John R. Grune, age 75, passed away July 6, 2022, in Corpus Christi, Texas. He was born August 4, 1946, in Melrose Park, Illinois, the son of Richard Grune and Vincenzina (Virginia) Scolaro Grune. He grew up in the Maywood area of Chicago.

From an early age, John showed a gift for music. His first instrument was baritone horn, which he played throughout his school years. He began to study organ at an early age. After graduating from Proviso East High School in Maywood, Illinois, he won a music scholarship. John attended Chicago Conservatory College and American Conservatory of Music, earning a Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA) degree in Organ Performance.

Sacred music was his primary calling, and he considered liturgical music to be a religious vocation. Throughout his long career, John served as music director in several churches in the Chicago, DeKalb, Illinois and Rockford, Illinois areas. After his retirement in South Texas, he lent his musical talents as a volunteer.

John performed as a concert and theatre organist in many venues, including a season as the ballpark organist at Wrigley Field for the Chicago Cubs. He was also active in several theatre restoration projects and was a longtime member of the American Guild of Organists and the Land of Lincoln Theatre Organ Society.

Traditional jazz was another of John's musical interests. He spent many years researching, transcribing and performing jazz music of the 1920's, 30's and early 40's in the Ezra Quantine Ragtime Memorial Band and Airflow Deluxe. Both bands performed widely in the Midwest in the 1970's - 1990's.

John had a second career in emergency medicine. He was one of the longest-serving critical care paramedics in Illinois. His skill and professionalism were of great benefit to the patients he treated and the young medics he taught.

Another of John's interests was funeral service. He had a livery business and also formed the St. Joseph of Arimethea Society in Rockford, Illinois, a charitable organization for high school boys to serve as pallbearers when needed.

John loved pre-WWII cars and car shows, trains, Portillo's, and his family. Most of all, he loved his faith. He will be remembered for his steadfast kindness as much as his intelligence and humor. He was a man of uncompromising integrity in music and in life.

John was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Charles Grune. He is survived by his wife Deane Charba, his son Theodore Grune (Poplar Grove, Illinois), a large extended family, and many friends.

A visitation will be held from 5-8 pm with a Rosary to begin at 6:30 pm on Monday, July 18, 2022, at Maxwell P. Dunne Funeral Service – Yorktown Blvd. A Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 10 am on Tuesday, July 19, 2022, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, with committal services following at Seaside Memorial Park.

Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord; and let perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace. Local obituary was provided by: Finch Funeral Home 310 Oak St. DeKalb, IL, 60115 (815) 758-3841.