Obituary of Louis Bank

Louis Bank, age 102, passed away peacefully, Saturday, January 21, 2017 at Our Lady of Angels Retirement Home, with his family by his side. Born December 26, 1914 in Aurora, he was the son of John and Margaret (Lenka) Bank. "Big Lou" was a life-long learner who embraced and relished life, family, and friends and in doing so inspired others. At age 50, he got his GED, obtained his real estate license and taught himself to swim; at 90 and 93 he golfed his own age; at 96, he taught himself to keyboard so he could send emails on his iPad to friends and family; at 100, he travelled to British Columbia to vacation with family; at 102 he won his last euchre game at his birthday celebration. Louie worked as a machinist for several years at Pines Engineering then Uniroyal, and retired from Global Wire. During his career he also operated Louie's ConsumerHardware in Elwood, and sold real estate. He was an active parishioner of the Cathedral of St. Raymond for over 60 years, and was also a member of the Knights of Columbus and the Elks Lodge. Louie was also an avid golfer. Louis and his beloved wife of 70 years, Eugenia M. (nee Austin) Bank, were married November 22, 1941 and made their home in Aurora for 20 years until relocating to Joliet, where he has been an area resident until the present. Genie preceded him in deaths on April 21, 2012. Louie was the loving father of the late Margaret Katt, Linda (Dave) Bates, Carol (Tim) Smith, Bill (Mary Jane) Bank, Chris (Paula) Bank, Warren (Amy) Bank, the late Leo Bank, Mary (Bob) Barney, Mike (Lauri) Bank and Bernie (Mark) Sienko; proud grandfather of 21 grandchildren and 25 great-grandchildren; and fond brother to Elizabeth (late Delbert) Dixon. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews; and a son-in-law, Dave (Dale) Katt. He was preceded by his parents, his wife, his son, Leo, his daughter, Margaret, and eight brothers and sisters. Funeral Services for Louis Bank will be Wednesday, January 25, 2017, a 11:00 a.m. from the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black at Essington Roads, Joliet, to the Cathedral of St. Raymond Nonnatus where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 12:00 p.m., Noon. Interment will be in Mt. Olivet Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials to Our Lady of Angels Retirement Home would be appreciated. Visitation will be held Tuesday, from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home, For more information, please call (815) 741-5500 or visit his Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com.