Anton "Tony" Kaluza
October 10, 1934 — January 13, 2017
Anton “Tony” Kaluza, age 82, peacefully entered into eternal life on Friday, January 13, 2017.
Left to celebrate Tony’s life are his beloved wife of 57 years, Julia (nee Cepon) Kaluza; loving children, Tony (Joni) Kaluza, Robert “Bobby” (Gina) Kaluza, Kathy (Blake) Mellecker, and Barbie (Bob) Kagay; cherished grandchildren, T.J., Alex, and Bobby Kaluza, Mackenzie and Benjamin Kaluza, Blake (fiancee Mia Beale) and Nicole Mellecker, Kendyll, Allison, Jennifer, and Joseph Kagay; loving sisters Malka (deceased Anton) Volk, Lillian (Frank) Cepon, Emica (Ivica) Udovic; brother-in-law John (Donna) Cepon; cousins Carl (Jane) Udovich and Josie (Fred) Hott; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends survive.
Gone before Tony marked with the sign of faith are his parents, Anton and Amalija (nee Udovic) Kaluza; parents-in-law, Frank and Frances (nee Mrzlikar) Cepon; brother-in-infancy, Karl; and brother-in-law, Anton Volk.
Tony was born in Slovenia and immigrated to the U.S. in 1956 and found true love with Julia and married her on October 10, 1959. Tony retired from Caterpillar after 36 years as a machinist and enjoyed singing and dancing with his sweetheart and anyone else he could pull on the dance floor. His greatest loves were his faith, country, heritage, wife, children, and grandchildren. Tony faithfully served St. Joseph Church in Joliet and the Slovenian Catholic Mission in Lemont as a parishioner and choir member for over 50 years. He was a member and former president of the St. Joseph Holy Name Society organizing many trips to Comiskey Park, a member of the elite group of singers, Slovenska Pesem, Polka Mass-sters, and helped build the Slovenian Catholic Center. As a member former president of St. Francis de Sales KSKJ #29 and Slovenian Catholic League, and Slovenian Catholic Center, Tony volunteered countless hours and worked wherever he was needed. Tony loved to sing and was often welcomed to take center stage to sing his favorite polkas and waltzes. He loved his racing buddies at the Indy 500 and Chicagoland Speedway. Tony happily enjoyed “checking the coolers regularly” and visiting with his friends at Bobby’s Tap. Tony loved being with family and friends, playing bocce ball, bowling, softball, and sharing a good story or laugh.
He will be lovingly missed by all and celebrated for eternity.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Tony’s name to Joliet Area Community Hospice or Autumn Country Club (107 N. Reed St., Joliet, IL 60435) would be appreciated.
The family would like to thank Joliet Area Community Hospice for the care and support given to Tony and the family and to Autumn Country Club for their friendship and love.
A Celebration of Tony's life will begin on Friday, January 20, 2017 with prayers in the funeral home chapel at 9:10 a.m. then driving in procession to Saint Joseph Catholic Church in Joliet for a Mass of Christian Burial to be held at 10:00 a.m. Tony will be laid to rest in Saint Joseph Catholic Cemetery. Visitation will be on Thursday, January 19, 2017 at Tezak Funeral Home, 1211 Plainfield Road, Joliet from 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Members of St. Joseph Holy Name Society will meet at the funeral home on Thursday for a prayer service at 6:00 p.m.