John "Jack" Holden, age 90 of Freeport, IL, passed away Wednesday, September 27, 2017 at Presence St. Joseph in Freeport. He was born May 2, 1927 in Evanston, IL; the son of the late Richard and Bertha (Graham) Holden. He graduated from Lake Forrest Academy, then enlisted and served in the United States Navy. After being discharged, Jack went on to Northwestern University in Evanston. He married Marsha Smith on February 23, 1962.

He had first began working in the insurance business during high school. He went on to work as a claims adjuster for Kemper Insurance and was an insurance broker and owned his own business, John G. Holden Insurance Agency. Jack was a member of Grace Episcopal Church in Freeport. He was also a member of Beta Theta Pi Fraternity.

As a young boy, he was the lead singer in the St. Luke's Boy Choir at St. Luke's Church in Evanston. He was a train enthusiast from the time he was young. When Jack came to Freeport, he brought with a history of Chicago. His great Aunt Tilly, Matilde Kraeckman was the last living survivor of the Chicago Fire. Her son, Arthur Kraeckman, against his father's wishes left the University of Illinois and traveled to Paris. There he became the Principal Baritone Soloist of the Paris Opera and performed under the stage name, Arthur Endrez.

Jack is survived by his wife, Marsha Holden of Freeport; sons, John Jr. of Cleveland, OH and Dean of Evanston; and several nieces. He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings, Richard, Suzanne, and Joan.