Gerald Girard

Gerald Girard Obituary

user

Age - 76

user

September 11, 2023

user

Joliet, IL

Gerald "Jerry" A. Girard, age 76, passed away suddenly on Thursday, August 31, 2023, at his home. He was born in Joliet, IL on February 17, 1947, to the union of the late Emery and Audrey (nee Eich) Girard. Jerry was a lifelong resident of Joliet. He was a graduate of Providence High School. After high school, he worked for a short time at Prairie Street Paper Mill. His main occupation was an operator at the Wastewater Treatment Center in Joliet for 35 years. He proudly served his country in the United States Army, stationed in Germany, Hercules Missile Line Battery during the Vietnam War. He was a member of the American Legion Manhattan Post 935, Will County Farm Bureau, Municipal Union Local 440, Chicago Lionel Train Club, Joliet Lions Club and a Lifetime member of the National Rifle Association. Jerry's love for life and his children was apparent in everything he did. He was able to capture precious moments in time with his love for storytelling and his amazing memory. Always one to offer a helping hand with a sincere smile. He also loved to participate in the Civil War reenactment every year and was a founding member of the 1st Mississippi Light Artillery. He is survived by his children, Jaime J. (Oscar) Manjarez, Jennifer L. (Adam) Johnson and Jason E. Girard; grandchildren, Benjamin and Manasseh Manjarez and Adam, Jr. and Gwenyth Johnson; dear friend and mother to his children, Joyce Girard; his loving companion pit-mix, Corkey; and numerous nephews and dear friends. In lieu of flowers, memorial may be made to Morning Star Mission Ministries , 350 E. Washington St. , Joliet, IL 60433. Visitation for Gerald A. Girard will be Wednesday, September 13, 2023, 4:00 - 8:00 p. m. at the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black Road, Joliet, IL 60431. Funeral services for will be Thursday, September 14, 2023, 10:00 a. m. at the funeral home chapel. Interment will follow at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery where full military honors will be accorded under the auspices of the U. S. Army. https://youtube. com/live/7cPbuGJPvp8?feature=share For information, please call (815) 741-5500 or visit his Memorial Tribute at www. fredcdames. com .

Related Obituaries

Diane Marschke

Diane Marschke

Age - 88

December 5, 2023

Diane B. Marschke (nee Diane Rose Bowman, formerly Diane Cisler) Born on March 7, 1935 in Fort Madison, Iowa to parents Laverne and Robert Bowman. Diane lived in the Quad Cities until marrying Ed Cisler in 1964 and moving to Lockport. Together, she and Ed successfully owned and operated several locations of the popular restaurant, Maryland Fried Chicken. She and her daughter, Stephanie, also owned Simply Delicious Catering in the 90’s. After retiring from the restaurant business, her intellect, expertise, and quick wit helped her gain employment at Harrah’s Casino as a craps dealer. In the late 90’s, she found great joy and happiness in her marriage to Rudolph Marschke. They enjoyed traveling throughout the United States and shared compassion and love for all animals. Diane had many talents and interests: horseback riding, skiing, golf, bowling, gardening, bird watching, crossword puzzles, book club, knitting, and opera. She was an accomplished pianist who offered piano lessons and accompaniment to band students heading to state competitions. She was an avid reader, sometimes finishing two novels a day. On any given Saturday, you could walk into her home and hear the New York Philharmonic Opera on the radio, the Cubs game on the TV, and Diane-simultaneously completing the New York Times crossword puzzle and a jigsaw puzzle on the table. She also enjoyed sitting in her sunroom and watching the birds in her garden and walking her dog on the I&M trails. The oldest of five children, Diane was a "force to be reckoned with" and was lovingly called "The General" by her siblings. She was compelled to succeed at anything she put her mind to. She had strong opinions and was never one to hold back in expressing them. She was a fiercely independent and strong woman whose legacy will continue to be an inspiration to her family. Diane was truly one of a kind and will be missed. Diane was preceded in death by her parents: Laverne and Robert Bowman; husband: Rudy Marschke; brother: Robert Bowman. She is survived by her daughter: Stephanie Steinke (the late Robert); grandchildren: Matthew Steinke (Brie), Brett Steinke (Kristin), Maura Krakowski (Nick), and Mallory Betken (Colin); great-grandchildren: Henry and Lainey Krakowski, Lyla and Oliver Steinke, Finn and Charli Betken, and Cal Steinke. Diane is also survived by her siblings: Jay (Barb) Bowman, Linda Scholtz, and Michael Bowman (Jessie), as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Per Diane’s wishes, cremation rites have been accorded. The family will receive family and friends for a memorial visitation on Saturday, December 9, 2023 from 10:30 a. m. until the start of the memorial service beginning at 12:30 p. m. at Tezak Funeral Home, 1211 Plainfield Road in Joliet. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made as gifts in Diane’s name to an animal charity of your choice.Show more

