Local man loved golf and making others happy

Friends and family are remembering John Edmondson of Geneva for his love of golf and his quiet impact on others.

"No one went away not liking him," said his wife Sally. "It wasn't that he wanted to be liked, but he was genuinely interested in everyone. There were so many times when he played Santa. He enjoyed doing it because it made others happy."

Mr. Edmondson died Dec. 4 after battling brain cancer for 8 years.

"He fought valiantly," Sally Edmondson said. "He tried to adjust to his limitations. His spirit didn't stop. He had a good sense of humor right up to the end."

"John was a fun person, he enjoyed life and he enjoyed golf," said Jim Wheeler, pro manager of the Pottawatomie Pro Shop in St. Charles. "He was a very important part of this golf course. Those who didn't have a chance to know him missed out on someone special."

Mr. Edmondson was also remembered as a devoted father who never missed his sons' swim meets when they were in high school and college.

Mr. Edmondson was born Feb. 27, 1940 in Indianapolis, Ind. He was a graduate of Indiana University in Bloomington, Ind. and worked in the packaging industry for Rexham Corp. in Chicago.

In 1982 and 1983, Mr. Edmondson won the Pottawatomie City Golf Championships.

He is survived by Sally, his wife of 46 years; his sons Michael Edmondson of Geneva and Andrew Edmondson of Plano, Texas; his grandson Brendan Edmondson; his sister Janet Schafstall and his aunt Martha Bridewell, both of Franklin, Ind.

Visitation will be held beginning at 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 13 at Fox Valley Presbyterian Church, 227 East Side Drive, Geneva. The service will be held at 11 a.m. at the church. A celebration of his life will follow at Geneva Golf Club, 831 South St. in Geneva.