John Skiba Obituary

Too many nicknames to list… 69 years young

John David Skiba passed away on February 4, 2026—ironically on World Cancer Day—at JourneyCare Hospice in Barrington, Illinois. The care and compassion provided to John and his family were exceptional; “thank you” will never be enough.

John was born in Chicago, Illinois, and moved to Hanover Park at the age of six. His parents, Leonard and Alice Skiba, nurtured his enthusiasm for life, his love of shenanigans, and his constant need to stay busy. They encouraged independence and responsibility, values that stayed with him throughout his life. His younger sister, Linda, completed their family. During this time, John met his lifelong best friend, Mike—a bond that only deepened over decades. John treasured that brotherhood and would often say how lucky he was to have it.

John graduated from Schaumburg High School in 1974 and continued his education part-time over the next several years at various community colleges while working full-time. In 1982, he began his career in logistics at Federal Express Corporation. Starting as a cargo handler, he worked his way up to Senior Manager over 14 years, gaining invaluable operational experience and forming lifelong friendships.

Office Depot later recruited him to help design and open a new warehouse in Bloomingdale, further expanding his skill set and again building meaningful professional relationships. After the company was acquired, John became Director of Operations at LTD Commodities in Bannockburn. At home, his wife and daughters lovingly dubbed him “the king of junk,” as the most random (and irresistible) deals somehow found their way into the house—often items no one knew they needed.

John’s most treasured professional chapter came at Ensenda, later known as TForce Logistics, where his vast experience made the role a perfect fit. He thrived there, loved meeting new people, and relished traveling to new places. If not for his diagnosis of malignant brain cancer (glioblastoma) in July 2021, John would still be working—he genuinely loved his job, colleagues, and his carriers, whose relationships became a lifeline after his retirement. These friendships meant the world to him.

TForce Logistics generously honored John with an extraordinary retirement gift, sending him and his wife, Laura, to the ECA Annual Convention. There, John was able to say goodbye as an industry associate and hello as a friend. The warmth and kindness shown that weekend was unforgettable.

John was happiest when he was busy. When sitting still at his daughters’ swim meets became impossible, he decided to become a swimming official—standing for hours on deck in hot, humid natatoriums (because why not?). He progressed from youth to high school and collegiate meets, finding joy in being part of what his girls loved. The swimming community became an extended family, and the friendships he formed remained deeply meaningful throughout his life.

John met his wife, Laura, through dear friends when he was 18 and she was 17. Married at 21 and 20, they shared 48 adventurous years together. John would be the first to say, “She’s still the one.” They were lucky in love.

A devoted sports fanatic, John was blessed not with sons, but with three beautiful daughters—Jacqueline, Kristin, and Megan—the absolute light of his life. He embraced every part of being a “girl dad,” learned how to manage big emotions, and happily adopted volleyball and swimming as passions thanks to them.

John had a lifelong love affair with fun. There was not a concert he did not want to attend or a Chicago sports event he would willingly miss. He was a devoted Chicago Bears season ticket holder for 43 years (through the leanest of years), a passionate fan of the Cubs, Blackhawks, and Bulls (especially during the Michael Jordan era—though not as loyal as he was to the Bears). Laura and the girls lovingly became willing participants in his never-ending event calendar.

Baseball was his first athletic love, played for decades, until it was eventually replaced by the four-letter word “golf”—as Laura affectionately called it. John proudly served as the ultimate “tour director,” organizing an annual golf trip for over 20 years. Last year, his “brothers” took him on that trip themselves—watching over him, encouraging him, and gifting him their time and love. He was deeply grateful.

And yes, there was hockey. John often took Laura ice skating as a “date” … before heading out to play hockey after midnight. Quite the date. But he did take her on their very first date to a Chicago Blackhawks game—setting expectations early.

Two of his grandsons, Landon and Owen, now share his love of hockey. His legacy of baseball lives on through all six grandchildren: Johnny, Rylee, Landon, Kenzie, Owen, and Colin. John was an extraordinarily proud Papa.

John had the privilege of walking all three daughters down the aisle and often told Laura how thrilled he was to gain “sons.” His sons-in-law—Jeremy, Marc, and Shawn—were a tremendous source of strength and encouragement, especially following his glioblastoma diagnosis.

John was determined to beat the odds. He was willing to try anything that showed promise and actively supported research and progress in glioblastoma treatment. The gift of 4½ additional years allowed him to deepen family relationships, truly know his grandchildren, reflect on a full life, and savor each moment—fully aware that tomorrow is never promised. Laura will now be challenged to live life large enough for both of them, just as John would have wanted.

John will be remembered as brave, funny, lovable, loyal, and completely one of a kind. He possessed an extraordinary memory and an endless supply of random information—far from useless, it allowed him to connect with anyone, regardless of background or beliefs.

John stayed true to what he believed while always remaining open to discussion, never with anger or judgment, but with genuine listening. He would process, reflect, and then happily share his thoughts—because yes, he liked to talk. Though the word “authentic” is often overused, it perfectly describes John’s life. He loved life and the people in it. He was true to himself, and that is his legacy.

Without a doubt: an ordinary life, lived extraordinarily.

Survived by: Wife: Laura Skiba Daughters: Jacqueline Frydman (Jeremy), Kristin Erisman (Marc), Megan Connell (Shawn) Grandchildren: John Frydman; Rylee, Mackenzie, and Colin Erisman; Landon and Owen Connell Father: Leonard Skiba Sister: Linda Thomas (James) Many beloved nieces and nephews

Preceded in death by: Mother: Alice Skiba

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to one of the following charity organizations that have meant so much to the Skiba family:

Team Schladt Foundation

Breakthrough Type 1 Diabetes

MACC Fund Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders at Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin

Open House Celebration of Life: Saturday, March 21st, 2026 | 1:00–4:00 pm Turnberry Golf Club 9600 Turnberry Trail Village of Lakewood, IL 60014