Robert Martin Pietrzak

Robert Martin Pietrzak, 88, of Havana, passed away at Havana Health Care at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, May 31, 2017. He was born January 20, 1929 in Cicero, Illinois, to Chester Martin and Frances (Grola) Pietrzak. He married Virginia Margaret Fierce on June 7, 1958 in Downers Grove. Together, they raised seven children. She preceded him in death on March 22, 2010. Mr. Pietrzak is survived by the seven children: David (Montelee) Pietrzak of Havana, Michael Pietrzak of Springfield, Christopher Pietrzak of Petersburg, Ginny (John) Ramage of Petersburg, Deborah (Mark) Opp of Havana, Anna (Gregory) Bergschneider of Jacksonville, Michelle (Alan) Deckard of Springfield, eleven grandchildren as well as one step-great-grandson and two expected step-great-grandchildren. Also surviving is one brother, James “Jim” Goralewski of Westmont, Illinois. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife; brother, Norman Pietrzak and sister, Bonnie Wingert. Mr. Pietrzak was a member of St. Barnabas Episcopal Church in Havana where he had served as Lay Eucharistic Chalice Bearer, Lay Reader, Conference Delegate, Deanery Representative and all positions of the Vestry. He was a Past-President of the Havana Optimist Club and had been active with the Havana Pool. He moved to Havana in 1972, owning a Montgomery Ward catalogue store. He also worked as a DuRite Laundry representative, bartender at the Town House and Taylor House and owned his own tavern. He served in the US Army in Japan as part of the Occupational Service. In 1997 he retired from the Mason County Supervisor of Assessments. He enjoyed reading, gardening, pistol competitions, Cardinal games and his grandchildren. Visitation will be held at Hurley Funeral Home in Havana on Tuesday, June 6, 2017 from 5 until 7 p.m. A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Barnabas Episcopal Church in Havana at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, June 7, 2017. Burial will follow the services at Laurel Hill Cemetery in Havana. VFW Post #6408 and American Legion Post #138 in Havana will provide a military detail at the cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Barnabas Episcopal Church or Havana Health Care-Resident Activity Fund. Online memorial messages may be left for the family at www.hurleyfh.com. Hurley Funeral Home in Havana is in charge of arrangements.