Obituary: Martin A. Kolasinski

Obituary published and funeral arrangements entrusted to the care and direction of the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home and Crematory

Martin A. Kolasinski

Martin A. Kolasinski, age 77, of Joliet, and formerly of Morris, passed away suddenly, Wednesday, February 20, 2019 at Presence St. Joseph Medical Center emergency room.

Born June 15, 1941 in Chicago, he was the son of Raymond and Marie (nee Jarzynski) Kolasinski.

Martin was an avid fisherman who also played the accordion and was a member of the Polka Teens Band for many years. He and his wife spent over twenty years travelling throughout the country which he always said was the best time of his life. He especially enjoyed spending time at his daughter’s property in Phillips, WI, where he cherished attending the Kolasinski family reunion every year. Martin was also very proud of his Polish heritage, and loved following his Chicago Bears and Chicago White Sox. He was a member of the Morris Moose Lodge, St. Therese Catholic Church in Phillips, WI, and the Church of St. Jude, Joliet. He was also a former basketball coach at Gordon Tech High School, Chicago.

Martin treasured the time he spent with his grandchildren and they will long remember his wise advice as well as his stories which included teaching Elvis Presley how to sing and playing football against Dick Butkus.

Surviving are his devoted children, Beth (Mark) Walker, Augie (Dan) Watson, Susan Monson and Marty (Katy) Kolasinski, II; his grandchildren, Jordan, Jacob, Jett and Jack Walker, Craig and Samantha Watson, Lexi, Anthonee and Hattie Monson; one sister, Roberta (Dave) Sadler; brother and sister-in-law, Jimmy and Marianne Bryja; his granddoggies, Shay, Tig, Daisey and Maggie; numerous nieces and nephews; and many friends and neighbors including Joe, Selena and Zariah.

Preceded in death by the love of his life of 51 years, Kristina “Tina” (nee Bryja) Kolasinski (October 31, 2014); his parents; and his wife’s parents, Louis and Mary Bryja.

A Memorial Gathering for Martin A. Kolasinski will be held on Monday, February 25, 2019 from 3:30 to 5:00 p.m. at the Church of St. Jude, 2212 McDonough Avenue, Joliet, and will be followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 5:00 p.m.

Cremation rites have been accorded and burial in Resurrection Cemetery, Justice, will be at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family for distribution to local cancer patients.

Fred C. Dames Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. For more information, please call 815-741-5500 or visit his Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com

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