Obituary of John Plese

John J. Plese Age 78. Passed away Tuesday, December 30, 2008 at his home. Born December 20, 1930 in Joliet, he was a lifetime resident. A graduate of St. Mary Nativity Grade School and Joliet Catholic High School. U.S. Army veteran serving during the Korean War, he was the recipient of two Bronze Stars and the Medal of Honor. A quality control inspector with Caterpillar Tractor Company, retiring after 36 years of service. He was a member of the Machinist Union for over 50 years. John was a life member of VFW Cantigny Post #367 and was active with their color guard detail. He was a member of the Machinists Retirees Club Local #851, member of the Loyal Order of the Moose Lodge #300 and St. Patrick's 55 club. He was an avid Blackhawks fan. He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Mabel (nee Kenney) Plese; two children, Timothy Plese and Kimberly (Errol) Arzate; four grandchildren, Matthew and Amanda Plese, and Brandon and Lauren Arzate; one sister, Agnes (Clarence) Perona; brother-in-law of Thomas (Hope) Kenney, Mark (Thelma) Kenney and Roberta "Bob" Stubler; numerous nieces, nephews and several cousins. Preceded in death by two sons, Patrick J. (1988) and Edwin J. Plese (1978); his parents, John and Catherine (nee Swandak) Plese; mother-in-law and father-in-law Mabel I. (nee Miles) and Thomas Kenney; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Loraine (Paul) Kuchta, Frances (Sig) Johnson, Alice "Chick" (Tony) Robustelli, Cyril Stubler and Laura "Sis" Kenney. Funeral Services for John J. Plese will be Monday, January 5, 2009 at 9:15 a.m. from the funeral home to St. Mary Nativity Catholic Church for a Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. Interment St. Mary Nativity Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials to Joliet Area Community Hospice or to benefit Cushings Disease Research would be appreciated. Visitation Sunday 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. at: FRED C. DAMES FUNERAL HOME 3200 Black at Essington Rds., Joliet For information: (815) 741-5500