Karen Thomas

Karen Thomas

Age - 70

December 4, 2023

Karen Marie Thomas (nee Milosevich) Karen Marie Thomas, passed away comfortably at her home, on Sunday, December 3, 2023, under Lightways Hospice care, after a courageous battle with numerous medical conditions. She was born on September 8, 1953, the daughter of the late Anton and Marie (nee Reibel) Milosevich. Karen lived an incredible life, doing her best to help people. She attended St. John's grade school in Joliet and St. Francis Academy. She worked for 20 years at St. Joseph Hospital in Joliet, in the radiology department and telemetry. Her next 22 years were as office manager for Dr. Arvind Kumar, Oncology. She enjoyed working and caring for all of their patients. Karen also worked in customer service at Bergner's and Carson Pirie Scott in Joliet. She enjoyed the family trips to Hawaii when the children were young. Karen is survived by her loving husband, William Thomas; her loving son, Christopher (Elaina) Thomas, along with their dog Wall-E; and her brother, Douglas Milosevich of Morris, IL. She is preceded by her beloved daughter, Sarah Marie Thomas (2009), whom she missed dearly; her parents; as well as her loving Canine Family of Maltese's, Fluffy Dustmop Thomas and Daisy Mae Thomas. The family would like to thank the care she received over the years by Dr. Ramadurai, Dr. Alexander, Dr. Singla, and Dr. Sheth. The many friends and relatives who cared for her during these times, especially her cousins Patty and Tommy Dempsey and her friend Terry Carr, who spent numerous days and hours over the past few years helping her and family. Many thanks to the care givers from Amada Senior Care for their loving care and support to Karen and Family. The family would also like to extend their most special thanks for the care and support she received from Lightways Hospice of Joliet; most notably, Alicia, Tina, Kelly, Matt, and Rachel who were very kind and warming to her and family. Visitation for Karen Marie Thomas will be held on Thursday, December 7, 2023, at the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black Rd. (at Essington Rd. ), Joliet, IL, from 11:00 a. m. , until the time of Funeral Service 1:00 p. m. Interment will follow at St. John the Baptist Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, Karen requests donations be made to , 250 Water Stone Circle, Joliet, IL 6043, allowing them to continue care for other families in need as they did for our family.Show more

