Obituaries
Obituary for John Leeland "Lee" Bozdech
John Leeland “Lee” Bozdech, 58 year resident of West Peoria, passed away peacefully at Apostolic Christian Restmor in Morton, IL on Thursday, December 7, 2017.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 63 years, Emma, his parents, John and Pauline, 3 brothers, Stanley, Edward and George, and a granddaughter, Trisha Bozdech.
He is survived by 7 children, Polly (the late Fran Veater) Bozdech-Veater of Pittsburgh, PA, John (Vera) Bozdech of Pekin, IL, Mary Jo (Rod) Utterback of San Diego, CA, Janet (Doug) Barnum of Homewood, IL, Steve (Karen) Bozdech of Mahomet, IL, Andy (Peri) Bozdech of Defiance, MO, and Matt (Tammy) Bozdech of Effingham, IL. He was the very proud grandfather of 15 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren.
He was employed by the US Post Office for 16 years. His position as an area maintenance technician required travel throughout central Illinois where he found the best ice cream parlors, pies and cookies. He also was employed for many years by the Railway Express Agency as a mechanic. He served honorably in the Army Air Corp during WW2. Lee was a member of St. Mark's Catholic Church and American Legion (65 years).
He was known as an especially kind man, willing to help everyone and could repair anything--or figure out a solution to make it work. He loved sharing his knowledge with family and friends. Lee was a great cook---especially his spaghetti and meatballs, which was always requested by his grandchildren and great grandchildren. During late summer, he held his annual tomato days, he would put up 200 quarts of tomato juice with the help of family and friends. Lee enjoyed celebrating his farm heritage as well as traveling, especially with his wife. They “RV'd” during their many trips throughout our country and 16 years wintering in San Diego. They scheduled their return back to Illinois from San Diego to coincide with Cubs spring training since both were diehard Cubs fans.
The family especially thanks the staff of Apostolic Christian Restmor Home and Unity Point Hospice for their wonderful care and concern.
Visitation will be from 5:00 PM to 7:00 P.M., Wednesday, December 13, 2017 at Wright & Salmon Mortuary. Funeral Mass will be 10:00 AM, Thursday, December 14, 2017 at St. Mark’s Catholic Church, with Msgr. Brian Brownsey officiating. Further visitation will be one hour prior to the Mass on Thursday at the church. Burial will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Pesotum, IL at 3:00 PM.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Apostolic Christian Restmor Home, 1500 Parkside Dr, Morton, IL 61550 or to St. Marks School, 711 N. Underhill St, Peoria, IL 61606
Friends and family may sign the online guestbook or send private condolences to www.wrightandsalmon.com
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He was preceded in death by his wife of 63 years, Emma, his parents, John and Pauline, 3 brothers, Stanley, Edward and George, and a granddaughter, Trisha Bozdech.
He is survived by 7 children, Polly (the late Fran Veater) Bozdech-Veater of Pittsburgh, PA, John (Vera) Bozdech of Pekin, IL, Mary Jo (Rod) Utterback of San Diego, CA, Janet (Doug) Barnum of Homewood, IL, Steve (Karen) Bozdech of Mahomet, IL, Andy (Peri) Bozdech of Defiance, MO, and Matt (Tammy) Bozdech of Effingham, IL. He was the very proud grandfather of 15 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren.
He was employed by the US Post Office for 16 years. His position as an area maintenance technician required travel throughout central Illinois where he found the best ice cream parlors, pies and cookies. He also was employed for many years by the Railway Express Agency as a mechanic. He served honorably in the Army Air Corp during WW2. Lee was a member of St. Mark's Catholic Church and American Legion (65 years).
He was known as an especially kind man, willing to help everyone and could repair anything--or figure out a solution to make it work. He loved sharing his knowledge with family and friends. Lee was a great cook---especially his spaghetti and meatballs, which was always requested by his grandchildren and great grandchildren. During late summer, he held his annual tomato days, he would put up 200 quarts of tomato juice with the help of family and friends. Lee enjoyed celebrating his farm heritage as well as traveling, especially with his wife. They “RV'd” during their many trips throughout our country and 16 years wintering in San Diego. They scheduled their return back to Illinois from San Diego to coincide with Cubs spring training since both were diehard Cubs fans.
The family especially thanks the staff of Apostolic Christian Restmor Home and Unity Point Hospice for their wonderful care and concern.
Visitation will be from 5:00 PM to 7:00 P.M., Wednesday, December 13, 2017 at Wright & Salmon Mortuary. Funeral Mass will be 10:00 AM, Thursday, December 14, 2017 at St. Mark’s Catholic Church, with Msgr. Brian Brownsey officiating. Further visitation will be one hour prior to the Mass on Thursday at the church. Burial will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Pesotum, IL at 3:00 PM.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Apostolic Christian Restmor Home, 1500 Parkside Dr, Morton, IL 61550 or to St. Marks School, 711 N. Underhill St, Peoria, IL 61606
Friends and family may sign the online guestbook or send private condolences to www.wrightandsalmon.com
Previous Events
Visitation
Wednesday
13
Dec
5:00 PM
- 7:00 PM
Wright & Salmon Mortuary
2416 N North St
Peoria, IL 61604
Visitation
Thursday
14
Dec
9:00 AM
- 10:00 AM
St. Mark Catholic Church
1113 W Bradley Ave
Peoria, IL 61606
Funeral Mass
Thursday
14
Dec
10:00 AM
St. Mark Catholic Church
1113 W Bradley Ave
Peoria, IL 61606
Graveside
Thursday
14
Dec
3:00 PM
St. Mary Catholic Cemetery-Pesotum
1247 Co Road 200 N
Pesotum, IL 61863
Memorial Contribution
Apostolic Christian Restmor Home
Morton, IL
St Mark Catholic School
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