Vincent F. Stanek, 82, Enjoyed Organic Gardening and was an Avid White Sox Fan

Vincent F. Stanek, 82, of Yorkville, Illinois passed away on March 26, 2013 at The Tiller's Nursing Center in Oswego, Illinois.

Born on July 22, 1930 in Aurora, Illinois, he lived in Eola and on Eola Road most of his life.  He married Rose A. Lohrey on August 8, 1953.  She survives.  Also surviving are his six children;  Judith (Roger) DeVore  of  Peoria, Illinois, Jenifer Pfeifer of Joliet, Illinois, Terry (Liz) Stanek of  Lake Holiday, Illinois, Susanne (Mark) Eichelberger of  Plainfield, Illinois, JoAnna (Rick) Priegel of Yorkville, Illinois and Mary (Robert) Fleming of  Spring, Texas. 

He also leaves behind 15 grandchildren and one great-grand daughter who were the joy of his life.  Furthermore he is also survived by his siblings, Francis Glover, Elizabeth Kramer, George Stanek, Rosemary Fisher, Joseph (Marilyn) Stanek and Theresa Anderson, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Frances (Lastufka) Stanek and one sibling, Sister Anna Fleurette.

Vincent graduated from Marmion Military Academy in 1949 and served in the United States Army during the Korean War.  He retired from Caterpillar Tractor Company in 1993 with a large part of his career spent working at Austin Western Company in Aurora, Illinois.  He was a Mechanical Engineer.  He was a member of The Catholic Order of the Foresters. Vincent was a devout Catholic who was a member of St. Therese Catholic Church of Aurora, Illinois for most of his life, serving on numerous boards and committees as well as ushering.

Vincent was a caring man who was passionate about his family, his faith and his many hobbies.  His true joy in life was gardening and he often said he "loved to get his hands in the dirt". He transformed his three acres of bare land into a fruit orchard with dozens of trees.  He enjoyed organic gardening and kept bee hives.  He generously shared the fruits with of his labors with family and friends. 

In addition, he was very involved in woodworking and carving and created many beautiful pieces of furniture and works of art.  He loved sports of all kinds and was an avid Chicago White Sox fan.  He was known for his energy, his honesty and his generosity and, despite his busy life, was always willing to come to the aid of anyone who needed help. 

A funeral mass will be held at noon on April 2, 2013 at our Lady of Mercy Church on Eola Road.  Visitation will be held immediately prior to the service from 10:00 a.m. to noon.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Alzheimer's Association Greater Illinois Chapter, 8430 W. Bryn Mawr, Suite 800, Chicago, Illinois 60631.

Vincent was a character, he was brusque on the outside with a heart of gold.  He touched many lives.  He was responsible for creating many lives.  He will be greatly missed.

Arrangements by Nelson Funeral Homes & Crematory, www.NelsonFuneralHomes.com or (630) 553-7611.