John "Jack" A. Birsa Sr.

John A. “Jack” Birsa, Sr., age 86, of Joliet passed away December 11, 2024 surrounded by his loving family at Lightways Hospice Home. Jack is survived by his wife of 60 years Mary Jane (nee Niewinski), his children Kathleen (Michael) Guglielmucci, Lisa (James) Hurd and John (Debra) Birsa Jr., his sisters Dorothy (late-Alex) Tomasino and Ellen (late-Don) Seeman, his grandchildren Michael (Casey Reilly) Guglielmucci, Alex Guglielmucci, Austin Guglielmucci, Zachary (Annabelle Becker) Hurd, and Haley (Luke Luchtenburg) Hurd, great grandchildren Caroline and Charlotte Hurd, his sisters-in-law Barb (late-Andrew) Birsa and Theresa (Bill) Doerfler, his brother-in-law Ray (late-Rosie) Paulson, and numerous nieces, nephews and friends. Preceded in death by his parents Edward and Alice (nee Smith) Birsa, his parents-in-law Henry and Frances Niewinski, his brother Edward Birsa Jr in infancy, his sister and brother-in-law Marianne and Peter Vukosovich, his brother and sister-in-law Hank and Shirley Niewinski and his niece Sandy Schimanski. Jack was a graduate of Joliet Catholic High School class of 1956. After graduation, he served his country with the United States Navy. On May 9, 1964, he married the love of his life, Mary Jane and began their beautiful family. Jack worked for Caterpillar as a machinist for over 33 years. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus #382, a longtime member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, Rockdale and a lifetime member of the Moran A.C. Jack enjoyed spending time with his family, watching his favorite John Wayne western movies, and his beloved Chicago Cubs who fulfilled his lifetime dream of winning the World Series in 2016. Jack took great pride in his five grandchildren and was their biggest fan, cheering them on through all their activities. Jack was a loving husband, devoted father, cherished grandpa and TaTa, brother, uncle and friend, and he will be missed by all who knew and loved him. The family would like to send their heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Ascension St. Joseph Medical Center in Joliet and to the staff at Lightways Hospice in Joliet for their unwavering attention, incredible care and comfort that you provided Jack and his family throughout Jack’s journey. In lieu of flowers, donations in Jack’s name to Lightways Hospice by visiting www.lightways.org or by mail to 250 Water Stone Circle, Joliet, IL 60431. CHANGE OF PLANS DUE TO SCHEDULING CONFLICT. Visitation will now take place at Farkas Funeral Home, 3201 W. Jefferson St., Joliet, IL 60431 on Thursday, December 19, 2024 from 4-8:00p.m. Funeral service will take place on Friday, December 20, 2024 beginning with prayers at Farkas Funeral Home at 9:30 a.m. then process to St. Joseph Catholic Church, 1329 Belleview Ave., Rockdale, IL 60436 for 10:00 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial. Interment with full military honors will take place at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery, Elwood at 12:00 noon. Arrangements entrusted to Forsythe Gould Funeral Home, 507 S. State St., Manhattan, IL 60442, 815-478-3321, www.forsythegouldfh.com, Farkas Funeral Home, 3201 W. Jefferson St., Joliet, IL 60431, 815-725-0100, www.farkasfuneralhome.com, and Tezak's Home to Celebrate Life, Joliet, IL. www.tezakfuneralhome.com.