Mary Papesh

Mary Papesh

Age - 92

December 4, 2023

Mary A. (Countryman) Papesh age 92, passed away peacefully at her home surrounded by loved ones. Mary was born March 2, 1931, in Plainfield. Beloved wife of the late Edward V. Papesh, who passed October 26, 1990. Loving mother of David (Amy) Papesh of Tennessee, the late Michael (Molly) Papesh of Westmont, and Brian (Debbie) Papesh of Joliet. Loving Grandmother of Jack Papesh, Emily Papesh, Michelle Papesh, Matthew Papesh, Allison Papesh, and Joshua Papesh. Mary was preceded in death by her parents Arthur W. Countryman (US Army TSgt) in 1944, and Loretta G. (Hamilton) Countryman in 2000. Three siblings, the late Eleanor (the late Bernard) Yedinak of Joliet, IL, the late Arthur Earl (the late Minnie) Countryman, and Georgia (the late Richard) Donisch of Plainfield. Mary grew up in Plainfield and was a member of Sharon Evangelical Church (now Sharon United Methodist Church). She graduated from Plainfield High School class of 1949. Mary and Edward Papesh were married at St. Mary Catholic Church in Plainfield in 1953. Mary became a parishioner of St Joseph Catholic Church in Joliet where Edward and Mary raised their family in the Catholic Faith. Mary was a volunteer at St Joseph Hospital in the early '70s becoming a Nurse's Aide. By 1980 she went into retail at Bergner's housewares dept. at Louis Joliet Mall. Finally, Mary was employed as a bookkeeper for many years in the banking sector retiring from 1st Midwest Bank in 1992. Mary enjoyed sewing and crocheting, and spending time with friends and family at holidays. Every Christmas and Easter she spent hours in the kitchen making potica while passing on her talents to her children and grandchildren. Mary will be dearly missed as the strongest, most resilient woman that kept us all moving forward whenever she was needed. A Memorial Mass will be held Thursday, December 7, 2023 at St. Joseph Church at 10:30 a. m. Inurnment St. Joseph Cemetery. Family will receive relatives and friends from 9:30 a. m. until time of service. In lieu of flowers, donations in Mary's memory may be made to , 250 Water Stone Circle, Joliet, IL 60431. For more information please call (815) 741-5500 or visit her Memorial Tribute at www. fredcdames. com where you can share a favorite memory or leave a condolence.Show more

Maryann Whitney

Maryann Whitney

Age - 80

December 4, 2023

Age 80, of Joliet, IL passed from this life Friday evening, December 1, 2023. She was born on August 3, 1943 to the late Margaret (Loncka) and William Lievens in Lockport where she was raised and educated. Shortly after graduating high school, she married George Wojtowicz. They enjoyed 48 years of marriage until he passed in 2009. In addition to George, she is also preceded in death by her parents; and siblings, George (late Dorothy "Pudge") Lievens and Daniel Lievens. She is survived by her dear husband, Terrance "Terry" Whitney; beloved mother of Kenneth (Diane) Wojtowicz and Karen (David) Schavey; devoted grandmother of five grandchildren and three great-grandchildren; cherished sister of Peggy (Frank) Thomas, Therese (Richard) Rayburn and sisters-in-law, Sharon Lievens and Barb (late Robert) Jadron. Several nieces and nephews survive, as well as members of the Whitney family. MaryAnn, quite the social director, loved life and people. She was a member of the Red Hat Society and the American Legion Post #1080 Ladies Auxiliary. She will be remembered fondly as an optimist with boundless positive energy. She loved to travel, especially cruises. Her enthusiasm for anything "Elvis" was only outmatched by the love and passion she held for her family and friends. Although she will be dearly missed, her family will keep her spirit alive with the many special memories they will continue to share with the younger generations. All friends and relatives are invited to gather on Wednesday, December 6, 2023 at the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home 3200 Black Rd. (at Essington Rd. ) Joliet, from 10 a. m. until her memorial service begins at 11 a. m. As it was MaryAnn's wish, cremation rites have been accorded. In lieu of flowers, memorials in her name can be made to . For more information please call (815) 741-5500 or visit her Memorial Tribute where you can share a favorite memory or leave a condolence.Show more

