Louis P. Clavenna Jr.

Louis P. Clavenna, Jr. born, June 9,1923 in Detroit, Michigan.

Louis attended school in Detroit and was drafted into the U.S. Army in November 1948.  His 1st overseas assignment was in Okinawa, Japan. As Lieutenant, he was then ordered to take his unit to Korea.  His mission was to include storage, handling and shipping of munitions to infantry units in all parts of Korea.  The final months of his Korean duty were spent as company commander of the Headquarters Company, Ordnance Group Command, where he was promoted to the rank of Captain.  He received the following medals: Army of Occupation Medal (Japan), United Nations Service Medal, Meritorious Unit Commendation, Korean Service Medal with 5 bronze Campaign Stars, National Defense Service Medal, 2 O/S Bars.  His most memorable moments associated with the Korean War included commanding and working along-side of what he considered to be the finest young men in the military service – the American Soldier.  He returned to the United States in May 1952 and reported to the Joliet Arsenal where he met his wife, Carol.  He received his honorable discharge from active duty on September 30, 1954.  After his discharge, he worked at the Arsenal as Head of Ammunitions and Supply.  He then started an Army Reserve Unit for Will County.  The 259th Ordinance Company was formed and under his command for 7 years.  Leaving this unit ended his 13 years of military service.  He left the Arsenal after it relocated to Rock Island and was then asked to start CETA (Comprehensive, Employment, & Training Agency) with the county.  He went on to sell real estate for several years until retirement.  He enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and attending their sporting events.  He served on the board at St. Joe’s Little League as President & Treasurer.  He was a member of the Senior Citizens Association and was their treasurer for 25 years.  He was also a member of Cantigny Post, American Legion 1080 and KSKJ 29.  One of his greatest joys was taking part in the Honor Flight to Washington, D.C. for Veterans.  He loved to dance, sing, play cards, and exercise.  Although he experienced some medical problems over the past few years, his famous saying was “Life is Good”.  Lou was the easiest person to get along with, loved everyone and everyone loved him.

Lou is survived by his wife Carol of 67 years.  His children: Randy (Kim) of Crystal Lake, Karen (Joe) Speaker, of New Lenox, Scott (Chris) of Lockport and Lisa (Brian) Schultz of New Lenox.  Grandchildren: Ryan & Drew Clavenna, Zach Speaker, and Brianna & Brittany Schultz.  Preceded in death by his parents, Louis and Catherine (Kronst) Clavenna; and brother, Charles Clavenna.

In Lieu of flowers, donations in Louis’ name to Lightways Hospice or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

A celebration of Louis’ life will begin on Thursday, April 7, 2022 with prayer in the funeral home chapel at 9:20 a.m. then driving in procession to St. Joseph Catholic Church in Joliet for a Mass of Christian Burial to be held at 10:00 a.m. Interment will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery in Joliet. Visitation will be on Wednesday, April 6, 2022 at Tezak Funeral Home, 1211 Plainfield Road, Joliet from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m.