Obituary of Eugene Bogdan

Eugene I. Bogdan "Gene" Age 81. Passed away Friday, July 25, 2008 at Provena Saint Joseph Medical Center. Survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Phyllis Jane (nee Davies) Bogdan; their children, Linda (Dr. Gary) Trager of Joliet, and David (Connie) Bogdan of East Grand Rapids, MI; eleven grandchildren, Jeremy Trager, Talia (Ryan) Hauser, Amy Trager, Jeff (Jenni) Bogdan, Greg (Vanessa) Bogdan, Sheri (Rev. Matt) Harris, Keegan and Kellen Bogdan, Matt, Allison, and Kyle Casillas; 14 great-grandchildren, Cori and Justin Bogdan, Macey, Kylee, Elijah, Jaden, Liberty, Judah, Jacob, Sam and Noah Bogdan, Evan, Emmerson and Adysen Harris; also survived by his sister, Lonia Baranowski; brother, Ted (Maggie) Bogdan; and numerous nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by his parents, Alois and Jeanette Bogdan. Gene was born July 24, 1927. He grew up in Frankfort, IL where he worked with the family mushroom and poultry business, Bogdan Brothers. He served with the Merchant Marines. From 1951-1962, he owned the Farm Shop, a deli in the West Side Shopping Center. He was owner/manager of the Holiday Inns in Joliet from 1963 to 1985; he was Director of the Heritage Corridor Tourist Bureau from 1986-1989; and manager of the Baymont Inns/Budgetel in Willowbrook from 1989-1996. He also worked as Innkeeper of the Renaissance Center, and the Joliet Junior Culinary Arts Department. A former member, lay leader, Board of Trustees, President of Methodist Men, Representative to Will County Council of Churches for the Richards Street Methodist Church. Member of the Jaycees, Joliet Chamber of Commerce, Board of Directors, Governors Advisory Council 1969, Vice President of Chicago Restaurant Association, Chairman of the Board 1976. Past President of the Joliet Grade School Board and the Joliet Area Historical Society. He received the Will County Outstanding Volunteer of the Year Award in 2000, and the Joliet/Will County Hall of Pride in 2004. Funeral Services for Eugene Bogdan will be held at Grace United Methodist Church, 1718 Avalon Avenue, Joliet on Tuesday, July 29, 2008 where he will Lie in State from 9:30 a.m. until time of services at 10:00 a.m. Interment Elmhurst Cemetery. Memorials in his name to the Joliet Area Historical Museum or Grace United Methodist Church would be appreciated. Visitation Monday 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. at: FRED C. DAMES FUNERAL HOME 3200 Black at Essington Rds., Joliet For information: (815) 741-5500 www.fredcdames.com