Lawrence Welegala

Lawrence J. Welegala

“Larry”

Age 81 of Wilmington and formerly of Denver, Colorado, passed away peacefully Saturday, January 12, 2019 at home with family by his side.

Born January 18, 1937 in Chicago, Illinois, Lawrence Joseph was a son of Charles and Julia (Bozek) Welegala. He was raised and educated in the McKinley Park neighborhood of Chicago and attended Kelly High School. With the desire to proudly serve his country, Larry obtained his G.E.D. and joined the United States Coast Guard at the age of 17. Following his time in the service Larry became a mechanical engineer and worked as an independent contractor for various industries until his retirement in 1998. On June 20, 1979, Larry married Rita M. Stankus and together they lived in Denver for several years before moving to Wilmington.

He was a devoted member of Grace Lutheran Church in Wilmington and was also a part of the Will County Beekeepers Association along with the Joliet Art League. Larry’s favorite times were always spent outdoors. His hobbies included hunting, fishing, hiking, skiing and beekeeping. Larry also enjoyed painting and taking care of his many pets throughout the years. His most treasured times were always spent with his family.

Survivors include his wife of almost 40 years, Rita; three children: Mark (Ozden) Welegala of Washington, Michelle (Lawrence) Arnold of Wilmington and Jennifer (Patrick) Polick of Minooka; six grandchildren: Heather Arnold, Megan (Christopher) Sanders, Lawrence and Joshua Arnold, and Trinity and Tristan Polick; three great-grandchildren: Treyton, Alexzandra and Marcos Arnold; brother: Charles F. (Cindy) Welegala; brother and sister-in-law: Richard (Eleanor) Stankus and Myrna Migala, as well as numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Larry was preceded in death by his parents.

The family will receive friends for a visitation at Grace Lutheran Church, 907 Luther Drive in Wilmington on Friday, January 18, 2019 from 9:00 a.m. until time of service 11:00 a.m.

Burial with full military honors will be held in Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Elwood.

Preferred memorials may be made as gifts in Larry’s memory to the American Cancer Society. www.cancer.org/involved/donate.html

Family and friends may sign the guest book, upload photographs or share Larry’s memorial page online by logging onto: www.BaskervilleFuneral.com/notices/Lawrence-Welegala.

Funeral services and arrangements have been made under the direction and care of Baskerville Funeral Home in Wilmington. (815-476-2181)