Obituary of Bernard R. Tkaczyk
Bernard R. Tkaczyk, age 88, of Joliet, passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, November 22, 2018, with his loving family by his side.
Born September 15, 1930, in Joliet, he was the son of Joseph and Sophie (nee Janosica) Tkaczyk, attended St. Thaddeus Grade School, and was a graduate of Joliet Catholic High School, Class of 1948. He worked as a Senior Nuclear Mechanic for Commonwealth Edison for 35 years.
Bernard had a long and distinguished career with the United States Army beginning his senior year of high school when he joined the Army National Guard. In 1952, he was deployed to Korea where he served with distinction with the rank of Master Sergeant. Upon his discharge, he was recommissioned in the United States Army National Guard and completed a total of 40 years of service to his country, retiring in 1988 with the rank of Colonel.
In retirement, he remained active in numerous volunteer efforts including being instrumental in organizing the Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery Memorial Squad, and serving the less fortunate through fundraising, Operation Care Package, and volunteering at food pantries and homeless shelters.
Bernard was a great man who was a devoted husband, father and grandpy to his granddaughters. He was a role model to many and will be remembered for his honesty, loyalty and selflessness. He enjoyed life to the fullest, gardening, maintaining his yard and working with his hands. Bernard was also a faithful friend to many.
He was a member of American Legion Post #1080, Veterans of Foreign Wars Cantigny Post #367, and the Loyal Order of Elks.
Surviving are his two daughters, Deborah Tkaczyk and Mary Tkaczyk; two sons, Richard (Lori) Tkaczyk and David (Dawne Fischer) Tkaczyk; three granddaughters, Emily (Brian) Marek, and Kiley and Catherine Tkaczyk; three sisters, Dorothy (Eugene) Nonnie, Irene (the late John “Jay”) Gordon, and Elizabeth “Betty” (the late Ron) Lindsay; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his most beloved wife of 52 years, Joan A. (nee Stalzer) Tkaczyk (February 5, 2007); his parents; and two brothers, Robert Tkaczyk and Raymond, in infancy.
Visitation for Bernard R. Tkaczyk will be held Wednesday, November 28, 2018, from 3:00 to 8:00 p.m., at the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black at Essington Rds., Joliet. Funeral services will be held Thursday, November 29, 2018 at 9:15 a.m. from the funeral home chapel to Holy Family Catholic Church, 600 Brook Forest Ave., Shorewood, for a Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. Interment will be in Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery where military honors will be accorded under the auspices of the United States Army and the Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery Memorial Squad..
In lieu of flowers, memorials to Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery Memorial Squad, 20953 W. Hoff Road, Elwood, IL 60421; Honor Flight Chicago, 9701 W Higgins Road, Suite 310, Rosemont, IL 60018-4703 (www.honorflightchicago.org); or the Lymphoma Research Foundation, 111 Broadway, 19th Floor, New York, NY 10006 would be appreciated.
For more information, please call (815) 741-5500 or visit his Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com
