Memorial Services are set for John E. "Jack" Ryder, a longtime Northern Illinois Annual Conference Lay Member. He passed away on June 26 at the age of 68.

Jack, who was a member of First UMC of La Grange, served as a lay delegate at five General Conferences and five Jurisdictional Conferences and as a lay member at least 18 Annual Conferences. He also served on the NIC Board of Trustees and several committees. 

A visitation will be held Friday, August 16 from 3-9 p.m. at Hitzeman Funeral Home, Ltd., 9445 31st Street, Brookfield, IL 60513.

A celebration of his life will take place Saturday, August 17 at 10:30 a.m. at First UMC of La Grange, 100 West Cossitt, La Grange, IL 60525. (Parking is available on the blocks around the church and around the school across the street. An elevator is located at the Madison entrance, or people may enter the sanctuary directly on Cossitt.) 

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to First United Methodist Church, 100 W. Cossitt Ave., La Grange, IL 60525.

Messages of condolences may be sent to Deb Ryder, 629 Barnsdale Rd., La Grange Park, IL 60526.