Obituaries

Joliet, IL Obituaries

Local obituaries for the Joliet, IL area

Gene R. Coldwater

Gene R. Coldwater

Feb 1, 2025

Gene R. Coldwater of Joliet, age 74, passed away with his loving family by his side on February 1, 2025 at Lightways Hospice Center in Joliet, IL. He was born to his parents Donald Coldwater and Bessie Coldwater (nee Kocarek) in Joliet, IL on June 7, 1950.

Gene was strongly rooted in Elwood, IL in his youth as the Coldwater family...

Douglas J. Giaudrone Jr.

Douglas J. Giaudrone Jr.

Jan 29, 2025

Douglas J. Giaudrone, Jr., age 61, of Kankakee, IL, passed away suddenly on January 29, 2025, surrounded by his family. 

Doug grew up in Crest Hill, IL, and resided in the Joliet and Plainfield areas for most of his life. He graduated from Joliet Catholic High School in 1981 and from Bradley University in 1986. Doug spent the majority of his...

Emma Jean Windom

Emma Jean Windom

Jan 28, 2025

Emma Jean Windom was born on October 13, 1933, to Leroy and Ruby Windham in Itta Bena, Mississippi.

 She was baptized at the age of 13. In 1958, she moved from Mississippi to Joliet, Illinois, where she began her career in the healthcare industry at Four Seasons Nursing Home and later at United Cerebral Palsy (UCP). Emma found it rewarding to...

Derek W. Smith

Derek W. Smith

Jan 28, 2025

Derek W. Smith of Rockford, age 53, unexpectedly left this world far too early on January 28, 2025. He was born in Joliet, IL on February 23, 1971 to his parents William C. Smith and Sandra M. Smith (nee Ivanich).

Derek was a member of the graduating class of 1989 at Lemont Township High School before going on to earn his...

Bruce Williquette

Bruce Williquette

Jan 28, 2025

Bruce Williquette of Joliet, age 72, passed away after an extended illness at St. Joseph Hospital on January 28, 2025. Bruce was born in Midlothian, IL on April 23, 1952 to his parents Kenneth Williquette and Thelma Williquette (nee Stephenson). 

Bruce was an honorable veteran of the Vietnam War, serving as a member of the United States Army. After his time...

Andrea L. McCarthy

Andrea L. McCarthy

Jan 27, 2025

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Andrea Lauren McCarthy, beloved wife, mother, daughter, sister, and friend, who passed away on January 27, 2025, at the age of 47. Born on December 12, 1977, Andrea lived a life full of love, laughter, and compassion, leaving a lasting impact on everyone she met.

Andrea was married to her...

Juan Manuel Lara

Juan Manuel Lara

Jan 27, 2025

Juan Manuel Lara, born on December 20, 1938, in Aguascalientes, Mexico, passed away peacefully on January 27, 2025, at the age of 86. He was surrounded by the love of his family as he made his final journey.

Juan was preceded in death by his beloved parents, Maria del Refugio Mora Romo and Ascencion Lara Muñiz, and his sister Rafaela Lara...

Suzanne "Sue" Valek

Suzanne "Sue" Valek

Jan 27, 2025

Suzanne “Sue” Valek, 70, passed away Monday, January 27th at Lightways Hospice Care Center in Joliet after an extended illness. 

She is survived by her three children, Amy Tezak, Sarah Tezak, Christopher Tezak (Stephanie Schuster); grandson, Alexander “Sasha” Rodrigue; brother, John “Jay” Valek; half-sister, Beth Ann (Anthony) DiBartolomeo; step-mother, Loretta (nee Dunajewski) Valek; niece, Kylie Bruggeman; nephew, Joshua Bruggeman many extended...

Peter Andrew Polesel

Peter Andrew Polesel

Jan 26, 2025

Only one short month after the loss of our dear sister Sally, the Polesel family has been rocked by another devastating loss. Our brother Peter A. Polesel was unexpectedly called home to the Lord on January 26, 2025 at the age of 62, passing peacefully in his sleep.

Pete was born in Joliet, IL to Peter and Virginia (nee Chmielewski) Polesel...

Louis D. Schmidberger "Louie"

Louis D. Schmidberger "Louie"

Jan 26, 2025

Louis D. Schmidberger “Louie”, lifelong resident of Joliet, age 90, passed away peacefully in his home on January 26, 2025. He was born to his parents Joseph and Mary (nee Skul) Schmidberger on November 28, 1934.

Louis began his career as a tool and die maker for Gerlach Barklow before becoming a proud member of the Carpenter’s Union Local #174. He...

