, Riley, Ella, Lila, Logan; Sister Robbie, and niece Robin, and nephews Duncan, and Kirk and their families; Sister-in-law Jacque, and niece Maren and her family; and wife Sylvia's families with daughters, Sara, Polly, Marilyn, and son Don.
Joie de Vivre throughout his life. Born and raised in Carmi, Illinois, to a strong, energetic, and loving family. Attended Culver Military Academy, graduating as a Cadet Captain in 1940. Purdue for two years, marrying Maren Chesnutt before being called to active duty as a 2nd Lieutenant. Assigned to a British Ultra Top Secret unit which intercepted coded German messages and delivered them to US Army commanders, promoted to Captain.
1948 Indiana University graduation and worked for G.E. in Schenectady NY until the Korean War when he was called back by the army to the Indo China desk at the Pentagon, promoted to Major.
In 1952, began his 32 year career with Zenith Radio (Electronics) in Chicago, retiring as Vice President of Marketing in 1984. After family, golf was his greatest pleasure. Helped Chicago area charities, taught Sunday school, served as Trustee in Village Presbyterian Church where he and Chessie were members for 41 years.
He was a great father to three grateful children (John, Bob, Pam). Loved his daughters-in-law Connie and Karen and his grandkids and great-grandkids. Took diligent loving care of wife, Maren, in the final years of her life at Boutwells Landing in Oak Park Heights, MN.
At Boutwells he was involved in a myriad of committees and clubs where he met and fell in love with vivacious and charming Sylvia McCormack. Married in 2010, they had seven blessed years together with family activities, travel, and with their many friends at Boutwells Landing. In his final years, Sylvia's loving and tireless care of John was a joy and inspiration to witness.
Lived in the spirit of Joie de Vivre, now in peaceful rest, and forever in our hearts.
Celebration of Life at Boutwells Landing - Gables Auditorium, 13575 58th Street, Oak Park Heights, at 2 pm, on Monday May 29th. In lieu of flowers, please send memorial contributions to: The Parkinson Foundation http://www.parkinsonmn.org or Presbyterian Homes & Services Foundation - designate Boutwells Landing.