Josephine R. (Kuncic) Tezak

Josephine R. Tezak "Jo" (nee Kuncic), age 83, passed away suddenly on Tuesday, December 16, 2008 while in Florida for her grandson's graduation.

Loving mother of Mary Jean (Tom) Hayducak, John "Jack" (Judy) Tezak, Richard "Dick" (Ellen) Tezak and Tom (Lori) Tezak. Dearest grandmother of Becki and Ryan Hayducak; Amy (Jeff) Rodrigue, Sarah, Christopher Tezak, their mother, Suzanne Valek; Kyle, Kenny, Jessica Tezak; and Mackenze, Zoe Tezak. Step grandchildren Lisa Hayducak, Jennifer Lopez, Lisa Rehbock, Mandi Lopez. Dearest great-grandmother of Alexander Rodrigue, and eight step great-grandchildren. Loving Sister of Frank (Barbara) and Robert Kuncic, sister-in-law of Eugene (late Billie), Quentin ""Robert"" (Betty), Donald (Nancy) Tezak and Walter Thiede. Survived by numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and many dear friends.

Preceded in death by beloved husband Richard W. Tezak; her parents Frank and Mary (nee Gorencic) Kuncic; sisters Frances and Bertha in childhood, Angela Salela, Mary (Dick) Stack, Louise Thiede.

Jo was born in Argo, Illinois and resided in Joliet most of her lifetime. She attended St. Joseph School of Nursing where she met her husband Richard W. Tezak. She worked at Hines Veteran's Hospital until her marriage to Richard. Jo became involved with St. Joseph School and Church as her children entered the school. She was very active in St. Joseph School, Providence Catholic and Joliet Catholic High Schools Parent Organizations. She was a member of St. Joseph Rosarians, KSKJ St. Genevieve #108, Slovenian Women's Union, St. Joseph Senior Parishioners, Joliet Seniors, St. Joseph's Post 1080 American Legion Ladies Auxiliary. St. Joseph Church Administration and Restoration Committee, very active volunteer at Our Lady of Angels, member of Red Hat's, Croatian Cultural Club, SNPJ, The Merry Widows, she enjoyed spending time with her friends and new acquaintances at Willow Falls.

Jo, along with her husband Richard, was an avid traveler. She was the woman behind the man in planning and setting up the bus trips and vacations with their wonderful friends. These trips created lasting memories and friendships.

Even after Richard passed away, Jo continued to travel with various groups. She was an avid theater goer. Jo always found time to support her children and grandchildren in their various activities.

She will always be remembered for her sense of humor, compassionate nature and "baking skills".

Donations to St. Joseph Restoration Committee, St. Joseph School Fund or Joliet Area Community Hospice in Josephine's name would be appreciated.

A Celebration of Josephine's life will begin on Monday, December 22, 2008 with prayers in the funeral home chapel at 10:30 a.m. then driving in procession to St. Joseph Catholic Church in Joliet for a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 a.m. Josephine will be laid to rest at St. Joseph Cemetery. Visitation will be on Sunday, December 21, 2008 from 1:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Tezak's Home to Celebrate Life (1211 Plainfield Road, Joliet, IL 60435).