Obituary of Henry Joseph Gawlik

Henry Joseph Gawlik, age 98, of Clearwater, FL since 1984, and formerly of the Roseland neighborhood of Chicago, passed away peacefully on January 17, 2023 in Largo, FL.

Born February 26, 1924 in Chicago, he was the son of the late Stanley I. and Mary (Kus) Gawlik.  He was a proud veteran of the United States Army during World War II, serving in the Ardennes, Rhineland and Central Europe campaigns in France and Germany.  Upon his discharge from the military he returned to Chicago, and later began a 31 year career as a stationary engineer with the City of Chicago.

Henry was a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather whose work ethic and active lifestyle served him well throughout his almost 99 years.  He enjoyed nature and was an outdoorsman with a special fondness for horses.

Surviving are his beloved wife of 70 years, Lillian (Groszek) Gawlik; three loving sons, Wayne (Sharon) Gawlik of Joliet, Russell (Lois) Gawlik of Joliet, and Kurt Gawlik of Clearwater, FL;  his adoring grandchildren, Therese (Mike) Miller, Philip (Christina) Gawlik, Victoria (Jamil) Vazquez, Clare (Jose) Reyes, Connie (Darren) Megaw, and Anna (Tom) French; and eleven dear great-grandchildren, Tristan, Elena, Amilia and Colton Miller, Nicholas, Ava and Olivia Gawlik, Elijah Vazquez, Julia Reyes, and Benjamin and David Megaw.

He was preceded in death by his parents, four brothers, and two sisters.

Visitation for Henry Gawlik will be held Friday, January 27, 2023 from 3:00 to 8:00 p.m., at the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black Road, Joliet.  At 7:00 p.m., military honors, a memorial prayer and eulogy will be accorded.  Funeral services will be held Saturday, January 28, 2023 at 9:00 a.m., at the funeral home.  Interment will follow at 11:00 a.m., at Holy Cross Cemetery, 801 Michigan City Road, Calumet City, IL 60409.

For more information, please call (815) 741-5500 or visit his Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com