John Zeeman

John Zeeman of Lake Bluff, IL, and Tequesta, FL, died peacefully at home on Wednesday, December 13, 2023, with his wife and children by his side. John was born in New Jersey in 1937 to Oscar Edward (Bernie) Zeeman and Margaret (Peg) Moore. He graduated with a BA/MA in Journalism from Northwestern University, where he met his first wife, Diane Mair. John and Diane had three children: JD, Lori, and Greg. In 1982, John met the love of his life, Patricia Granger Zeeman; they were happily married for 39 years. John was an insightful human being and a gifted marketer. He worked at United Airlines for 23 years, where he became known as the industry's leading de-regulation expert. In 1989, John left United as its Executive Vice President of Marketing and Planning to move to London, where he became the CEO of Galileo, a worldwide computer reservation system. During this time, John sat on the Boards of many organizations, including Northwestern University's Transportation Center, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, the Ravinia Music Festival, Chicago Children's Memorial Hospital (Lurie), and Exmoor Country Club. John loved his wife, three children, ten grandchildren, one great-grandson, and his many Cavalier King Charles Spaniels. He was a world traveler and a loyal Northwestern Wildcats and Cincinnati Reds fan. He was also a passionate single-digit right-handed golfer who, after a "bout with the shanks" in his late 60s, got down to a 14 handicap as a left-handed golfer. No matter what side of the ball he played from, his touch around the greens was enviable. His friends and family will remember John for his keen intellect, courage, generosity, and fair-mindedness. He was well-liked by anybody who knew him and loved by many. His dry wit and ability to retain sports data were remarkable. John is survived by his wife Patricia (Patti) of Lake Bluff, IL and Tequesta, FL; his children John David (JD) and his wife Robyn of Hinsdale, IL; Laura Jill (Lori) and her husband Roy Hawthorne of Hinsdale, IL; and Gregory Todd (Greg) and his wife Martha of Lake Forest, IL; ten grandchildren: Rachel, Jake, Claire, Matt, John, Cagan, Griffin, Caroline, Tucker and Brian; one great-grandchild Jonathan, one more great-granddaughter (TBD in March) and his two beloved pups Brody and Cassie. The family will be planning a celebration of John's life in the spring in Lake Bluff, IL. Before his passing, John requested that in lieu of flowers or gifts, we all make an extra effort in these times "to be kind to our fellow man." For information – Reuland & Turnbough Funeral Directors of Lake Forest, 847-234-9649 or www.RTfunerals.com.

John Zeeman

March 2, 1937 - December 13, 2023