Gary Martin Horacek

 

Gary Horacek, 70, of Crest Hill passed away peacefully on January 3rd, 2024 after a 10 year journey with Primary Progressive Aphasia. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, Martin & Marian Horacek, his sister in law Patty and her husband Scott Howard, and his sister in law Paulette Horacek.

He is survived by his wife, Jeanne, his children, Alison (Shawn) Hodina and Matthew (Emily) Horacek; his grandchildren Addison and Harper Hodina; his brother Alan; his brothers in law Daniel (Paula) Trehey, John (Peggy) Trehey and his nephew Michael Trehey

Gary was born on July 5, 1953 to parents Martin & Marian Horacek in Chicago.

After graduating from St. Rita High School in 1971, he went on to study at Loyola University in Chicago. 

In 1976 he met Jeanne at a corner neighborhood bar, they wed in August of 1979, going on to have two children, Alison and Matthew.

He joined the Chicago Police Department in 1980 and served honorably until 2011.  During his career he was a Field Training Officer for new recruits.  He spent the majority of his career in the 009th District and then the remaining 9 years at Evidence and Recovered Property (ERPS).  After his CPD retirement he worked part time as a Dean’s Assistant for Oak Lawn Community High School. (Once A Spartan Always A Spartan)

Gary loved spending time with his family camping at Woodsmoke Ranch for 23 years and at their cottage on Delavan Lake. When it came to Christmas, he was his family’s very own “Clark Griswold”, stomping through field in search of the perfect tree to cut down. He especially loved family road trips, golf, music, the Blackhawks and spending time with his children; always visible on the sidelines at their school and sporting events. 

Gary was a shining example of everything a husband, father and grandfather should be.

Visitation will take place on Sunday, January 14, 2024, from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Tezak’s Home To Celebrate Life, 1211 Plainfield Road, Joliet, IL 60435.

A celebration of life will be held AT 10:00 a.m. Monday, January 15, 2023, at St. Ambrose Catholic Church, 1711 Burry Circle in Crest Hill, IL. Cremation will follow in accordance with his wishes.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in honor of Gary to the PPA Research & Education fund through the Mesulam Center for Cognative Neurology and Alzheimer’s Disease at Northwestern Medicine https://www.brain.northwestern.edu/about/giving.html.