Obituaries
Robert Gorecki, Sr.
August 21, 1928 - August 14, 2024
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VISITATION
August 23, 2024 | 4:00-7:00 P.M. -
Yurs Funeral Home
405 East Main Street
St. Charles, Illinois - Funeral Mass
- August 24, 2024 | 10:30 A.M.
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St. Patrick Crane Road Church
6N491 Crane Road
St. Charles, Illinois -
Burial Location
Prairie Cemetery, St. Charles
| Bob Gorecki was born, raised, and lived his entire life in St. Charles, Illinois. His parents Edward Gorecki and Josephine Gorecki (nee Kendra) settled in the town in the early 1900’s and owned the St. Charles Nickel Works, a metal polishing and plating company on the Fox River just across from the Arcada Theater. He attended Marmion Military Academy in Aurora, Illinois, graduating number one in his class. He would then go to University of Illinois, Champaign-Urbana to earn his bachelor’s degree. Bob enlisted in the Army after graduating from the University of Illinois in 1950 and was called to active duty during the Korean War in 1951. He served as a munitions officer in Kansas before heading to Korea, where he served as company commander of an Army headquarters in Seoul. After he returned from Korea, Bob Gorecki remained active in the Army Reserves for many years. He worked in St. Charles during the day and he would take the train to Chicago and attend night classes at the John Marshall Law School. After becoming a lawyer in 1956, he rose to the rank of Major and served as Staff Judge Advocate for the 85th division of the Army Reserves in Chicago. Just out of law school Bob joined the law firm of Redmon and Shearer in St. Charles as an associate. He became a junior partner and by 1964 Bob left the law firm and launched his solo practice. He opened his own law office on the 2nd floor of Colson Department Store at the Northeast corner of 64 and 31 in St. Charles. In the 1960s, 70s, and 80s Bob Gorecki served as St. Charles’ city attorney, police and fire commissioner, and president of the St. Charles Chamber of Commerce. He married Janet Gorecki (nee Copia) in 1965 and while raising a family during this time, Bob served as an attorney, director, and chairman for State Bank of St. Charles, Old Kent Bank and St. Charles National Bank. With the support of his wife Janet, Bob was able to be active in charity work throughout the county. They were often the Chairs of many charity events including the Delnor Hospital Ball and the St. Charles History Museum fundraisers. Bob and Janet donated their time and talents to non-profits supporting children, mental health issues, veterans, and the homeless throughout Kane County. Bob has been an active member of St. Patrick Church and has donated his legal services pro bono to St. Patrick’s and several other congregations in St. Charles. He has been an active member of the Knights of Columbus and American Legion Post 342, where he once was a post commander. He served as the Scoutmaster for the St. Charles Boy Scouts, and he is a life member of VFW Post 5036. He has offered pro bono services to these nonprofits and other veterans’ organizations in Kane County throughout the decades. Bob and Janet were active members of the Elgin Country Club where Bob enjoyed golf and tennis. Bob was an avid fisherman and loved fishing trips to Canada and Wisconsin with his friends. Bob Gorecki has been honored by every St. Charles mayor since the 1960s. Mayor Fred Norris is still a close family friend and honored Bob at a ceremony dedicating the power water wheel from Bob father’s business, the St. Charles Nickel Works, as a historic landmark in St. Charles. Mayor Sue Klinkhamer honored Bob on numerous occasions as did Mayors Don DeWitte, Ray Rogina, and Lora Vitek by issuing city proclamations for Bob. During Mayor Ray Rogina’s term in 2019 Bob was the recipient on the St. Charles Chamber’s Charlemagne award for his lifelong contributions to the community. Bob was active in the practice of law until his very last day -which is how he wanted it. Committed to helping people, Bob continued to serve others selflessly. Bob was proceeded in death by his parents, Edward and Josephine Gorecki and his beloved wife Janet Gorecki. He is survived by his son Rob Gorecki, his daughter Meg Gorecki, and his Sister in laws Peggy McGahan and Paulette Borota. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the St. Charles American Legion Post 342, 311 N. 2nd Street, Suite 109, St. Charles, IL 60174.For information, please call Yurs Funeral Home of St. Charles 630-584-0060 Visitation will be Friday August 23, 2024, from 4-7:00 P.M. at Yurs Funeral Home St. Charles. Funeral Mass will be Saturday August 24, 2024, at 10:30 a Saint Patrick Catholic Church Crane Road. Burial will be at Prairie Cemetery, St. Charles, IL. |
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Don Shaw from Crystal Lake, IL
"Bob Gorecki was one of the kindest men you will ever meet. His outgoing and welcoming personality as well as his professional legal skills made him an outstanding leader in the St. Charles community. God Bless and keep Bob and his family."
Michelle Calbeck from St. Charles, IL
"Bob Gorecki has made a significant impact to all he encountered. He accomplished more than anyone I know from serving our Country and then our community with many achievements and contributions. He helped Chuck and I close on our first home in 1988. We were blessed to know him."
Van A. Larson from Saint Charles, IL
"A great loss to the community and the legal profession. A true gentleman who inspired many including myself. He was one of a kind and doubt we will see the likes of him again soon. Condolences to Meg, Bob and family."
H Barker from Somonauk , IL
"Our condolences to the family. Wonderful man took great care of our Moms estate process. Always treated her with great care and compassion. Bob was one of the most professional, caring persons I have ever met. Never rushed Mom during her visits and made sure she was at ease with all of her questions and concerns before she left. Thank you from our entire family. God BlessHowie Barker and family"
Cynthia Kallile from Chicago, IL
"I never had the privilege of meeting him, but I know from Meg how special and one-of-a-kind he was. Thinking of his family at this time."
