Eugene B. Lilek

Eugene B. Lilek “Gene”, age 92 of Joliet, entered into eternal life on April 27, 2025 at Lightways Hospice in Joliet, IL. Gene was born in Joliet to his parents Anthony Lilek and Josephine Lilek (nee Ivnik) on June 11, 1932, and lived most of his life in Plainfield Township.

Gene retired from U.S. Steel after thirty-two years of service as well as the Joliet Township Highways Department after fifteen years of service. His wife Loretta and he raised three loving daughters. He was a passionate sports fan, especially fond of the Pittsburgh Steelers and Duke collegiate athletics. He was also a great fan of watching his grandsons compete athletically in basketball and baseball.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his devoted wife Loretta Lilek (nee Pantol), and his brothers; Norman (Eleanor), Robert (Dorothy), and William (Pat) Lilek.

Gene is survived by his daughters Diane (Tom) Watson, Sherry (Bill) Birthisel, and Jo Ann (Dennis) Clark; his grandchildren Brian (Michele) Watson, Kristin (Jeff) Dino, Courtney Clemens (Mark), Austin (Ann Marie) Hanohano, and Tylor and Dylan (Betty) Birthisel; his great grandchildren Jarod, Lyla, Olivia, Ethan, Nathan, Troy, Aiden, Hudson, and Hayes. Many other extended family members and loved ones also survive.

Per Gene’s wishes, cremation rites have been accorded and inurnment will take place privately by the family at Woodlawn Memorial Park in Joliet, where Gene will take his place by Loretta’s side for all of eternity.