Michael A. Orenic

Hon. Michael A. Orenic, age 85, of Joliet passed away on Friday, April 16, 2010.

Survived by his children, Michael A., Jr., Dr. Christopher J. (Mary Claire), Paul M. (Dr. Teresa), Gregory J. (Katherine), Gretchen O. (Nicholas) Zwack, Sarah A. (William Patrick) Terheyden, Gabriel G. (Krystal), Alexia O. Huntzinger, and Justin J. (Rina), and 14 grandchildren. Also survived by his sisters, Irene (Edward) Batis, and Mary Evelyn (Andrew) Matejcak; his sisters-in-law, Sr. Dorothy Jehle, O.P., and Barbara J. (late James) Durkin; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Preceded by his wife Kathleen J. (nee Jehle); granddaughter Jayden Huntzinger; parents Michael J. and Anna (nee Sceniak); brother Emil F. (late Mary Terese); Col. Edward (Myrna), USAF; William B. ""Buck"" (Debra). Also, his brothers-in-law Philip F. (late Marcelle) Jehle, Stephen F. (late Sue) Jehle, and sister-in-law Eleanor Jehle.

A veteran of WW II, he retired as a Maj. In the USAF Reserves.

Michael graduated DePaul University Law School, served as an Assistant Will County States" Attorney, and in 1964 was elected Circuit Court Judge. He was Supervising Judge of Will County (1964 to 1976), and was elected Chief Judge of the 12th Judicial Circuit (1976 to 1982), and from 1984 to 1986. He retired from the bench in 1990. In 2006, in recognition of his distinguished career as a jurist and lawyer, Michael was named a Laureate of the Illinois State Bar Association. Michael was also an avid musician and an accomplished violinist.

Visitation will be Wednesday from 2 till 9 PM with a Parastas Service at 7 PM. Funeral Liturgy Thursday at 10 AM at Annunciation Bzyantine Catholic Church in Homer Glen.