Marilyn Kanak from St. Charles , IL
"I have known Bob for over 45 years. He has to be one of the nicest person I have ever met. I just saw him last week for some legal advice. He is such a strong Christian man who was a major pillar to the St Charles community. I will miss you greatly may you rest in peace. May God bless you."
Sharon T. Moran from Geneva, IL
"Condolences to the Gorecki family. I knew Bob from the KCBA. He was such a kind person. Very sorry for your loss. Sharon T. Moran of Law Office of Sharon T. Moran"
Mary Shawn and Eddie Newins from Greensboro, NC
"When I think of Uncle Bob I can’t help but smile. He was always thinking of others. I’m sad to know he has passed. I’m sending prayers and holding Bobby, Meg and the rest of the family in my heart during this time. He was such a warm and wonderful person. He will be missed greatly."
Paul and Diane Cotsilis from Tinley Park, IL
"We have many fond memories of spending Holidays at the Acitelli home where Bob and Janet were always in attendance. We loved talking to him and listening to his many jokes. I will be making a Cheesecake with BLUEBERRIES (inside joke) in his memory. Rest in peace and our thoughts an prayers to his family. Paul, Diane, Marina and Peter Cotsilis"
David Nelson from Geneva, IL
"I will miss Bob greatly. Always enjoyed seeing him at our Chicago Title offices. My condolences to his family."
Alice Riske from Chicago, IL
"My sincerest condolences to the Gorecki Family. Bob was very warm, kind, and funny. He will be greatly missed. I'm grateful that I was able to catch up with him recently. I will keep the family in my thoughts and prayers."
Rosa Melendez from Seattle, WA
"Meg, Mel and I send you love, support and prayers. Mr. Gorecki rest in peace, you will always be a special family member. Forever & Always, Mel Jackson & Rosa Melendez"
Kyle G Hanson from Aberdeen, SD
"Bob Gorecki is one of a kind. A man's man, he always put others first. A great friend to us all and he will be missed. Our condolence's to Bob Jr. and Meg. Kyle and Robin Hanson"
Tory Christensen from Canton, IL
"My condolences to Rob and Meg. I know how important your dad was to both of you. Prayers to you and the rest of your family. ❤️"
Kathleen Krochock from Wheaton, IL
"I’m blessed to have known Bob. Appreciate his professional counsel and friendship over many years. My sincere condolences to Meg and Robert."
Lanci,Andrew,Seamus,Paul,Paulette from Liberty, KY
"Uncle Bob will be missed by us so much..He was such an important part of our family..A day won't go by that a memory will not come to us..Rest in peace to a life well served.We are blessed with his memory..."
Mary Kate (Matyas) Bradbyry from Franklin , TN
"Meg My sincerest condolences to you on the loss of your dad. Prayers of peace for you and your family."
Carol Lauritzen Nichol from St. Charles, IL
"From commuting to Chicago many years ago to this day, Bob has been my good friend and lawyer. We always exchanged birthday wishes. I will miss those calls and cards. Happy Birthday my dear friend. Proud to have known you. Thanks for all you did for this community. My condolences to the Gorecki family."
Bill Nelson from St. Charles, IL
"Bob was such a nice man and a kind soul. I will miss him stopping by to talk and update us on what was happening in his life. He loved what he did and any opportunity to help others. My condolences to the Gorecki family. Rest in peace Bob."
Amy Carey-Dejanovich from St Charles, IL
"Dear Meg, I’ve enjoyed hearing the stories of your dad over the years and understood how much love you have for him and admiration. Wishing you and Rob peace and strength during this difficult time knowing that he was genuinely loved by many. Prayers and memory eternal."
Paul Vato from Las Vegas, NV
"Meg & Bob, Our hearts are with you during this difficult time. Bob Sr was a remarkable person whose kindness and spirit touched so many lives. Please know that we are thinking of you and sending our deepest condolences.With sympathy and love, Maria, Pablo, Joe & Carol Rodriguez."
Genie Gorecki Krahenbuhl from St charlez, IL
"I called him Uncle Bob but he really was cousin Bob. I remember as a young girl he would be helping at St Pats with the collection and he would see me and always “wink” at me. He was such a handsome man. We connected because of our family’s roots in Poland. I some much wished I had met my grandparents, well he had and shared with me what he remembered about being at their home. His father was a brother to my grandfather. He was a wonderful public servant and kind and devoted Christ follower in the Catholic church. Rest in peace Bob with the love of your life Janet."
Vanessa A Bell- LaSota from St Charles, IL
"Getting to know Bob through the St Charles Veterans Center was such an honor. He worked diligently for my family to help us get affairs in order after our father's passing and during our mothers declining health. Bob is unforgettable. I'm so thankful we captured his oral history through the Veteran Center, for the family. Praying for peace and comfort."
Betsy Steininger (Yoga) from Lombard, IL
"I am so sorry for your loss. Since ending prayers."
Shauna Singh Baldwin from Milwaukee, WI, USA, WI
"Deepest sympathy to Meg and her family. So sorry for your loss. Joining you in grief for the loss of a pillar of the community."
CRAIG BOBOWIEC from St. Charles, IL
"My deepest sympathy to the family. Bob was such a great man and one of the most decent and honorable men I have ever known. He will be missed."
Holly Janisch King from Clinton , TN
"My deepest condolences to the family. Speaking to cousin Bob we enjoyed putting our family history together. I was the computer girl and he hand wrote it on a big giant paper. He sent me a picture of my grandparent’s wedding that was in 1910 or 1920 I believe at 711 Illinois Avenue in St. Charles. Even my mom didn’t have that picture. It was so cool. I am so glad he shared his wealth of knowledge and I have that to pass down for generations to come. RIP sweet cousin Bob. ❤️"