of Joliet, at Provena Villa Francisan, Friday, December 7, 2007. Age 87 years. \r\nSurvived by his wife of 38 years, Mary Jane nee Muhlig, stepchildren Jill (the late Greg) Postma and John (Jan) Hamrin, sisters Mary (the late Anthony) Gaspich, Katherine \r\n(the late Frank) Thomas, Lorraine (Robert) Rolih. Also numerous nieces and nephews.\r\nPreceded in death by his parents Matje and Katarina (nee Grbac), brothers Matt (the late Kaye) and William H., sister Victoria (the late Victor) Bernickus.\r\nBorn in Joliet, February 23, 1920 and was a lifelong resident. He was a veteran of WWII, serving in the 8th Army Air Corp in England, as an airplane and engine mechanic. His wartime photograph collection has been accepted by the Smithsonian Institution. He was formerly employed as manager of Paul O'Neal Construction, head mechanic at the Rivals Bowl for 33 years, and as bowling coach to many of whom he was proud, especially his student Jim Stefanich.