Danny Joseph "Dan" Kazak

Danny "Dan" Joseph Kazak, 69, of Chicago, IL, passed away on November 26, 2024. He was the beloved husband to Marita Louise Kazak, nee Shields, loved son of Mary Coyle Kazak and brother of John and loved son-in-law of Patrick and Mary Louise Shields. Fond brother-in-law to the Shields Family of eight and their respective spouses and entertained 10 nieces and nephews and 14 great nieces and nephews. Dan and Marita were married in 1989
As a boy, he joined the Boy Scouts, which was a life-altering experience. He learned about the good in people, the value of being productive and the joy of exploring the outdoors.
He attended Benedictine's journalism program, for a year, before it was shut down. He was a DJ for the school radio station. He joined Benedictine University's Facilities Team where he worked for 46 years and retired in 2021. He was admired and respected by his co-workers as well faculty and staff around campus.
He is fondly remembered by the Shields Family for his Santa Claus and Christmas Bunny scripts he wrote. Marita was Dan's lovely assistant as they acted out his plays and gave handmade holiday candy to all.
Dan and Marita organized famous family camping trips under the auspices of Crazy Kazak Campers, Inc and the highlight was his "shoe burning ceremony." They also organized outings for nephews as a rite of passage.
A visitation will be held on Wednesday, December 4th 2024 - 04:00 PM to 08:00 PM - Kelley & Spalding Funeral Home - 1787 Deerfield Road, Highland Park, IL 60035. A funeral mass will be held on Thursday, December 5th 2024 - 10:00 AM - Immaculate Conception Church (Christ our Hope Parish) - 770 Deerfield Rd., Highland Park, IL 60035.
Donations may be made to the Boy Scouts of America at 1325 W. Walnut Hill Lane, Irving, TX 75038.
For information, please call Kelley & Spalding Funeral Home at (847) 831-4260