Marie F. Tekel

Marie Frances Tekel (nee Umek)

Age 88. Passed away peacefully and entered Heaven’s gates on December 14, 2021. Left to cherish her memory is her husband of 56 years; Benedict Tekel.  Loving mother of Kathleen (Dwayne) Giaudrone and Mary (Norm) Nemanich. Treasured “Grammy” of Michael, Matthew, and Megan Giaudrone and Natalie, Nicholas, Nathan, and Nolan Nemanich.

Born in Joliet, Illinois on March 25, 1933. She attended St. Joseph’s Grade School and Providence High School. Marie was united in marriage to Ben on September 18, 1965. She was a homemaker for many years and later retired as a CNA from Our Lady of Angels Retirement Home.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Anton and Mary (Levstik) Umek, brothers, Rudy and Anthony (late Glyndal), in-laws, Carl and Mary Tekel, brother-in-law, Edward (late Elizabeth) Tekel.

She is survived by her sister-in-law, Joan Umek, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Marie lived simply and was devoted to her Catholic faith and the Blessed Mother.  She dedicated her entire life to her family. Her unconditional love touched everyone’s hearts. Her grandchildren especially reaped this love when she watched them.  She will continue to embrace her family from up above.

Family will receive relatives and friends for a visitation on Monday, December 20, 2021 from 8:30 a.m. until time of closing prayers beginning at 10:30 a.m. at Tezak Funeral Home, 1211 Plainfield Road in Joliet. The funeral will then drive in procession for a Mass of Christian Burial beginning at 11:00 a.m. at St. Mary Nativity Catholic Church, 706 N Broadway Street in Joliet. Interment will follow and Marie will be laid to rest at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery.