Commander John Nankervis, Navy Reservist, Activist, Dies At 83

DES PLAINES, IL – Commander John Thomas Nankervis, U.S. Navy (Retired) passed away surrounded by his family on Sept. 22, 2019 after a battle with cancer. He was 83.

John was born on Aug. 18, 1936 in Winnegao, MN, the son of John S. and Mary G. Nankervis. John lived most of his adult life in the Chicago area. He was married to the love of his life, Audrey Norlin Nankervis, for 61 years, raising four children. John enjoyed taking family vacations all over the USA and overseas.

John was a member of “Men Off-Campus” at Northwestern University where he graduated with a degree in Radio/TV/Film (1961) and a Marketing MBA (1971).

A 34-year U.S. Navy veteran, he rose from seaman recruit to Commander and was selected to Command a Navy Reserve public affairs unit based in Milwaukee, WI. As a Navy Reservist, John served on numerous ships at sea from the South Pacific to the North Atlantic and planned many national level events. Navy League, Naval Order Historical Society, Naval Reserve Association provided John opportunities to continue to serve those who serve others.

He was a highly-respected swim coach and YMCA/AAU swim meet official for many years helping thousands of youngsters learn life lessons while improving their teamwork and athletic skills. A community activist for 60 years, he served as Maine Township Fire Commissioner, President of Ballard Acres Civic Association, President of Maine East High School Music and Athletic Boosters, national and local election official, Church Lay Leader, volunteered at PADS, sang in church choir, and performed in local theater and musical productions.

John’s passions were family, friends, photography, music (voice), scuba diving and coaching swimming. He will be remembered by friends and family for his good nature, love of life, wry humor, bad puns, superb photography, athletic prowess, story-telling, musical abilities, and dedication to family and community. He always had a smile and a cheerful hello for every person he met every day.

John leaves his wife, Audrey Norlin Nankervis; four children, John T. Nankervis, Jr., James M. Nankervis, and Katherine Nankervis O’Connell, and was the cherished grandfather of 11, and great-grandfather of one. He is survived by his sisters Mary Nan McHose, Susan Ryder, Cecilia Hartman and Ann Milner. He was preceded in death by a son, Jeffrey C. Nankervis.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 28, at First United Methodist Church of Des Plaines; 668 Graceland Ave, Des Plaines, followed by a social gathering for one and all to remember John from 1 to 4 P.M. at Hackney’s On Lake, 1514 E Lake Ave, Glenview, (847) 724-7171.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests online donations be made in John’s name or mailed to Rainbow Hospice and Palliative Care-Foundation, or mailed to P.O. Box 75008824, Chicago, IL, 60674-8824; or to First United Methodist Church of Des Plaines, 668 Graceland Ave., Des Plaines, IL, 60016.

~ This obituary was provided to Patch by a family member.