Obituary for George Knafelc
George Knafelc ,96 years old, passed away peacefully in the early hours of November 26th, 2023 at the LaSalle Veterans' Home with family at his side.
George was born May 9th, 1927 to Antone and Theresa (Spelich) Knafelc in LaSalle, Illinois. He married Genevieve Klimek on April 18th, 1951.
After leaving the Navy at the conclusion of WW2, George worked as a carpenter until he started his own business, Practical Builders Construction in 1947. He owned and operated Practical Builders for nearly 70 years. With the help of his brothers, several good friends, and his sons, he tackled many difficult jobs and became known for his hard work and expertise in most construction areas. A great many houses and businesses in the Illinois Valley benefitted from his knowledge, skill, and work ethic.
His great joys were his family, his garden, big band music and dancing, baseball, and more work. In his spare time - weekends and evenings, he built many apartments, again, with help from his family and friends, but often working by himself after supper with the cubs or sox playing on the radio. This he did until he was in his mid-80s when his health started to fail.
He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Jim and Kenny, Sisters Jean Ferrari and Lorraine Momeny, his wife Gen, a daughter Georgeann, and a son Gene.
He is survived by his sister Darlene Knafelc, his sons Greg (Dianne) Knafelc, and Geoff (Jane) Knafelc. Also are grandchildren Christopher Knafelc, Amie Knafelc, Erica Maloney, step grandchildren Abby Horn, Zack Horn, Ray Ceresa, and Daniel Ceresa, there are a combined 20 great grandchildren so far, and many nieces and nephews.
On line condolences may be expressed at www.burgessfh.com
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