Obituary of Gail E. Papesh
Gail E. Papesh, nee Gehrke, age 92, formerly of Crest Hill, passed away peacefully on Saturday, April 16, 2022.
Born March 14, 1930 in Joliet, she was the daughter of William Gehrke and Mary Louise (Arling) Gehrke, and attended Joliet Township High School.
Gail was preceded in death by her loving husband, Leroy (Lee) Papesh; her daughter, Sharon DePratt; her son, Kenneth Papesh; her parents, William and Mary Louise Gehrke; her brothers, Robert Gehrke (Martella) and William Gehrke; her sisters, Beverly J. Johnston (Robert), Betty L. Seil (Gordon), Marilyn R. Andree (William); an infant brother; her brother-in-law, Douglas Pohlman; her father-in law and mother-in-law, Anton and Theresa (nee Tezak) Papesh; her brothers-in-law, Tony Papesh and Ralph Papesh; and her sister-in-law, Delore Plut.
She is survived by her sister, Nancy J. Pohlman (Douglas); her son-in-law, Les DePratt; a large extended family of nieces and nephews and many loyal and long-time friends.
Gail was a life-long resident of the Joliet area. She grew up as part of a large and loving family. Gail married Lee, the love of her life, in 1949 and they enjoyed 69 years together in their Crest Hill home where they raised their beloved and devoted children, Sharon and Ken. She enjoyed going on walks and watching sports with Lee, as well as times spent with her immediate and extended family. Gail and Lee, as avid cooks and bakers, prepared and enjoyed incredible meals throughout their years together.
A special thanks from Gail’s family is given to Robin Turner for her dedicated care of Gail during the final months of her life.
Per her request, services for Gail will be private and there will be no visitation. Cremation rights have been accorded. Fred C. Dames Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Memorials in honor of Gail may be made to Lightways Hospice (the former Joliet Area Community Hospice,) the Will County Humane Society or another charity of the donor’s choice.
For more information, please call (815) 741-5500 or visit Gail’s Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com.
