John Fedell

John “Jack” Randolph Fedell, 89, of Crystal Lake, died on Thursday, October 3 at home surrounded by family.

He was born on July 24, 1924 to Charles and Neva Fedell in Frontenac, Kansas. He enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps and served from 1943-1946 as a 1st Lieutenant. He was stationed on Guam supporting the aircraft electronics onboard B-29 bombers. After the war, he completed his undergraduate degree at Carleton College in Northfield, Minnesota. After teaching high school for two years, he worked at Scott Air Force Base teaching electronics.

In 1954, he began working in sales for Motorola, where he had a long career of 33 years. In the final years at Motorola, he worked in international sales where he was instrumental in beginning Motorola operations in Asia. During that time, he lived in Singapore for five years and Tokyo for two years. After retiring from Motorola, he went on to work for Tellabs and also started a new paging business called Pocketvoice.

He was an avid fisherman and particularly after retirement he enjoyed many quiet days fishing on the lake at his cottage in northern Wisconsin. He was also a ham radio operator (WR9MM) for many years and enjoyed communicating with people around the world.

Jack is survived by his loving children, Catherine (Alan) Cox, John “ Jack” (Laurie Osterndorf) Fedell and Jean Fedell; grandchildren, Emily Cox, Timothy Cox, Alexander (Kellina Bruett-Fedell) Fedell, and Jaimeson Fedell; sister, Lavonne Macheers; sisters-in-law Joyce, Lee, Linda, Lorraine, Marilyn, and Peggy as well as many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 55 years, Arlene (nee Jenzen) Fedell, his brother Richard, and his parents.

Memorial visitation will be held from 2 p.m. until the time of service at 4 p.m., Saturday, October 12 at Davenport Family Funeral Home, 419 E. Terra Cotta Ave., Crystal Lake, IL 60014.

Memorials may be made to Youth and Family Services, 1920 N Plaza Blvd, Rapid City SD 57702, Pioneer Center for Human Services, 4001 W Dayton St, McHenry IL 60050,and Lutheran World Relief, PO Box 17061, Baltimore MD 21297-1061.