Cover photo for Theresa J. Papesh's Obituary
Theresa J. Papesh Profile Photo
1929 Theresa 2024

Theresa J. Papesh

December 29, 1929 — May 10, 2024

Theresa J. Papesh, nee Anzelc, passed away on May 10, 2024 at Rock Run Assisted Living.

Born in Rockdale to Anton and Anna (Gersich) Sterle Anzelc, Theresa was the last survivor of 14 children.   She was a lifelong Joliet area resident, educated at Rockdale School and Joliet Township High School. She married the love of her life, Peter “Benny” Papesh, in 1952. They remained together until he passed away in 2021.

Theresa worked at her brother-in-law’s Texaco stations before her marriage, and later at Standard Oil.   She also worked at Wolf’s Tavern for many years. Theresa played an important part in Benny’s accordion “concerts” throughout their marriage. She was a member of Slovenian Union of America and American Legion Post 1080 Auxiliary.

Theresa is survived by numerous nieces, nephews, and godchildren, along with many friends.

Along with her husband and her parents, Theresa was preceded in death by her brothers Anton (Susan) Anzelc, Joseph (Bernice) Sterle, John Sterle, William (Catherine) Anzelc, John (Mary) Anzelc and Charles (Evelyn) Anzelc, her sisters Mary (Martin) Kambic, Anna (Edwin) Montgomery, Johanna (John) Gorc, Frances (Matthew) Senffner, Matilda (Steve) Tadey, Elizabeth (Francis) Corp (John) Burkhardt, and Catherine (John) Emery, as well as several nieces and nephews. 

In lieu of flowers, donations to St. Joseph Church, Joliet would be appreciated.

A celebration of Theresa’s life will be held on Thursday, May 16, 2024 with prayers to be held in the funeral home chapel at 9:20 a.m. then driving in procession to St. Joseph Catholic Church in Joliet for a Mass of Christian Burial to be held at 10:00 a.m. Interment will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, May 15, 2024 at Tezak Funeral Home, 1211 Plainfield Road, Joliet from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Theresa J. Papesh, please visit our flower store.

Service Schedule

Past Services

Visitation

Wednesday, May 15, 2024

4:00 - 8:00 pm (Central time)

Tezak’s Home to Celebrate Life

1211 Plainfield Rd, Joliet, IL 60435

Enter your phone number above to have directions sent via text. Standard text messaging rates apply.

Chapel Prayers

Thursday, May 16, 2024

Starts at 9:15 am (Central time)

Tezak’s Home to Celebrate Life

1211 Plainfield Rd, Joliet, IL 60435

Enter your phone number above to have directions sent via text. Standard text messaging rates apply.

Mass of Christian Burial

Thursday, May 16, 2024

10:00 - 11:00 am (Central time)

Enter your phone number above to have directions sent via text. Standard text messaging rates apply.

Interment

Thursday, May 16, 2024

Starts at 11:00 am (Central time)

Enter your phone number above to have directions sent via text. Standard text messaging rates apply.

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