Frank J. Gregorash

Frank J. Gregorash, 91, of Crest Hill, Illinois passed away May 4, 2014 at Presence St.

Joseph Medical Center, Joliet, Illinois surrounded by his loving family.

Frank was born November 23, 1922 in Joliet, Illinois to Nickolas and Barbara (nee Fir)

Gregorash. He married Elizabeth Liker on September 6, 1947 at St. Mary Nativity Catholic Church in Joliet.

Frank is survived by his loving wife, Elizabeth (Betty); children, Mary Ann (Kevin) Fischer, Donna (Gerald) Murrie, and Robert (Laura) Gregorash; grandchildren, Michael Fischer, Kathleen Fischer, Jean Marie (Paul) Muggli, Kimberly (Adam) Dykstra, Matthew (fiancee Gabriela Busse) Fischer, Michelle (fiance Jason Schultz) Palaro, Christine (Matthew) Arambasich, Mark (special friend Jennifer Arnold) Viano, Daniel (Suzanne) Murrie, Deborah (Nicholas) Antos, Frank (Samantha) Gregorash, Anthony Gregorash, Joanna (Robert) Gjeldum; great grandchildren, Ryan Fischer,

Eric Fischer, Logan, and Kylie Muggli, Brayden, Christian, Leona, and Madelyn Dykstra, Colton Schultz, John and Ava Arambasich, and Alexis Antos; special sister-in-law, Shirley Liker; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Nicholas (Theresa), Joseph (Mary), and Anthony (Margaret); sisters, Mary (George) Wisemantle, Frances (George) McCarthy, Rose (Michael) Marjasevich, and Elizabeth (Clarence) Vereb; daughter, Gloria Jean Viano; and grandson-in-law, Eric Palaro.

Frank proudly served in the United States Army from April 7, 1943 to April 11, 1946 in the 65th Signal Battalion and the 3261st Signal Service Company in England, France, and Germany during World War II. He received the Good Conduct Medal, the American Theater Service Medal, and the European African Middle Eastern Theater Service Medal. Frank served with the 114th Signal Radio Intelligence Company and also as a Motor Sergeant where he supervised, directed, and assisted in the maintenance of all types of army vehicles. Frank was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Cantigny Post VFW 367, Senior Citizens Association, and St. Joseph Society KSKJ Lodge #2. He was employed as a superintendent of shipping and receiving by the Joliet Ruberoid Company (GAF), retiring in 1984.

He was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting, fishing, and spending time on the river. Family was most important to Frank and he thoroughly cherished time spent with his wife, children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. He was proud of his Croatian/Slovenian heritage teaching his children many of the words and songs his parents taught him. He also loved polka music. Frank will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

A Celebration of Frank's life will begin with a Visitation on Wednesday, May 7, 2014 from 8:00 am to 10:30 am at Tezak Funeral Home, 1211 Plainfield Road, Joliet, IL 60435 then driving in procession to St. Anne Catholic Church, Crest Hill, IL for a Mass of Christian Burial to be held at 11:00 am. Interment to follow at St. Mary Nativity Catholic Cemetery.