Joseph L. "Joe" Tremaine

MAPLE PARK - Joseph L. "Joe" Tremaine, 79, of Maple Park, passed away Tuesday evening, June 2, 2009, at Kishwaukee Community Hospital.

Joe was born Dec. 1, 1929, in Waukegan, the son of Leo and Katherine (Doyle) Tremaine.

He grew in Waukegan and attended local schools. He briefly attended seminary school in Missouri before returning to Waukegan High School.

He graduated in 1947 and enlisted into the U.S. Army. Joe proudly served his country on the front lines during the Korean War. Following his return to civilian life, Joe worked for Great Lakes Transportation. He graduated from the College of Advanced Traffic in Chicago on Oct. 23, 1954. Thereafter his life was the trucking industry where he made many friends and colleagues. He traveled throughout the United States, eventually working for CW Transport in Aurora for a time before becoming director of national accounts in Grand Rapid, Wis. After retiring from the trucking world, Joe began an eight-year career working at the Kane County Clerk's Office.

Joe was united in marriage to Maria in the early 1950s.They were blessed with four children, Michael, Jeannie, Sharon and William. In time Joe and Maria parted ways, but Joe was fortunate to find love once again when he met Claudia Kessler King at a friend's wedding. Two years of courtship followed and on Nov. 7, 1980, they were united in marriage at their home in Geneva, surrounded by friends and family, including Claudia's sons, Tony and Mark King, with whom he built a special father-son relationship.

They moved to St. Charles for a time before making a home in Maple Park in 1992.

Joe was a fiercely dedicated member and past commander of the Kane County American Legion and American Legion Post 75 in Geneva, where loved spending countless hours during Swedish Days and other events. He also was a board member of the village of Maple Park for many years.

Joe loved his time outdoors and enjoyed his time hunting in Ingraham, Ill., where his personal best of 12 rabbits in one day still stands. He wasn't limited to the land either as he and his family spent countless hours on the water, fishing off his pontoon boat for anything that would bite. In his younger years, Joe began playing golf for business reasons and although in later years he tried valiantly to teach Claudia, it remained a personal pastime for him only, much to her chagrin and consternation. When he couldn't be outside, Joe made a place for himself in front of the television, watching his favorite programs and slowly building a fascination with Elvira. He was no stranger to the kitchen either. His special recipe for spaghetti was a picture of culinary perfection. Joe was proud of his service to his country and dedicated to his family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Nothing made his heart beam and his eyes sparkle than when he heard his grandchildren, among them Zachary and Diana King, called him "Baba." His years of wisdom and guidance, along with a million shining memories, will be cherished by his family and friends for generations to come.

He now leaves his wife, Claudia; six children, Michael (Sandy) Tremaine of Plymouth, Ind., Jean (Chris) Clementz of Aurora, Sharon (Michael) Fitzpatrick of Janesville, Wis., William (Sandy) Tremaine of Aurora, Tony King of Maple Park and Mark King of Maple Park; nine grandchildren;12 great-grandchildren; one sister, Barbara Evangelista of Waukegan; many nieces and nephews; and a family of friends.

He now joins his parents and a grandson, Michael Ryan Tremaine, who preceded him in death.

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. with a rosary and wake services to begin at 7 p.m. Friday, June 5, at Conley Funeral Home, 116 W. Pierce St., Elburn. A Mass to celebrate his life will be Saturday, June 6, at St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church, Maple Park. Visitation will be from 10 to 10:45 a.m. with Mass at 10:30 a.m. The Rev. Joachim Tyrtania, pastor of the church, will be celebrant. Interment will follow at St. Mary of the Assumption Cemetery, Maple Park.

A memorial has been established in his name. Checks may be made to the Joseph Tremaine Memorial and mailed in care of P.O. Box 66, Elburn, IL 60119. Tributes and memories also may be forwarded to the family at the same address or through www.conleycare.com

For information, call Conley Funeral Home at 630-365-6414.