Ken Weinberger (January 3, 1943 – December 21, 2021) was an American businessman, car dealership owner, and former rock musician. He was widely recognized as the father of Hollywood actor and filmmaker Jake Johnson, best known for portraying Nick Miller in the television comedy New Girl. However, Weinberger’s life extended beyond entertainment.
Known affectionately as Kenny “Crocko” Weinberger, he developed a reputation for his outgoing personality, business interests, humor, and love of Chicago sports. His personal journey included professional accomplishments, family difficulties, recovery from addiction, and renewed relationships with his children.
This article explores Ken Weinberger’s biography, early background, professional career, marriage, children, relationship with Jake Johnson, personal interests, and lasting family legacy.
Who Was Ken Weinberger?
Ken Weinberger was a Chicago-based entrepreneur who worked in automobile sales and operated a car dealership. He also had a background in rock music, which remained a memorable part of his personal identity.
Although public interest in him increased because of his famous son, Weinberger had established his own professional and social connections long before Jake Johnson became a recognizable television personality.
His memorial described him as a talented salesman, entrepreneur, and enthusiastic friend. Those descriptions reflect the importance of both business and personal relationships throughout his life.
Ken Weinberger’s Early Life and Background
Birth and Childhood
Ken Weinberger was born on January 3, 1943, in the United States. He spent much of his adult life in the Chicago metropolitan area, where he developed his professional career and maintained strong community connections.
Publicly available biographical records offer limited detail about his childhood, schools, and early education. Nevertheless, his later achievements demonstrate his involvement in several professional and creative fields.
Family Background
Weinberger came from a family with longstanding ties to the Chicago area. His surviving relatives included his sister, Judy Nack, and twin sister, Gayle Rovnick.
Family relationships became increasingly important during his later years, particularly after he rebuilt connections with his children following an earlier period of separation.
Ken Weinberger’s Professional Career
Career in the Automobile Industry
Ken Weinberger established himself in the automobile business and became known as a Chicago car dealership owner.
His professional experience involved vehicle sales and entrepreneurship. The automobile industry requires communication skills, customer relationships, and business knowledge, making it a natural environment for someone remembered for his sociable personality.
Although specific information about the dealership’s name and financial performance is not widely documented, his business career remained an important part of his public biography.
Background in Rock Music
Before becoming primarily associated with automobile sales, Weinberger was involved in rock music.
His Musical Identity
His obituary remembered him as a former rock star, suggesting music was a meaningful part of his early life.
However, detailed records about his bands, recordings, and professional performances remain limited. His musical background nevertheless adds another dimension to the story of a man whose interests extended beyond entrepreneurship.
Ken Weinberger’s Marriage and Children
Marriage to Eve Johnson
Ken Weinberger married Eve Johnson, an American artist known for her stained glass work.
The couple had three children: Dan Johnson, Rachel Johnson, and Mark Jake Johnson Weinberger, later known professionally as Jake Johnson.
Their marriage eventually ended in divorce when Jake was approximately two years old.
Following the separation, Eve Johnson raised the children primarily as a single mother, providing the family environment in which Jake and his siblings grew up.
Relationship With His Children
Weinberger’s relationship with his children changed considerably over time.
His absence during their childhood created emotional difficulties, particularly for Jake, who later discussed these experiences publicly.
Despite this complicated beginning, the family eventually experienced reconciliation. Weinberger reconnected with his children and became involved in their adult lives.
Ken Weinberger and Jake Johnson’s Relationship
Why Did Jake Johnson Change His Name?
Jake Johnson was born Mark Jake Johnson Weinberger on May 28, 1978, in Evanston, Illinois.
After his parents separated, Jake grew up with his mother and two older siblings.
During his teenage years, he adopted his mother’s surname, Johnson, instead of continuing to use Weinberger.
Jake later explained that his decision was connected to his frustration over his father’s absence during childhood.
Father and Son Reconciliation
Despite their earlier difficulties, Jake and his father eventually rebuilt their relationship.
In interviews, Jake acknowledged that his father became sober and returned to his life in his late teens.
Their relationship gradually improved and eventually became a close personal connection.
A Meaningful Family Transformation
Their reconciliation became an important chapter in both men’s lives. Jake later spoke warmly about how his father became someone he genuinely enjoyed spending time with.
Their experience illustrates how family relationships can evolve through maturity, improved communication, and personal change.
Ken Weinberger’s Personality and Interests
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Weinberger was remembered for his humor, enthusiasm, and friendliness.
He enjoyed playing golf, telling jokes, and supporting Chicago sports teams. His interest in local sports reflected his connection to the city where he spent much of his life.
Another significant personal achievement was his long-term sobriety. According to his obituary, Weinberger maintained more than 25 years of sobriety, an accomplishment he regarded with considerable pride.
His recovery became an important part of his later personal story.
Ken Weinberger’s Later Life and Family Legacy
During his later years, Weinberger maintained relationships with his children, grandchildren, extended relatives, and longtime companion Leta Gold.
He was remembered as a grandfather to nine grandchildren, reflecting the large family network surrounding him.
Although his public recognition largely came through Jake Johnson’s Hollywood career, his relatives and friends remembered him for qualities unrelated to celebrity.
His humor, personal resilience, sociable character, and ability to rebuild family relationships became important parts of his legacy.
Ken Weinberger’s Death and Funeral
Ken Weinberger passed away peacefully on December 21, 2021, at the age of 78.
His funeral service took place on December 23, 2021, at Chicago Jewish Funerals in Skokie, Illinois. His interment was private.
His obituary celebrated his entrepreneurial spirit, musical background, commitment to sobriety, and affection for family and friends.
The memorial also highlighted the positive memories he left with people who knew him throughout his life.
Conclusion
Ken Weinberger lived a varied life shaped by entrepreneurship, music, family relationships, and personal growth. Although best known as Jake Johnson’s father, he also established an independent identity as a businessman and memorable Chicago personality.
His story includes difficult family circumstances, successful recovery, and meaningful reconciliation. Above all, his legacy demonstrates the lasting importance of family connections, personal change, and the relationships people build throughout their lives.
(FAQs)
Who was Ken Weinberger?
Ken Weinberger was an American automobile dealership owner, entrepreneur, and former rock musician. He was also the father of actor Jake Johnson.
When was Ken Weinberger born?
Ken Weinberger was born on January 3, 1943. He died on December 21, 2021, at the age of 78.
Who was Ken Weinberger’s wife?
Ken Weinberger was formerly married to artist Eve Johnson. They had three children before their marriage ended in divorce.
How many children did Ken Weinberger have?
Ken Weinberger had three children: Dan Johnson, Rachel Johnson, and Jake Johnson. Jake later became a successful Hollywood actor and filmmaker.
What happened to Ken Weinberger?
Ken Weinberger died peacefully on December 21, 2021. His funeral was held in Skokie, Illinois, and he was remembered for his business career, musical interests, humor, and devotion to family.