Thomas J. Janes

Thomas J. Janes

Jan 23, 2025

Thomas J. Janes, known affectionately as "Tiger," age 73, passed away on Thursday, January 23, 2025, in Joliet, Illinois. 

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Patricia (nee Klancher) Janes, and his parents, Joseph G. Janes and Delores K. (Matesevic) Janes.

Thomas is survived by his sisters, Ann Marie (John) Schue and Jeanette Ball, along with other family members, nieces,...

Judith A. Harrison

Judith A. Harrison

Jan 22, 2025

Judith A. Harrison (nee Sokolowski)

Judith A. Harrison, lifelong resident of Joliet, age 71, passed away peacefully at Lightways Hospice after a brief illness. She was born to her parents Edwin and Lottie (nee Pantol) Sokolowski on October 8, 1953.

Judy was a graduate of Plainfield High School and retired as a longtime valued employee from AT&T. She loved to spend time...

Marvin F. Hank Sr.

Marvin F. Hank Sr.

Jan 20, 2025

It is with profound sadness that we share the peaceful passing of Marvin Frederick Hank Sr., age 86, of Joliet, IL, who left his temporary home to enter his eternal one on Monday, January 20, 2025. 

Marvin is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 65 years Jean Patricia Hank (nee Sienko) of Joliet, IL; his two daughters, Janet Cooper...

Damacio "Nacho" Nevarez

Damacio "Nacho" Nevarez

Jan 19, 2025

Damacio Nevarez, known to all as “Nacho,”73, passed away peacefully, on Sunday, January 19, 2025 surrounded by his loved ones. He was born in Durango, Mexico, and after a lifetime of hard work and dedication, he retired from his position at McDonald’s. Damacio’s life was defined by his strong sense of family, his devotion to his wife, son and grandchildren.

He...

Evelyn "Evie" Felbinger

Evelyn "Evie" Felbinger

Jan 19, 2025

Evelyn Frances Felbinger (née Skul), of Joliet, Illinois, passed away surrounded by loving family at St. Joseph Hospital in Joliet after a courageous battle fighting a lingering illness on January 19, 2025. She was born on March 22, 1940, in Chicago, Illinois, to Anton and Jennie Skul.

Evelyn will be remembered as a loving wife and mother whose unwavering devotion to...

Victor J. Bialczak

Victor J. Bialczak

Jan 17, 2025

Victor J. Bialczak, age 81, entered into eternal life on Friday, January 17, 2025.

Victor is survived by his devoted wife of 46 years, Sandra Bialczak (nee Cielak); son, Matthew (Lori) Bialczak; niece, Elizabeth (Blake) Nelson; nephew, Jason Bysina; and cherished nieces, nephews and cousins.

He is preceded in death by his father, Walter J. Bialczak; mother, Frances Bialczak; brother, Walter J....

Matthew John Gregurich Jr.

Matthew John Gregurich Jr.

Jan 17, 2025

Matthew John Gregurich Jr. of Joliet, age 92, passed away peacefully at his home on Friday, January 17, 2025 with his family by his side. Matthew was a lifelong resident of Joliet, born to his father Matthew Gregurich Sr. and his mother Mary Gregurich (nee Kozak) on February 7, 1932.

Matthew and Barbara were married in 1954 after Matt returned from...

Elvira Hernandez

Elvira Hernandez

Jan 12, 2025

Elvira Hernandez of Joliet, age 90, passed away peacefully on January 12, 2025 while under the compassionate care of The Alden Courts of Shorewood. Elvira was born to her parents Victor Huerta and Lucia (nee Esquivel) Huerta in San Nicolas, Mexico on January 25, 1934.

Elvira lived her life dedicated to her family. While her husband Justino worked two jobs to...

Marc Lee Mitok

Marc Lee Mitok

Jan 10, 2025

Marc Lee Mitok, age 55, passed away on Friday, January 10, 2025, in Joliet, IL. He was born on November 28, 1969, to Rick Mitok and the late Patsy Mitok. Marc is preceded in death by his beloved mother and his brother, Michael Mitok.

Marc will be lovingly remembered by his father, Rick Mitok, as well as his aunts, uncles, nieces,...

Paul Govednik

Paul Govednik

Jan 8, 2025

Paul Joseph Govednik of Braidwood, IL, age 67, passed away suddenly in his home on January 8, 2025. Paul was born in Joliet, IL on January 11, 1957 to his parents William and Diane (nee Salopek) Govednik. 

Paul was a proud union Ironworker and member of Local #444 for over thirty years. He and his father, together, built his home in...