Obituary of Henry Dziekan
Henry J. Dziekan, age 98, of Channahon, passed away on Memorial Day, Monday, May 27, 2024, at Lightways Hospice Home, with his loving family by his side. He was born March 3, 1926, in Chicago, he was the son of the late Bruno and Valentine (nee Bendziak) Dziekan. He had many siblings, the late Ed (the late Adele) Dziekan, the late Ted (the late Zina) Dziekan , the late Jean (the late George) Klingelhofer, the late Casmir “Kayo” (the late Helen) Dziekan , the late Steve (the late Jean) Dziekan , the late John (the late Loretta) Dziekan , Florence (the late Leon Boyes), Joe (Celia) Dziekan, Isabelle “Liz” (the late George Cisko), and Evelyn (the late Tom Negele). Henry is also survived by many nieces and nephews.
Henry proudly served in the US Navy 1944-1946, serving aboard the USS Leedstown, PA-56 in the Pacific Theater. Hank’s service in the Navy guided him in many ways throughout the rest of his life.
Henry and Irene (nee Koziel) began their romance at a polka dance at Polonia Grove, Chicago, in 1951. They were married at St. Peter and Paul Catholic Church, Chicago, June 28, 1952. They were married for 63 years at the time of Irene’s death August 10, 2015. They were the loving parents of Dennis Dziekan of Channahon, IL and Rev. Wayne Dziekan of Traverse City, MI.
Hank and Irene both were lifelong devoted Catholics, most recently being active in the faith community of St. Ann Catholic Church in Channahon, IL.
Hank had many talents and interests. He learned about electronics and became a hobby TV/radio repairman in the 1950’s-70’s. Hank was great at fixing things, no matter what. He had a patent on the Takon Hand Stamp, a specialized stamp for the electronics industry. The Takon Hand Stamp was manufactured in Chicago and assembled by hand by Hank and Irene at home. He was a ham radio operator and was an active member of the Six Meter Club of Chicago for many years. Hank & Irene loved Chicago polka music! In their later years they were well known in the polka circuit for dancing and even for playing the drums and concertina. Hank was a member of the polka band, The Concertina Trio. He was a member of the American Legion Post #1941 in La Grange, IL and the Let’s Polka USA Club. Hank loved his pet Senegal parrot, Gabby, who thinks he is a bald eagle!
For the last 20 years, Hank found a hunger among schoolchildren to learn about WWII. Hank gave presentations about his experiences in WWII to the fascination of many, particularly as the years went by and there are so few remaining WWII military survivors. In retirement, he also began consistently attending local Memorial Day events wherever he lived, particularly in Channahon, IL. Memorial Day was always important to him. It is meaningful to his family that he died on Memorial Day 2024!
In recent years Hank received various recognitions for his military service and his life accomplishments. In 2016 he was a part of Honor Flight to visit war memorials in Washington, D.C., a stunning journey that he talked about for the rest of his life. In August 2021, he was the Grand Marshall for the Channahon, IL, Three Rivers Festival Parade, by which he was greatly honored. The Village of Channahon also honored him by declaring Henry “Hank” Dziekan Day to honor his 97th birthday, March 3, 2023.
The Henry Dziekan family would like to express their sincere thanks to the Village of Channahon, the Channahon Police and Fire Departments, and the Mayor of Channahon for their years of support and admiration of our father. You gave him lots and lots of happiness!
The Henry Dziekan family would also like to heartfully thank the entire Staff of Alden Courts of Shorewood and Lightways Hospice of Joliet. You all do incredible, loving work in caring for those who can no longer care for themselves. Words cannot express our thanks to you!
Visitation for Henry Dziekan will be held Sunday, June 2, 2024, from 3:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. at Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black Road (at Essington Road), Joliet, IL 60431.
Visitation will continue at St. Ann Catholic Church, 24500 S. Navajo Dr, Channahon, IL on Monday, June 3, 2024, from 10:00 a.m. until the Mass of Christian Burial which will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m.
Following Mass, a procession will continue to Resurrection Cemetery Mausoleum in Justice, IL for entombment.
After the graveside committal ceremony, lunch will be served at Szarotka Restaurant, 8100 S. Roberts Rd., Justice, IL 60458.
For more information, please call 815-741-5500 or visit his Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com.
