Kelly C. Huhnke

Kelly C. Huhnke (nee Szymczak), age 49, passed away suddenly on Saturday, May 24, 2014 with her loving family by her side.

Kelly is survived by her children, Ben, Katie, and Mollie Huhnke; parents, Chester and Elizabeth (nee Oberleitner) Szymczak; sister, Cherie (Bill) Gimbel; nephew, Brian (Sarah) Gimbel; Nieces, Jen (Joe) Meredith and Meg Gimbel; and four great-nephews. Dear aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews also survive.

Kelly grew up in River Grove, IL and attended East Leyden High School. She then went on to graduate from the University of St. Francis, class of 1998. Kelly happily volunteered many hours at St. Joseph School where her children attended. She was also a waitress at Merichka's Restaurant in Crest Hill for 25 years. Kelly enjoyed watching movies, reading, shopping and especially eating. One of her favorite activities was late-night drives to Gene and Jude's Hot Dogs in River Grove, IL. She loved spoiling her children, nieces, nephews, great-nephews and her pets. Kelly will be dearly missed.

Donations in Kelly's name to Joliet Township Animal Control or Wags to Wishes Animal Rescue would be appreciated.

The family would like to offer a special thank you to the Cardiac ICU and the nursing staff at Presence St. Joseph Medical Center.

Per Kelly's wishes cremation rites have been accorded. The family invites relatives and friends to gather at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Joliet on Thursday, May 29, 2014 for a Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. Interment to follow at St. Joseph Cemetery in Joliet. A memorial visitation will be on Wednesday, May 28, 2014 at Tezak Funeral Home, 1211 Plainfield Road, Joliet from 2-8 p.m.