Obituary of Joseph Edward Dezelan, Jr.

Joseph E. Dezelan Jr., age 88, passed away on Tuesday, September 10, 2024, at his home surrounded by the love of his family. Joseph was born on July 6, 1936, the son of the late Joseph and Frances (nee Nemgar) Dezelan. He was born and raised in Joliet, graduating from Joliet Township Central High School with the Class of 1954. Joseph retired from Caterpillar as a Custom Products Engineer after 42 years of service. During his time at Caterpillar, he had many patents of his own and also some with his co-workers.  

Joseph had a passion and love for sailing, enjoying his time with his wife on their boat in Chicago. During his vacations from Caterpillar, he would deliver boats across the United States and sometimes outside the U.S. On July 16, 1994 he married Lynette Gergovich, and they recently celebrated 30 years of marriage.

Joseph is survived by his loving wife, Lynette; his children, Leigh Dezelan, Jeff Dezelan, Amber (Mark) Franzen, and Melinda (Christopher) Parent; grandchildren, Eden and Ian Dezelan; sister, Mary Fran (Bob) Wirth; niece, Susan (Garrett) Anderson; and special family friend, Edith and family.

The family would like to thank Home Instead and Lightways Hospice for their excellent care and compassion.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.

Funeral services for Joseph E. Dezelan Jr. will begin at the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black Rd., Joliet, IL, 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 14, 2024,  to St. Joseph Catholic Church, 416 N. Chicago St., Joliet, IL, where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. Interment will follow at St. Joseph Catholic  Cemetery. Visitation will take place at the funeral home chapel on Friday, September 13, 2024, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. 

For more information, please call 815-741-5500 or visit his Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com where you can share a favorite memory or leave an online condolence