History & Staff

Jack Tezak, Owner and Funeral Director

Richard Tezak, Owner and Funeral Director

Richard has been a funeral professional for the past 35 years. "I love what I do, and look forward to what each day brings. This is because I know that, with the support of our excellent staff, I will make a difference in someone's life.

When Richard is not in the office, he is active in the Harvest Moon Band, the Exchange Club, and enjoys his role as a founder of the Polka Masters, Moran A.C.

Amy Tezak-Rodrigue, Business Manager

Ken Plese, Office Manager

Ken has been a funeral service professional for ten years now. "It is an honor to be able to serve our neighbors, friends and people in the surrounding communities in their time of need."

He holds a Doctorate degree in Progress Theology, a Master's Degree in Pastoral Education, and the foundation of his academic training is a Bachelor's Degree in both music and theology.

Ken is an active member of the Knights of Columbus, a member of the Croatian Cultural Club, and is a featured vocalist at many celebratory events, including weddings and funerals.

Ryan Hayducak, Apprentice Funeral Director

Ryan has been a member of the staff here since he was 16 years old. "I find each day to bring new challenges and new rewards. Working on behalf of our client families, to help them find ways to honor and remember a loved one, is what I am meant to do - and I always strive to do this work to the best of my abilities."

Currently Ryan serves us as an Apprentice Funeral Director, having completed his studies at Worsham College of Mortuary Science. He is a also a CANA certified crematory operator.

Katie Marren, Funeral Director Intern

Katie has been a funeral service intern with Tezak's Home to Celebrate Life for the past two years. "I love my job, and I love helping people and making them feel more comfortable in this hard time."

She is an integral part of the day-to-day life here, and her experience as a certified crematory operator, and pre-need counselor is invaluable to us. And as she brings her wit, wisdom, and experience to every family she serves, she becomes invaluable to them as well.

Sarah Sebby, Funeral Director

Sarah has been working with families as a licensed funeral director for the past 8 years. "What I do each day is very important to me. I guide people through the whole experience, from the arrangement conference, to the services, and beyond. It is so rewarding."

Not only is Sarah a funeral director, she is also a certified crematory operator. Here at Tezak's Home to Celebrate Life, we find her presence invaluable. And so do our client families.

Jeff Rodrigue, IT Manager

Jeff is our resident Information Technologies expert. "I really enjoy fixing computers. It's just that simple."

Naturally, in this day and age, we need our computer systems to be functioning at their best - and Jeff ensures that each one is running well, and the network is sound. We truly don't know where we'd be without him.

Jennifer Koehler, Accounts Manager

Jennifer brings a unique skill set to her work here, but finds her day-to-day activities as our Accounts Manager to be rewarding. "I so enjoy helping families through a difficult time."

In the past, she has been a paramedic, emergency room technician, cardiac anesthesia technician, and physician's practice manager. Today, she helps our staff of licensed professionals better care for the families we serve. She is an invaluable member of the team here at Tezak's Home to Celebrate Life.

Rachel Kazlauskas, Funeral Assistant

Rachel has been a member of our staff of funeral assistants for just about a year now. "I feel very good about the work I do. I love helping people in any way that I can."

We know the families she comes in contact with here know just how she makes them feel; cared for, and well-tended.

When she is not working, Rachel is active in her church, and loves playing volleyball and basketball. But she especially enjoys spending time with her family.

Ronald Hicks, Funeral ServiceTrainee

Ronald is currently a student at the Worsham College of Mortuary Science, and is serving us here at Tezak's Home to Celebrate Life as a funeral service trainee. "I know I have much to learn, and working here is a really fine opportunity to learn from the best, most professional staff available to me. As I grow in skills, and take on new responsibilities, I know I'll be supported by a fine team of co-workers."

When he's not at school, or work, Ronald sings as a member of local gospel groups, as well as as a member of Rhythm and Blues, Motown, and Jazz bands. So, keep your eyes open. You may just see him at a local musical event.

Becki Hayucak, Funeral Assistant

Becki is a funeral assistant here at Tezak's Home to Celebrate Life. "I enjoy making everyone feel comfortable and welcome. I know they are facing a difficult time, and do my best to bring warmth, understanding and compassion to their time here."

Her background as an elementary teacher comes in to play quite often, as she feels so comfortable tending to the hearts and minds of the children who attend services. Her presence is very welcome to us, and to the families we serve.

Al Soley, Funeral Assistant

Al has been a part of our staff of funeral assistants for about 1 year now. "The word 'rewarding' doesn't do justice to way I feel about the work I do. I feel truly blessed to have been given this opportunity to serve our wonderful community as a staff member of one of Joliet's oldest and most respected family-owned service businesses."

When he's not at work, Al has many interests to nurture. He's been active in many bands for the past 40 years, and has participated in numerous church and secular choral groups. For him, each day is an opportunity for growth, and he reminds everyone he comes in contact with that life is rich, and rewarding.

Bridgette Sinegar, Funeral Assistant

While Bridgette is new to funeral service, having been a funeral assistant for about 1 year, she intends on making it her career.

"I've known for a long time that this was to be my personal path, and haven't wavered from walking it. I appreciate the opportunity to serve our client families, and find the relationships we build to be lasting ones."

She is currently attending the Worsham College of Mortuary Science, and has a background in Grief and Bereavement Counseling. Interestingly, Bridgette is a classically-trained musician, playing the violin, bass, and cello. With that said, you just might see her at local musical events, because she loves all types of music and performance.

David Walker, Driver/Funeral Assistant

David has been with us for the past 5 years. "I find the work interesting, and I especially enjoy learning a lot about Joliet history.The funeral profession gives you the opportunity to hear the stories of families who have deep roots here, and that brings the community to life."

When not working, David volunteers at the Daybreak Homeless Shelter, Essington Place, and Grace United Methodist Church. He is truly a community-minded person, and we value both his contributions to Tezak's Home to Celebrate Life and to the wider community.

Radovan Jovanovich, Driver/Funeral Assistant

Radovan has truly made funeral service his profession, having served families in their time of loss for over 45 years. "If you do something for almost half a century, it must mean you love what you're doing.And I do."

We appreciate having him here at Tezak's Home to Celebrate Life. And so do our client families.

Pat Sallese, Funeral Director

Pat has been a licensed funeral director for 17 years. During that time he has served hundreds of families. "I give every family the best of me: attentive listening, thoughtful suggestions based on what I've heard, and solutions to the commemorative challenges they may be facing. My goal is to provide each family with the funeral or memorial service that best meets their needs, both emotional and financial."

Jacob Green, Funeral Assistant

While Jacob is new to funeral service, having been a funeral assistant for less than a year; he is excited and invigorated by the work. Just look at that smile!

"I know I'm making a real difference in people's lives. While they may be enduring great loss, I hope to make them more at ease, and find joy in the memories of their loved one."

We look forward to having his smile and gentle presence grace Tezak's Home to Celebrate Life for many years to come.

Michael Zolecki, Funeral Assistant

Raymond Horvat

Gerald Frankovich

Joseph Stukel

Louis Derlinga

Michael Gale

Kenneth Tezak, Driver/Funeral Assistant

Kenneth has been in funeral service for the past 10 years. "I enjoy working at the funeral home. It feels really good to help people, and I enjoy the diversity of work. Whether it's office support, driving a vehicle, or landscaping - it's all rewarding."