Obituary: George Buck, Great-Grandfather Started Werden-Buck In 1888

JOLIET, IL — George Buck, who went to work in 1970 at his great-grandfather's downtown Joliet business, Werden Buck Company, died Friday. He was 74. Werden Buck has been a part of Joliet since it opened in 1888.

Funeral arrangements are being handled by Joliet's Carlson-Holmquist-Sayles Funeral Home & Crematory, 2320 Black Road.

"There will NEVER be enough words to describe, explain, or exhibit just how important Mr. Buck was to our organization," the Joliet Boys and Girls Club announced on its Facebook page. "A CONSTANT advocate for our mission and for DECADES, a consistent and caring watchful eye over our facility, just a few blocks away at Werden Buck Company.

"Mr. Buck favored action over words and because of this, the Club was a better place for the children in our community....we will TRULY miss him, but we are also BLESSED with the knowledge that he will continue to watch over our purpose and mission. We LOVE YOU, Mr. Buck."

In 1954, the Joliet youth club was named after his family. The club's website has a write-up on the history of the George Werden Buck Boys and Girls Club.

The visitation will be from 3 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at the Carlson-Holmquist-Sayles Funeral home. Fr. Carl Markelz of St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church will say the funeral service at 10 a.m. Wednesday with interment Mt. Olivet Catholic Cemetery.

According to the obituary, Buck "enjoyed frequent visits to Werden Buck Co. from his loving grandchildren Sadie, George W., Tucker and Ellie Buck and Henry and Vinny Gough. He valued the hard work of his step-grandchildren, Chase Robinson, Jack, Sean, and Eric Kennedy at Werden Buck Co."

Buck served past president of the Rotary Club of Joliet achieving 40 years of perfect attendance. His obituary indicated he was past president of George Werden Buck Boys & Girls Club of Joliet, a member of Joliet Chamber of Commerce, the Joliet Catholic Academy Parents Board, the Board of Directors of First National Bank and St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church.

"A humble, selfless man of honesty, integrity, and faith. He was deeply loved by his family and friends," the obituary noted.