Dennis W. Zaletel

Dennis W. Zaletel, age 78, beloved husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, closed his life on December 12, 2022 in hospice care with his family by his side.

Dennis fought a courageous three-year battle with lung cancer. Though he lost this battle, he was blessed with the loving support of his wife and two daughters right to the end. Dennis was born in Joliet and lived his early years there and in Rockdale. He developed an early interest in fishing and hunting from his family. The men in his family also taught him to be a "did-it-myself" kind of guy. These life skills allowed him to proudly tune up his own cars, boats and motorcycles and build and take care several of his own homes. Dennis greatly enjoyed passing down some of these interests to his son and grandsons and sons-in-law.

When Dennis went on a blind date in 1963 with a girl named Betty, little did he know that he would be married to her for 58 years. In their early years, one of Betty’s uncles taught Dennis to drive a Semi-truck, which he did for 30 years for Schiek Motors Express. He retired from the Teamsters Union in 2001. In later life, Dennis enjoyed traveling, including stops in all 50 states. He especially enjoyed trips that included his grandsons or "the whole family."

Dennis was preceded in death by his son, John Zaletel.

Survived by his wife Betty (nee Burzawa); daughters, Chris (Joe) Bajner and Carrie (Alex) Boryszewski; grandsons, Joey and Jimmy Bajner, Jacob (Ashland Knarr) Boryszewski, Cameron and Connor Hotuyec; great- grandson, Charlie John Boryszewski; and great-granddaughter, Ruby Boryszewski.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Dennis’ name to Lightways Hospice of Joliet would be appreciated.

A celebration of Dennis’ life will begin on Friday, December 16, 2022 with a memorial visitation at Tezak Funeral Home, 1211 Plainfield Road, Joliet from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. The family invites relatives and friends to join them on Saturday, December 17, 2022 at Holy Family Catholic Church in Shorewood for a Mass of Christian Burial to be held at 10:00 a.m. Interment will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery in Joliet.