Obituary of John P. Lener, Sr.

John P. Lener, Sr. Age 69, of Plainfield, IL, died peacefully, Tuesday June 7, 2016 at the Joliet Area Community Hospice Home. He was born January 20, 1947 to Phyllis (nee Yuneman) and Melvin Lener, John was raised in the Joliet area and thoroughly enjoyed growing up with his cousins, the Piazza's. A U.S. Army Veteran, John served his country proudly during Viet-Nam and throughout his life always supported Veteran causes. He was employed by Electro-motive before the service and when he returned, drove for UPS as a member of the Teamsters Union. Surviving are his wife of 47 years, Jeanene (nee Elder); son, John Jr.; daughter, Jeana Lener-Davito (Rick Peters); grandchildren, Nicholas and Tyler John Davito; Ricky and Nicole Peters; two sisters, Jackie (David) Manthei and Sharon (Roger) Pennington; several nieces and nephews, including Ricky Manthei, Linda Cecil, Cyndi (Tim) Schiever and Jonetta (Michael) Ross, his Goddaughter. Several great nieces and great nephews and his aunt Shirley Zimmerman also survive, as well as his cousins, Danny, Terry, Jimmy, Regina and Pamela Piazza whom John thought of as his siblings. Preceded in death by his parents; two aunts, Bernie (Al) Piazza and Eunice (Wayne) Wright. John retired from Local #422 and was previously employed at Plainfield Refrigeration and Co-Owner of Hometown Frigidaire and Appliances. He was a member of the B.P.O.E Joliet Lodge #296, AF & AM Matteson Lodge #175, Joliet, American Legion Post #1080, VFW Cantigny Post #367, Loyal Order of Moose, Plainfield Lodge #2491, Moran A.C. and the Southside Civic Club. John will always be remembered as a practical thinking man, who you could rely on for straightforward advice and a helping hand whenever needed. He loved his family and Country and will be missed sorely by his loved ones. He enjoyed bowling, a good laugh and a good drink. Visitation will be held Friday June 10, 2016 at the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home from 4 - 8 p.m. A prayer service will conclude the evening at 8 p.m. Interment will take place at a later date at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials in his name to any organization benefiting Veterans would be appreciated. For information (815) 741-5500 or visit his book of memories at www.fredcdames.com