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In memory of

Jonathan James Lehuta

Brighton, CO, USA

April 28, 1953 - April 24, 2019

Apr 28, 1953 - Apr 24, 2019

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Jonathan James Lehuta Sr, 65, passed away April 24 at home after a long battle with cancer. He was born to Marion and Casper Lehuta in Atlanta, GA, where his father was stationed in the Army Air Corp. He was a 1971 graduate of Riverside Brookfield High School in Brookfield, Illinois. Jon is survived by his wife of 39 years, Kathy (Sichrovsky) Lehuta, son Jonathan Lehuta Jr of DeKalb, IL, daughter Amy Lehuta Siadak (John) of Westminster, CO, and the joy of his life, granddaughter, Clara Siadak. He is also survived by his siblings, Jeanne Lehuta Gregorowicz and Dennis Lehuta (Lisa). He was uncle to Krysha Heavner (Brent), Christina Brown(Rodger), Carrie Bombliss, Sonja Gregorowicz, Daniel Lehuta, Daniel Bombliss (Diana), Sarah Lehuta, Alyssa Sichrovsky, and Michael Sichrovsky. His grandnephews and grandniece are Barrett, Bradyn, Brycen, and Acacia.

Jon attended Northern Illinois University. During his sophomore year, he enlisted in the United States Navy. He was an aerographers mate (AG) from 1973 -1977. He returned to NIU to study meteorology, B.S. 1980, and met Kathy. In 1981, he reentered the Navy through Aviation Officers Candidate School in Pensacola, FL, and served an additional 12 years active duty in the Navy. During his time in the Navy, he spent much of his free time playing with his PC, and upon separating from the Navy, pursued graduate work in computer science. After several programming jobs, Jon returned to NIU to work in IT, where he continued to work until disabled by his cancer. While working at NIU, Jon served as a faculty advisor to both the NIU Veterans Club and Alpha Phi Omega, a service fraternity. Jon had belonged to both of these organizations as a student, and was passionate about continuing to support students the way he had been supported. Jon was active in the American Legion, where he served as post commander, Post 66, DeKalb, IL, and DeKalb County Commander. He transferred his membership to Post 22, Northglenn, CO, to be nearer to his granddaughter, but was never strong enough again to take an active role. He loved supporting DeKalb students, managing the American Legion student awards, and helping with the Memorial Day service at Elwood House where the awards were presented. Further trying to support veterans, Jon served on the charter board for the DeKalb Veterans Assistance Commission. Jon was awarded the Illinois Veteran of the Month award in April 2015.

Jon had many hobbies. He played rugby both for Lincoln Park in Chicago and the club team at NIU. He loved nature both to explore and to photograph, spending many hours quietly sitting on land or in his kayak doing both. Jon also loved music, known among friends for his powerful stereo and music collections, and sang in the choir for about 10 years at 1st Congregational United Church of Christ in DeKalb. Jon was an avid bicyclist. He used to ride his bike from Great Lakes, IL to Glenview, IL for work, and rode in several charity bike rides. He also loved to swim, often swimming more than a mile before work. He passed that love of swimming to his children.

Jon will be deeply missed.

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In lieu of flowers, consider a gift to Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation.

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I met Jon in Navy AG school in Lakehurst, NJ in 1974. He was clearly very bright. Jon hitched a ride back to Chicago wi…

I met Jon in Navy AG school in Lakehurst, NJ in 1974. He was clearly very bright. Jon hitched a rid…

I met Jon in Navy AG school in Lakehurst, NJ in 1974. He was cle…

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