Stephen E. Gniadecki

Stephen E. Gniadecki passed away peacefully on Wednesday, May 22, 2024 at the age of 94, and now joins his loving wife of 63 years, Bernadette L. Gniadecki (nee McKay). Stephen is survived by his devoted family; Bernadette B. (Dean Van de Kerchove) and Sheila (Frank) Panella, Stephen and Jack Gniadecki. He will be forever loved and cherished by his grandchildren; Sarah, Anna (Marcus) Rasmussen, Liz, Joe & Emily Panella, and great grandchild Conrad. Brothers, sisters and in-laws; Richard & Brigid McKay, the late Mae Foss, Eleanor & James Redmond, Kitty McKay, Marguerite (Peg) & Dr James Canavan, Ann & Bill Beilfuss, Jack, James & George McKay, Josephine (Ginger) & Andrew Kosmic, Chester & Vera Gniadecki, Stella & John Kubowicz, Edward & Angie Gniadecki, Genevieve (Jean) & Mitchell Koprowski, Stanley & Georgia Gniadecki, Ann McMullen...and countless wonderful nieces & nephews.
Stephen was born on March 26, 1930 to Polish immigrants Stanislaw and Anna (nee Kruczek) Gniadecki. He was the youngest of eight living children that his mother raised after her husband passed away only one month after Stephen’s birth. He graduated from Harper High School on Chicago’’s Southside. He was an all-around athlete, and excelled in gymnastics, football, and was even a Chicago wrestling champion. He joined the Marine Corps in 1951 and earned the rank of Ser- geant. He met and then married Bernadette in 1958, and grew their life & family together in Evergreen Park, IL. Stephen worked for Continental Group as a Tool & Die Specialist. His problem-solving abilities and engineering mind made him an invaluable resource for their Canning Division for over 39 years.
We will truly miss our Dad’s strength, encouragement, fairness, and common sense insights about life...and we will especially miss his smile.
Family & friends will gather for a Memorial Visitation on Monday, June 3, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. until the time of the Funeral Mass at 11:00 a.m. at Sacred Heart Church, 8245 W 111th Street, Palos Hills, IL Internment private.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in his name to; Suncrest Hospice, 5 Revere Drive, Suite 130, Northbrook , IL 60062 Atten: Beth
Condolences to the family may be offered online at www.heinenandloshetterfs.com.
A special thank you to Dr. Tony DeLorenzo, Adrianne Kajmowicz & the Suncrest Hospice team, and the many talented, genuine, and thoughtful women & men at Plymouth Place who helped care for our Dad these past couple of months, and assisted him in maintaining his gentle demeanor and dignity. You are all exceptional human beings.
 

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