Joseph Louis Terlep

Joseph Louis Terlep Age 91, at rest on Wednesday, July 18, 2018, at Rosewood Care Center of Joliet. Born in Joliet, April 24, 1927, a lifelong resident.

Survived by three daughters; Marion J. (James) O’Brien of Chatham, IL, Jo Lynn (Raymond) Pechek of Pueblo, CO, Sandra F. (Barry) O’Brien of New Lenox, IL; one son, Joseph J. Sr. (Juliana) Terlep of Madison, TN.; five grandchildren, Jody Formea (nee O’Brien), Jenna Valentine (Jon) (nee Peckek) and Raymond (Kelli) Pechek Jr., Amanda (fiancé James Barber) and Joseph J. Jr. Terlep (fiancé Lacey Nunley).  Also survived by three great-grandchildren; Ryland Formea, Aurora James, Abigail Barber; one step-grandchild, Brandon Alfrey and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Preceded in death by; wife, Marion R. (nee Sestak); parents, Louis and Mary (nee Juricic) Terlep and five sisters; Margaret (John) Stalzer, Helen (Louis) Stalzer, Josephine (Fred) Rositch, Frances (Anthony) Kodrick, Rose (Joseph) Lousher and Agnes Kegley.

Joseph was a Navy Veteran of WWII.  He served aboard the destroyer, USS Mustin (DD-413). He was a tool and die maker at Caterpillar and retired after 38 years.  He was a member of the VFW, The American Legion, Croatian Cultural Club, and the Caterpillar Joliet Retirees’ Club. Joe enjoyed polka dancing, fishing, and working in his workshop. He will be missed by all who knew him.

A celebration of Joseph’s life will begin on Monday, July 23, 2018 with a service at 10:00 a.m. in the funeral home chapel. Interment to follow at St. Joseph Cemetery in Joliet where full military honors will be conducted.  Visitation will be held on Sunday, July 22, 2018 at Tezak Funeral Home (1211 Plainfield Road Joliet, IL) from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.