Joseph E. Kulavic

Joseph E. Kulavic, 90, of Springfield, died Thursday, December 20, 2007 at his home. He was born August 20, 1917 in Springfield, the son of John and Rose (nee Zupancic) Kulavic. He married Rose Mary Koester in 1938 in Teutopolis, IL; she preceded him in death. Two brothers; John Kulavic of Peoria, IL; Louis Kulavic of Decatur, IL; one sister; Loretta Walters of Springfield, IL, also preceded him in death. Mr. Kulavic retired from the Springfield Street Department as supervisor under Commissioners Owen Darling, Frank Madonia, and Bill Cellini. He also worked as a cook for Thompson Restaurant; a guard at the Joliet Ammunition Plant and was a supervisor for a nitrate section during World War II. He was an employee of the American Can Corporation; Mertz Sheetmetal Company, Effingham, IL; Stork and Nonaman Construction Co, Springfield, IL; Capitol Coal Mine, Springfield, IL until closing; Peabody Mine #10 in Kincaid, IL where he became a shot fire; Stork Catering, Springfield, IL. He owned and operated Kulavic Korner restaurant from 1950 to 1958 in Springfield, IL. He served as a Democratic precinct committeeman; life member and past secretary of KSKJ fraternal lodge. He was a member of St. Katharine Drexel Parish at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Springfield. Survivors: two sons; Jerome (wife, Mary) of Pawnee, IL, Edward J. of Springfield; two daughters; Patricia Kulavic of Springfield, and Clare Marie (husband, Gary) Sinks of Springfield; 14 grandchildren; 31 great grandchildren; four brothers; Francis Kulavic of Springfield; Charles (wife, Celia) Kulavic of Springfield; Bernard (wife, Rose) of Boca Raton, FL; James (wife, Margaret) Kulavic of Washington, IL; three sisters; Rose Hagelmier of Bossier, LA; Mary Stork of Chatham, IL; Clara Cottingham of Petersburg, IL and many nieces and nephews. Family will receive friends from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, December 26, 2007 at Kirlin-Egan & Butler Funeral Home, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield. A prayer service will be held at 6:30 p.m. Funeral Mass will be at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, December 27, 2007 at St. Katharine Drexel Parish at St. Patrick Catholic Church, 1720 S. Grand Ave. East, Springfield with Rev. Kevin Laughery celebrant. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery.