John D. Hornung

John Daniel Hornung, 41, of Los Angeles, CA, passed away on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, at his home. He was born December 4, 1984, in Chicago, IL, and was a longtime resident of Grayslake, IL, where he lived for 32 years and graduated from Grayslake Community High School in 2003. John attended the College of Lake County, where his passion for cooking soon led him toward what would become an impressive culinary career. His journey began after having lunch with his mother at a barbecue restaurant in Grayslake, where he discovered his calling as a chef. From there, John went on to become a talented and accomplished chef, working at several restaurants in the Chicago area. Inspired by the farm to table approach, he packed up and moved to California, where he built an extraordinary career at numerous restaurants, including the highly praised Michelin Star landmark Bouchon Santa Barbara. He later returned home to Chicago, treasuring his time at Milwaukee Trace in Libertyville, then moving on to other Chicago venues, including the acclaimed fine-dining Michelin Star Sepia. John was devoted to his Catholic faith and attended St. Brendan Catholic Church in Los Angeles. Outside of his work, he enjoyed playing guitar, listening to Chicago blues music, reading ferociously and studying history. A lifelong sports fan, he was an avid Chicago Cubs fan and proudly cheered for the Chicago Bears and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. John loved to travel and especially enjoyed experiencing different cuisines. Some of his most treasured memories came from a family trip to Ireland, and backpacking adventures through Europe, including Ireland, France, Belgium, and Amsterdam, with his brother, Eric. Above all, John was devoted to his children. He cherished every moment with them and never wanted to be a day away, always looking forward to their next adventure together. His love for his family was at the center of his life. John will be remembered by his family and friends for his wonderful sense of humor, infectious laughter, and ability to bring energy and joy wherever he went. He could always be counted on to enter a room with a story to tell and a good time to share. His warmth, laughter, and love of life will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. Surviving are his 2 children, Nicholas & Sean; parents, John & Marion Hornung; brothers, Ryan (Justine) & Eric Hornung; mother of his children, Hannah Khan and by many loving aunts, uncles & cousins. A visitation will begin at 9:30 a.m. followed by a mass at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, September 28, 2026 at St. Mary of Vernon Catholic Church, 236 W. Hwy 45, Indian Creek, IL. In lieu of flowers, memorials would be appreciated to the charity that meant the most to John, World Central Kitchen non-for-profit organization that provides food relief worldwide, www.wck.org. Arrangements by Burnett-Dane Funeral Home in Libertyville. For info: 847-362-3009 or share a memory at www.burnettdane.com.

John D. Hornung

December 4, 1984 - August 26, 2026