Anthony (Tony) Matejcak, Sr., Age 96, of Crest Hill, formerly of Joliet, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family on April 10, 2023 at Lightways Hospice in Joliet, IL.

Tony is survived by his wife of 71 years, Shirley Matejcak, sons Anthony (Linda) Matejcak Il, Robert Matejcak, and Gary (Susan Koch) Matejcak. One daughter, Karen. Also surviving are grandchildren, Rhiannon (Christian) Jones, Michael (Julie) Matejcak. Nicholas (Pia Opulencia) Matejcak, great-grandchildren, Ozaiis and Ezra Pryor, KatJa, Friedrich, Anastasia, Seraphina, Lyra and Quatre Matejcak, his brother, Andrew Matejcak and many nieces and nephews.

Preceded in death by his parents, John and Mary (nee Hudec) and his brothers, John and Joseph Matejcak and sister, Cecilia Partak.

Tony was a graduate of St. Cyril and Methodius Grade School, Joliet Township High School and Joliet Junior College. Tony served our country in the Army Air Corps during WWll and in the US Air Force during the Korean war. He was employed at Sears & Roebuck, Material Service and Amoco Chemicals. Tony loved camping, fishing, golf, tennis, fixing things around the house, and tuning up his own vehicles (when you still could). Even though he did not pursue a pilot license after military service, he still loved flying and could often be found at the Joliet airport hitching rides with pilots doing short flights around the area or helping someone fix the brakes on their WWII vintage aircraft. He was a master at repairing nearly anything and passed that knowledge and talent on to his family.

Tony was a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He loved hearing stories about his grandchildren and great grandchildren. Tony was a very kind and gentle man, full of wisdom. He had a quick sense of humor, that he often kept hidden along with a touch of mischievousness, that usually included a wink.

Visitation will be Wednesday, May 17, 2023 from 9-11 am at Carlson Holmquist-Sayles Funeral Home, Joliet, IL followed by a prayer service at 11am. Inurnment will be at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery, Elwood, IL at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Tony's name to Lightways Hospice, 250 Water Stone Circle, Joliet, IL would be most appreciated. For Information: 815-744-0022 or visit Tony's tribute page at www.chsfuneral.com