John M. Keyzer Jr

John M. Keyzer Jr., 49, of Lake Zurich, passed away unexpectedly but peacefully on January 19, 2024.

He was born in Oak Park, IL on August 20, 1974 to John Sr. and Marcia (nee Swierenga) Keyzer. On March 7, 1998, he married Michelle Harris, in St. Charles. Together, they celebrated 25 beautiful years of marriage and were blessed with 2 daughters, Jessica and Erin. Shortly after their marriage, they first settled in South Elgin and later moved to Lake Zurich in 2006.

In his pursuit of knowledge, John continuously grew his education and attended Elgin Community College, the College of DuPage, and Illinois State University, where he ultimately earned his Master’s in Technology Education. John graduated with honors while working full time and raising a family. John's dedication to education extended to his roles as an adjunct professor at the College of Lake County and a Tech teacher for 17 years at Lake Zurich High School. John founded the Lake Zurich Robotics Club and Bearbotics Team, leaving a lasting impact on the world of robotics. His involvement in the US First Robotics Organization showcased his commitment to innovation and education.

A longtime member of the Quentin Road Baptist Church, John found spiritual solace and a sense of community. His ability to strike up conversations with anyone, anywhere, and make friends effortlessly spoke volumes about his character and love for life.

John loved the water, and it was evident in every aspect of his life. Whether it was boating, water-skiing, scuba diving or fishing, he found peace and happiness on the waves. His love for the water took him to the Bahamas, Hawaii, Canada and as many lakes and rivers he could get to in between. What made the experience truly special for John was the time he got to share with friends and family anytime he was on the water. John was also an avid hunter, loved to snow ski, go 4wheel off-roading and enjoyed connecting with his friends and family in games hosting Minecraft with his daughters, nieces, and nephews and teaming up with friends in games.

John loved the Lord and tried to serve others by walking with them in their lives and encouraging them to join him on his adventures, and consciously tried to connect with the people around him.

Above all, John cherished his role as a loving father. Known for his humor and the ability to crack a joke in any situation, he created an atmosphere of joy and laughter in his household.

John will be deeply missed by his wife Michelle; his cherished daughters, Jessica and Erin; his parents, John Sr. and Marcia; siblings, Kevin (Mary) Keyzer and Kari (Carlton) Cook; sister-in-law, Kimberly (Jeff) Kortsehl; nieces and nephews, Madison and Taryn Keyzer, Matthew, Joshua and Alexis Cook, Cashlin and Colton Kortsehl; and by many loving extended family and countless friends.

Celebration of life visitation will be Saturday, January 27, 2024, from 6PM until the service at 7:30PM at Quentin Road Bible Baptist Church, 24126 N Quentin Rd, Lake Zurich, IL 60047. Interment will be private. A livestream of the service can be viewed at Events - Quentin Road Baptist Church starting at 7:30PM, please click here to join us virtually.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to one of the following:

Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation , 230 East Ohio Street, Suite 500 Chicago, Illinois 60611, www.pulmonaryfibrosis.org

Quentin Road Bible Baptist Church , www.quentinroad.org/give/

The Lake Zurich Robotics Team , www.district95foundation.org/bearboticsfundraiser

FIRST Finance , c/o US First Robotics, 200 Bedford Street, Manchester, NH 03101 www.firstinspires.org