Jozef Grudzien

Jozef was born on June 14th, 1950, in Wola Rogowska, Poland. At 14 years old, he moved to Krakow, Poland to attend a technical high school, then completed a degree in Physics from Jagiellonian University.

At 24 years old, Jozef moved to Chicago where he soon met his loving wife of 51 years, Janine Grudzien, and began building their life together.

Jozef worked as an engineer with William Wrigley Jr. company in Chicago for over 30 years, where he worked on designing machines that wrap chewing gum, amongst his many projects.

Jozef belonged to a Polish Heritage club, Klub Wola Rogowska, and Janine’s father introduced him to Klub Miechowice Wielkie. This introduction provided him with decades of community, belonging, and opportunity to send assistance back to his village in Poland. He went on to become the Note-Taker for Klub Miechowice Wielkie, then served as president for some time.

Jozef was an avid reader; he read countless books, notably mysteries and histories. From Spring to Fall, Jozef would ride through the Streamwood trails, sometimes all the way to the Wisconsin border, and achieving upwards of 3000 miles in a year. He also loved watching soccer, tennis, and football tournaments.

Jozef was known for his kindness, generosity, and perseverance. He was a pillar of his family and friends. Jozef has said his greatest achievement is his granddaughter, Harlow Grace, who had captivated his heart.

He will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Janine Grudzien; his son, Aleksander; his daughter-in-law, Chelsea; his granddaughter, Harlow Grace; his sister and brother-in-law, Zofia (Jozef) Niedzielak; his nephews and their families; and family and friends in the USA and Poland.

A visitation will be held on Saturday, January 17th, 2026, from 9:00 am – 11:30 am at Malec & Sons funeral home. A church service will follow the visitation at 12:00 pm at St. Elizabeth of the Trinity Parish, 6020 W. Ardmore Ave, Chicago, IL 60646. After the church service, Jozef will be interred at St. Adalbert Cemetery, Niles, IL.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to UW Health transplant division in memory of Jozef Grudzien, at www.wiscmedicine.org/transplant.