Eugene J. Korst

Eugene J. Korst, age 86, passed away at the Joliet Area Community Hospice Home on March 7, 2014, surrounded by his loving family.

Eugene is survived by his children, Jeffrey (Joy) Korst of San Leandro, California, Stephen (Julie) Korst of Joliet, Illinois, Michael (Laura) Korst of Joliet, Illinois and Mary Korst of Encinitas, California; his grandchildren, Rhianna, Natalie, Mitchell, Chloe and Chris; his brothers, William (Mary) Korst of Canoga Park, California, James (Hedy) Korst of Old Lyme, Connecticut, Joseph (Sharon) Korst of Raleigh, North Carolina, and Robert (Julie) Korst of Houston, Texas; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Preceded in death by his beloved wife, Sally; his parents, William and Marie Korst; and brother, Richard Korst.

Born in Joliet, Gene graduated from St. John's Grade School, Joliet Catholic High School, Joliet Junior College, University of Illinois and the John Marshall Law School. Gene served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War, being stationed in Germany. Gene's law practice in Lockport began in 1960, which included representation of the City of Lockport, Valley View School District 96 and Kelvin Grove School District 91, and he practiced in Lockport until 2006, when he moved his practice to Joliet, retiring at the end of 2013. He was a member of the Illinois State Bar Association and the Will County Bar Association, and was a member and past president of the Lockport Lions Club. Gene often said if he knew he could have made enough money to support his family, he would have given up his law practice to solely be a professional trumpet player. Gene learned to play the trumpet at age 8, playing in the Joliet Catholic High School Band from the 6th grade at St. John's until graduation from the Hill. He played professionally on the road from 1945-51, played in the U.S. Infantry, 28th Division Army Band, and later played with the Hot Peppers of Jazz Band, Dixieland All Stars, Gene Victor, Roy Gordon, Guy Mau and others. He also played in the Joliet Junior College Community Band, Lewis University Jazz Ensemble, Moraine Valley Community Band, the American Legion Band, Bicentennial Park Summer Band and Brass Tracks Jazz Orchestra.

Thank you to all of the wonderful Joliet Area Community Hospice nurses and staff. In lieu of flowers, donations to Joliet Catholic Academy and Joliet Area Community Hospice would be appreciated.

A Celebration of Eugene's life will begin on Saturday, March 15, 2014 with prayers in the funeral home chapel beginning at 9:20 a.m. then driving in procession to the Cathedral of St. Raymond Nonnatus for a Mass of Christian Burial to be held at 10:00 a.m. Cremation rites will be accorded. Visitation will be on Friday, March 14, 2014 from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Tezak Funeral Home, 1211 Plainfield Road, Joliet, IL 60435.