John W. Damisch (1926-2026)

John William Damisch, distinguished attorney, public servant, and lifelong Illinois farmer, passed away on October 26, 2026, at the age of 100. Born on March 10, 1926, to Marcus William Damisch and Edna Emma (Hannah) Damisch, John was one of five children raised on the family's dairy farm in Kane County. His ancestors settled the family farm in 1837. Educated in a one-room country schoolhouse, he built a life defined by perseverance, integrity, and service. He was part of the Greatest Generation.

John entered Northwestern University at the age of 16 and earned both his bachelor's and law degree at NU. John served in the U.S. Army during World War II before beginning a distinguished legal career. He became a founder of Damisch & Damisch, Ltd. in Chicago and was admitted to practice before the U.S. Supreme Court, the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals, and the Illinois Supreme Court. He served eight years as a Magistrate of the Circuit Court of Cook County and handled more than forty appeals in state and federal courts. His expertise in condemnation law led to landmark verdicts and settlements, and he authored the eminent domain chapter for Illinois Continuing Legal Education.

John's public service included roles as Village of Northfield Trustee, Chairman of the Northfield Zoning Board of Appeals, advisor to the Illinois State Treasurer, and arbitrator for the American Arbitration Association. He was a member of the Northfield Township Republican Organization for 70 years, serving as a precinct captain for decades. John also helped found several community banks, two of which later became part of J.P. Morgan Chase Bank.

Deeply committed to civic life, John held leadership roles in the United Way, Boy Scouts, Chicago Farmers, Kane County Farm Bureau, and numerous Northfield community organizations. He was a trustee of the Illinois State Bar Foundation where he oversaw the establishment of several scholarship funds. John remained active in Northwestern University philanthropy and was a founder of the Chicago/Cook County 4-H Club Foundation.

Despite his extensive professional commitments, John maintained lifelong involvement in farming across multiple Illinois counties and was honored with the Plowman's Award for distinguished service to agriculture.

Throughout these hundred years, he traveled the world, embracing new cultures and experiences. John and wife Harriet were member of the Circumnavigators Club, an international organization for people who have traveled around the world, crossing every meridian of longitude in one direction, with a mission to foster global understanding, and support scholarly travel research. John was also an avid skier and went to Colorado well into his mid 90's to ski the slopes. He leaves behind a century of accomplishment, leadership, and faithfulness to his roots. His memory will endure through the many lives he touched.

John was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 62 years, Harriet Darley Damisch, their son Mark William Damisch and daughter-in-law Lesley Friedsam Damisch. He is survived by his oldest son Peter Whiton Damisch, daughter-in-law Patricia Koulogeorge Damisch, grandchildren Kristina, (Kevin Damisch), Katherine, and Alexandra (John O'Neill) Damisch, and great-grandchildren Michael, Anastasia and Lydia O'Neill and Luke Pollack who will carry his legacy forward.

The family wants to recognize the many people who made John's final years filled with love and kindness. The staff and residents at Covenant Living especially nurse Alison, the members and staff of the Village Presbyterian Church of Northbrook, nephew Kent Damisch who was like a 3rd son to John, niece Diane Miller and especially daughter in law Patty who made sure John's every need was always lovingly fulfilled. We also appreciate the compassion and care shown by CNAs Ashley, Debbie and Janice.

A private graveside service will be held at Memorial Washington Church & Cemetery in Elgin, Illinois. A public Celebration of Life will be held at a future date. Memorial contributions may be made in John W Damisch's honor to the Village Presbyterian Church of Northbrook, 1300 Shermer Road, Northbrook, Illinois 60062.