Gilbert Paul Markus

Gilbert Paul Markus of South Holland, IL formerly of Riverdale, IL passed peacefully on 12/24/21 surrounded by family. He succumbed to a reoccurrence of lymphoma which was complicated by his battle with Alzheimer’s. He was born in Blue Island on October 16, 1943. He was the beloved husband of his loving wife Wanda (Sam Son Lee) Markus.

He is survived by his loving daughters, Pauline (Matt) Smith, Cindi (Mike) Garetto, Michelle (Dan) Kelley and step-son Jae (Late Stephanie)Lee Reubke. Gilbert was the proud grandfather of Matthew Smith Jr, Michael Smith, Isabella Garetto, Michael Garetto Jr, Brooke Kelley and Tyler Kelley. He was preceded in death by his parents, August Markus and Emily (Helmuth) Markus.

Gilbert enjoyed working many years as a Foreman, in the steel tubing industry at Leavitt Tube, T & B Tube and Great Lakes Tube. Upon retirement he continued to work and transitioned to the transportation industry for Rezenberger and really enjoyed transporting the crew members in the rail industry. Gilbert was an avid bowler and was a member of the American Bowling Congress. He enjoyed touring and traveling with his family and friends as he competed in tournaments across the Midwest and regularly bowled in many leagues in area bowling alleys. Gil was the owner of Gilley’s (bowling) Pro Shop located in Tri-City Lanes in Dolton, IL, Parkview Lanes in Riverdale, IL and then moved on to Fair Lanes in Dolton, IL. Gilbert loved to play golf and enjoyed both Nascar and Indy auto racing. Gilbert was very passionate about volunteering and helping others. Gilbert was an active parishioner of Trinity Lutheran Church in Tinley Park, IL and was active his in faith. His spiritually grew even deeper when he became an active member of Gamblers Anonymous. He was very passionate about volunteering and helping others including sponsorship and support within a community of so many of whom helped him and so many of whom he helped.

Gilbert was a wonderful father and instilled in his daughters to live a life of integrity, kindness, respect, gratitude, and generosity filled with love and laughter. He loved his daughters very much and was overjoyed to have gained sons. They loved and cared for him like a father as much as he loved them as sons. He loved to spend time with his family, extended family, dear friends and especially his grandchildren. He enjoyed attending their school, church and sporting events. Family dinners and gatherings were very important to him. He ended every call with “Love you more” even when he said it first. He enjoyed calling and saying, I’m going to order and drop off a pizza will you be home? Or I’m coming out your way, do you need anything? or Can you put on a pot of coffee? He had the best stories and was a great story-teller and the stories were plentiful. He really enjoyed sharing them and spreading laugher and joy. He had many nicknames and one of them being “Never Better Gil”, whenever he was asked how he was doing, he would reply “Never Better” and he really tried to live his life as this day today, was better than the last.

Gilbert attended St. Paul Lutheran School in Dolton, IL and Thornton Township High School in Harvey, IL.

Gilbert served in the US Army and was a Vietnam Veteran, having served in South Korea where he met his wife of 54 years. Gilbert was very proud of the family and love that he and his wife built together over the years. He was proud to serve his country and grateful for the love of and for his wife and family which began when he met his beautiful wife in South Korea while serving.

Gilbert had the most generous and kind spirit towards loved ones and strangers alike.

Gilbert will be dearly missed by his family and friends.

Lying-in-state Thursday, December 30th from 3:30 p.m. until time of service, 4:30 p.m. at the Trinity Lutheran Church, 6850 West 159th Street, Tinley Park

Interment Friday, December 31st at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery, 10:00 a.m.

Arrangements were entrusted to the KERRY FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION CARE CENTER IN PALOS HEIGHTS.