Joseph J Potocek

Joseph John Potocek, age 93, of Gurnee, formerly of Zion, IL was born March 3, 1918 in Chicago, IL. Raised on a farm in Lake County, Joseph served as a Tech Sergeant in the United States Army, Company H, 129th Infantry, earning a Purple Heart and Bronze Star during combat in World War II, the Pacific Theater. After his service, Joseph worked at the Griess-Phflager Tannery where he met his wife, Blanche Alfano. Joseph and Blanche were married on Nov. 3, 1951 and settled in Waukegan, IL where they started their family of 5 children before moving to Zion. Joseph loved living in rural Lake County where he had interests in gardening, dogs, pigeons and raising many other animals. He was an avid fisherman enjoying trips to Canada and other places with his family and friends. Joseph enjoyed playing cribbage and was a life-long Chicago Cubs fan. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother and uncle and will be dearly missed. His wife of fifty years, Blanche, preceded Joseph in death in July 2001. He is survived by his sons, Joe (Dee) Potocek, John (Debbie) Potocek, Jim (Annette) Potocek, Ed Potocek and his daughter, Jeannie Potocek; grandchildren, Laura (Chad) Freund, David Potocek, Heather Potocek, Meggan (Jeremy) Larson, Eliese Potocek, Samantha Potocek; and great-grandson, Charlie Freund. Visitation will be held on Monday, July 18 from 5:00 8:00PM at Marsh Funeral Home 305 North Cemetery Road Gurnee, IL 60031. Services will held at on Tuesday morning, July 19 at St. Patrick of Wadsworth 15000 Wadsworth Rd Wadsworth, IL. Visitation will be from 9:00 to 10:00 at Church, 10:00 Mass. Gravesite Services will be held at Ascension Catholic Cemetery .