William Thaddeus Madera

William Thaddeus Madera

Age 77 of Crest Hill, passed away peacefully on Thursday, October 10, 2019 at the Illinois Veterans Home in LaSalle with his family by his side.

Born October 22, 1941 in Chicago, William Thaddeus was a son of John and Mary (Hinton) Madera. He was raised and educated in Chicago and graduated from De La Salle High School with the class of 1959. At the age of 22, William enlisted in the United States Army where he proudly served his country until being honorably discharged. Following his time in the military, William enrolled in a four year trade school to become a Tool and Die Maker which he remained dedicated to until his retirement. On October 11, 1969 William married Sharon Pratl in St. Adrian Catholic Church in Chicago. Together they made their home and raised their family until settling in Crest Hill.

William was a “jack of all trades” kind of guy who could fix anything you tasked him with. He enjoyed biking and bowling and was also a great dancer. William was a member of the Moose Lodge in Cicero for 25 years. In his free time you could find him setting up his model train sets, putting together 1,000 piece puzzles, and singing along to his favorite, Elvis Presley. William also had an aquarium that he enjoyed tending to. He liked relaxing to a good western movie on the T.V. and traveling with Sharon. William was first and foremost a family man. He lived for his wife, children and grandchildren who will continue the legacy that he set forth.

Survivors include his wife of 50 years, Sharon; children: William J. Madera, Mary K. (James) Pongratz, Robert L. (Josi) Madera and Susan T. (Clint) Loukota; grandchildren: Joseph Pongratz, Katherine Pongratz, Dominic Madera Hunt, Courtney Loukota and Ava Loukota; brother: James Madera, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

William is preceded in death by his parents: John and Mary; siblings: Jack Madera, Peggy (Louis) Bajich, Joan Gallardo and Partricia (Frank) Valela.

Family will receive relatives and friends for a visitation on Monday, October 14, 2019 from 3:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Tezak Funeral Home, 1211 Plainfield Road in Joliet. A celebration of William’s life will continue on Tuesday, October 15, 2019 with prayers in the funeral home chapel at 9:50 a.m. and then driving in procession to Saint Mary Nativity Catholic Church for a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 a.m.

Interment with full military honors will follow at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Elwood.

In lieu of Flowers, memorial contributions may be made as gifts in William’s memory to the Illinois Veterans Home in LaSalle.