Joseph R. Stukel

Joseph R. Stukel, a ge 80, of Joliet passed away Friday, June 11, 2021 with his loving family by his side.  Born October 9, 1940 in Joliet.  He graduated from Joliet Catholic High School with the Class of 1959.  A Veteran of the United States Army, Joe was a lifelong parishioner of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church. He retired from Alumax Aluminum Company.  Joe was also active with the Chaney-Monge School Board in Crest Hill serving as President for several years.  Joe spent many years coaching with both the Crest Hill and St. Joe’s baseball organizations.  He loved to follow his son all through his years playing baseball and eventually his grandsons and granddaughter’s sports as well.

Joe is survived by his wife, Virginia “Jean” (nee Kozlowski) of 58 years; one daughter, Polly (Tom) Pondel of Joliet; one son, Doug (Dina) Stukel of Orland Park; grandchildren, Susan (Glenn) Chesniak of Lockport, Shaw and Beck Stukel of Orland Park; two great grandchildren, Ella and Margo Chesniak.

Loving brother of Helen (the late Gerald) Krause, Lillian (J. Patrick) Shuba, Margaret (the late Donald) Pinkston, Irene (the late Anton) Bosonetta, Robert (Jackie) Stukel and Raymond (Sharon) Stukel; also survived by numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Preceded in death by his parents, Stephen and Mary (nee Horvat) Stukel; his in-laws, Michael and Angela (nee Vershay) Kozlowski; two sisters, Mary Ann (Theodore) Felbinger and Bernadine (Steven) Shroba; and one brother, Stephen (Ruth) Stukel.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Joe’s name to Lightways Hospice (formerly Joliet Area Community Hospice), 250 Water Stone Circle, Joliet, IL 60431.

The family will receive friends for a visitation at Tezak Funeral Home, 1211 Plainfield Road in Joliet, on Wednesday, June 16, 2021 from 9:00 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. Then driving in procession to St. Joseph Catholic Church, 416 N. Chicago Street, Joliet for a Mass of Christian Burial to be held at 11:00 a.m.  A private interment is scheduled for the end of the month at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery.