Theodore F. Grzywa

1928 - 2024

Theodore F. Grzywa
Born: July 14, 1928 in Fullerton, NE
Died: December 1, 2024 in Oregon, IL

OREGON, IL ~ Theodore "Tedd" F. Grzywa, 96, died peacefully in his home in Oregon, IL on Sunday December 1, 2024. He was born July 14, 1928 in Fullerton NE, the 3rd son of John & Barbara (Koziol) Grzywa, moving to Illinois in 1942, where farming prospects were better. He graduated from Maple Park High School in 1946 before joining the United States Army, serving overseas in postwar Japan. He married the love of his life, Mary Wells, in DeKalb, IL on July 14, 1951. For over 20 years, Tedd and Mary farmed and raised a family outside of Burlington IL, then quitting farming, spent nearly another 20 years in a house he built nearby. He held jobs with the DeKalb Ag, Burgess Norton in Geneva and as a homebuilding carpenter. Tedd and Mary retired to Oregon IL in 1993. He was an enthusiastic golfer in retirement, playing daily weather permitting. Along with golf he enjoyed tending his garden, polka music and horseshoes. He was a self-taught wood carver, filling his home with whimsical busts and animals from 'found' wood. A longtime member of St. Mary's Catholic Church in Oregon, he served as an usher and worked in the kitchen during church meals. His true passion throughout his entire life however, was his family. He was a devoted husband to his wife Mary who preceded him in death in 2019. He is also preceded in death by his parents, son Ronald Grzywa, brothers Virgil & Richard and sisters Dorothy & Joan. He is survived and missed dearly by his loving children Michael (Frances) Grzywa of Germantown Hills, IL, Christine (Chia) Krause of Loves Park, IL, Douglas Grzywa of Lake in the Hills, IL, Stephen (Mary) Grzywa of Marseilles, IL, Mark (Elisabeth) Grzywa of Downers Grove, IL, Kenneth Grzywa of Maple Park, IL, Eric (Connie) Grzywa of Drums, PA, Timothy (Leanne) Grzywa of Winter Garden, FL; 25 grandchildren; many great-grandchildren; brother Jack Grzywa of LeRoy, IL; and many nieces, nephews, and dear friends.
Visitation will be held Friday, December 13, 2024 between the hours of 5:00 PM and 7:00 PM at Farrell Holland Gale Funeral Home of Oregon, IL. All are invited to stay after to pray the rosary immediately afterward. The Rite of Christian Funeral Mass will be held Saturday, December 14, 2024 beginning at 11:00 AM at the St. Mary's Catholic Church of Oregon, IL, with Father Richard Kramer presiding. Tedd will be laid to rest, next to his wife and son at St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery of Oregon, IL, following the service. Memorial donations can be made in his name to either the St. Mary's Catholic Church or the Oregon Fire Dept. To leave an online condolence or plant a tree in his memory please visit www.farrellhollandgale.com