George James Sladek, age 78, of McHenry, died June 1, 2009 at Centegra Hospital – McHenry.
He was born January 27, 1931 in Chicago to Frank and Olga (Penkava) Sladek. On December 26, 1953 he married Marie Nilles at St. Gerald Church in Oak Lawn.
George was a veteran of the U.S. Marines, serving with the 1st Marine Division. In Korea he, along with his fellow Marines, were known as the frozen chosen.
Previously from Algonquin, George had been a resident of Chapel Hill Oaks in Johnsburg for the past thirteen years. He was employed as a lithographer for 55 years retiring in 1991. George was a 55 year member of the Chicago Graphic Arts Local 458M.
He was an avid Muskie fisherman, enjoyed NASCAR, and had a special interest in photography and collecting cameras. George especially enjoyed spending time with family and friends.
He is survived by his wife Marie of 55 years; three children, Karen (Jack) Thoms of Punta Gorda, FL., Linda (David) Paradowski of Lake In The Hills, Jill (Dan) Woolard of McHenry; two grandchildren, Shane Thoms and Alex Woolard; and a brother, Frank (Arlene) Sladek of Plainfield.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Visitation will be from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. on Wednesday, June 3, 2009, at Justen Funeral Home & Crematory, 3700 W. Charles J. Miller Road, McHenry, Il 60050.
The funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, June 4, at St. John the Baptist Church, 2302 W. Church St., Johnsburg, IL.
Interment will follow in St. John the Baptist Cemetery, Johnsburg.
For those wishing to send an expression of condolence, memorials to Hospice of Northeastern Illinois, 410 S. Hager Avenue, Barrington, IL 60010, would be appreciated by the family. Friends may send a condolence to the family at www.justenfh.com, or call 815-385-2400. for information.