Obituary of Eugene L. Gawenda

Eugene L. Gawenda Eugene Leo Gawenda, age 96, of the Timbers of Shorewood, and formerly of Joliet and Palos Verdes Estates, CA, passed away peacefully Wednesday, April 19, 2017 at his residence. Born April 17, 1921 in Joliet, he was the son of the late Leo and Elizabeth (Konke) Gawenda. He married the love of his life, the former Florence L. "Lou" Goodspeed, and they enjoyed a wonderful full life together; she preceded him in death on April 5, 2004. Gene was a proud veteran of the United States Marine Corps serving as a Master Technician during World War II. He was employed for many years as a pilot for United Air Lines. He is survived by one brother, Casimir (Marian) Gawenda of Joliet; a sister-in-law, Ann Wojnarowski; and numerous nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by his wife, Florence Gawenda; his parents; and his brothers and sisters, Edward (Loretta) Gawenda, Harriet (Joseph) Kopernik, Cecelia (Stanley) Stanek, Eugenia Ritter, Alfrieda Kuhajda, Richard Wojarowski and Eleanore Wojnarowski. Graveside services for Eugene Gawenda will be held Monday, May 1, 2017 at 12:30 p.m. at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery where military honors will be accorded by the United States Marine Corps and the Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery Memorial Squad. In lieu of flowers, memorials in his name to Honor Flights or Wounded Warrior Project would be appreciated. Visitation will be held Monday, from 11:00 to 11:30 a.m. at the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black at Essington Roads, Joliet. For more information, please call (815) 741-5500 or visit his Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com