Paul Joseph Kluzek

Paul J. Kluzek, age 76, passed away on Monday, June 12, 2023.

Paul is survived by his beloved wife Dorothy (nee) Graham; children, Kelly Kluzek, Kerry Williams, and Paul (Jamie) Kluzek; grand-children, Brandon, Abi, Gavin, and Fischer Williams; sibling, James (Sue) Kluzek; as well as countless others who loved him.

He is preceded in death by his parents Paul and Angelina (nee Gallo) Kluzek; his son-in-law Ben Williams and too many good friends.

Paul grew up on the southside of Chicago with his brother and lifelong friend Jim. He attended and played football at Bogan High School. Eastern Illinois University is where he spent some of his most memorable early years with his Sig Tau brothers. Teaching shop and coaching football at Sandburg and Andrew High Schools were his passion. It was there that he met the love of his life Dot. He always said, “Marrying her was the best thing I ever did”. They enjoyed five decades of each other’s company and regularly went camping and traveling together. Paul found joy in being around the water from the Manteno Sportsmen’s Club, and Lake Shelbyville to the Florida Keys. Paul was extremely loyal to his wife and three children. He was always patiently there to lend a hand or ear and had a way of guiding without judgement. In more recent years he found joy with grandchildren whether it was passing along to them some of his antics or finding an excuse to play with their toys. He had such a quick wit and good sense of humor that he made friends and put smiles on faces wherever he went. Paul often reflected saying “I’ve lived a charmed life”. He will be remembered always and especially for his loving nature, loyalty, humor, and fondness for a wacky hat or a cold beer.

Services for Paul will begin on Monday, June 19, 2023 with a memorial visitation at Kurtz Memorial Chapel, 102 E. Francis Road, from 4pm-8pm. A memorial mass will be held on Tuesday, June 20, 2023 at St. Jude Catholic Church, 241 W. 2nd Street in New Lenox, the following day at 10am.