Melanie O'Rorke

Melanie O'Rorke

Age - 69

December 3, 2023

Melanie Mayer O'Rorke (Schultz), (69) of Joliet, Illinois passed away peacefully on November 26, 2023, after a long courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. Melanie was born in Nevada and lived all but a few years in Illinois. She moved to Joliet, Illinois with her late husband Lloyd Mayer where she was blessed with a son. After Lloyd's passing, Melanie married Thomas O'Rorke and remained in Joliet. Melanie worked and retired as a grade school teacher and reading specialist in the Joliet school district where she was dedicated to improving the lives of children. She was also a long time member of Deer Creek Recreation Club of Plainfield, Illinois. Painting became her passion later in life. She enjoyed reading, vacationing, spending time with her family, watching the sunrise, and taking in beautiful scenery in all seasons. She will be missed dearly by all who knew her, and will always be remembered for her positivity, kindness, generosity, humor, strength, creativity, and grace. Melanie was preceded in death by her first husband Lloyd Mayer, and her parents Carlas and Elma (Faupel) Schultz, and her stepmother Elsie (Subert) Schultz. She is survived by her husband Thomas O'Rorke, son Karl Mayer and his wife Abbie Mayer, grandchildren Lily and Kannon Mayer, sisters Doreen Barton, Susan Walker her husband James Walker, and Natalie Sprosty and her husband Don Sprosty, step brothers Paul Johnston and his wife Suzy Johnston, and Wesley Johnston, stepdaughter Rosa Ornelas and her husband Ruben Ornelas, grandchildren Jessica and Angelo Ornelas, stepdaughter Danielle Cerulli and her husband Norman Cerulli, grandchildren Cassidy and Savanna Cerulli, stepdaughter Katherine Flores, stepson James Feir, brother-in-law Tim O'Rorke and his wife Jackie O'Rorke, sister-in-law Susan O'Rorke, and numerous nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, great-grandchildren, and friends. The family has requested a Celebration of Life ceremony to be held in Melanie's honor. We invite all of Melanie's loved ones and friends to join us in celebrating her beautiful life at First United Methodist Church, 1000 S Washington St, Lockport, IL 60441 on December 15, 2023. Visitation starts at 9 am with a service from 11 am to 12 pm. A small luncheon will be served following visitation and services for close family and friends. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to be made to St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital through StJude. org in Melanie's honor. Melanie's positivity, grace, and generosity fulfilled her life and is the way we want to remember her. Show more

Ramiro Nunez

Ramiro Nunez

Age - 31

December 2, 2023

"On November 22nd , 2023 God called Ramiro home to join his daughter Jeanice in heaven . Ramiro Izik Nunez was born on November 13th 1992 (31) in Chicago Heights and spent a majority of his life growing up here in Joliet. Ramiro will always be remembered by all the people he has crossed paths with. This was because Ramiro was a very kind and hardworking man. One thing everyone knew for certain was how he always was willing to help anyone in need. He always warmed everyone's hearts with his beautiful smile. Ramiro adored his children and always made sure they felt loved. He enjoyed cooking for his family and enjoyed the outdoors and fishing with his kids. That was one of the many ways he put a smile on our faces. He truly was the light of our lives. Ramiro was a very free-spirited person who always gave off so much love and laughter. Ramiro was the protector of his family and did it with everything he had in him. Ramiro had been struggling after the passing of his two year-old daughter Jeanice Nunez in 2021. We will remember him as a good father, a loving son, the best brother, best tio and the best friend that anyone has ever had. Ramiro will be missed dearly. Ramiro is survived by his life-long partner Jacqueline Soto and his beloved children Jayden (10) Josiah ( 9 ) Julius (6) Juliana (5 ) and Jazlynn (2). He is also survived by his Grandmothers: Adelita Requena and Juanita Rios Loomer. Grandfathers: Raul Requena and Greg Loomer . Mother, Belinda Requena, and Father, Ramon Nunez. His beloved siblings: Rayna, Ramon Jr , Selena , and Arianna Nunez . Ramiro will also be missed so much by all of the nieces and nephews he leaves behind. "Show more

Find More Obituaries

right arrow