Memorial Trees
M
Melissa Ehrhart
July 07, 2025
D
Dave, Tara, and Christian Becker
July 06, 2025
Memorial trees planted for:
Larry Duchek
<p>Lawrence Wayne Duchek, known to all as Larry, age 79, of Joliet, Illinois, passed away peacefully on Saturday, June 28, 2025, in hospice care in Joliet.<br></p><p><br></p><p>Larry was born on October 20, 1945, in East St. Louis, Illinois. He proudly served his country in the Missouri Air National Guard Reserves from 1966 to 1972. His educational journey took him to Rolla, Missouri, where he studied metallurgy, laying the foundation for a distinguished career in public service.</p><p><br></p><p>Larry retired from ComEd, where he built and safely engineered nuclear power plants. Following his retirement, he continued his dedication to public service with FEMA as a Disaster Assistance Specialist, helping communities recover from natural disasters.</p><p><br></p><p>On August 21, 1970, Larry married his beloved wife, Joyce Leigh Duchek (nee Everding). Together, they shared nearly 55 years of marriage filled with love, adventure, and devotion. Larry was a devoted father to his two children, Brian Lawrence Duchek and Amanda Beth Duchek, and a cherished grandfather to Caiden Brian and Ezra Paul.</p><p><br></p><p>An outdoorsman at heart, Larry was an avid gardener, rock collector, and patron of many national parks. In his youth, he worked as a golf caddie. Larry was also a dedicated sportsman who enjoyed giving his family and friends good-natured hard times.</p><p><br></p><p>Larry's commitment to his community was evident through his volunteer work. He served as a soccer coach and referee, was a leader of local Boy Scout Troop 19 in Plainfield, was active in the Plainfield Band Boosters for many years, and was a lifetime member of the Knights of Columbus No. 5573.</p><p><br></p><p>He was most known for his loud voice and warm presence. Larry never met a stranger and had the remarkable ability to make everyone feel welcome and valued.</p><p><br></p><p>Larry is survived by his loving wife, Joyce; his children, Brian and Amanda; his daughter-in-law, Lisa; his grandchildren, Caiden and Ezra; and countless friends whose lives he touched with his generous spirit.</p><p><br></p><p>In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Lightways Hospice (<a href="//lightways.org/make-a-donation/">http://lightways.org/donate/)</a> or St. Mary Immaculate Catholic Church (<a href="//osvhub.com/smip/giving/funds">http://osvhub.com/</a>smip), charities that Larry would have appreciated.</p><p><br></p><p>Larry's legacy of service, love, and laughter will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.</p><p><br></p><p>Visitation will be Thursday, July 10, 4:00-7:00 PM at the Overman-Jones Funeral Home & Cremation Services, corner of Routes 30 & 59, Plainfield. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, July 11, 11:00 AM at St. Mary Immaculate Catholic Church, 15629 S. Route 59, Plainfield. Interment with military honors will follow at St. Mary Immaculate Cemetery, Plainfield.</p>October 20, 1945 - June 28, 202510/20/194506/28/2025
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