John Joseph Kalec

June 25, 1923 - July 17, 2013

John J. Kalec, 90, of Braidwood, IL passed away Wednesday, July 17, 2013 at Presence St. Joseph Medical Center in Joliet, IL. He was born June 25, 1923 in Braidwood to the late Mathew and Caroline (nee Laski) Kalec. John graduated from the Reed-Custer High School Class of 1942. He retired from Caterpillar in 1982 following thirty years of employment. John was a member of the Immaculate Conception Church in Braidwood and the Braidwood Recreation Club. He helped organize the Neighborhood Watch Program and was known for creating the Comet logo for the Reed-Custer School District. He enjoyed his thirty years of retirement by taking great pride in his home and gardens. Surviving are his wife, Evelyn (nee Ryszewski) Kalec of Braidwood. John and Evelyn were married August 16, 1947 at the Immaculate Conception Church. Also surviving are his children and their spouses, John and Karen Kalec of Knoxville, TN and Roxann and Chuck Kuchar of Custer Park, IL; six grandchildren, John, Jr., Daniel, David, and Katherine Kalec, Richard (Katie) Kuchar, and Phillip (Erin) Kuchar; six great-grandchildren, Channing Kalec, Ryan, Michael, Jayne, Henry, and Rydia Kuchar; brother-in-law, Richard Ryszewski of Braidwood; and numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews. Preceding him in death were his six siblings, Sally Muzik, William Kalec, Sophie Kopera, Jean Freckelton, Victoria Wills, and Mary McHugh. Private family services will be held. Arrangements have been entrusted to the R.W. Patterson Funeral Homes, Ltd. & Crematory, Braidwood Chapel. Interment will follow in Bohemian National Cemetery in Braidwood. The pallbearers will be his six grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name may be made to a charity or fund of the donor’s choice.