Obituary for Norbert "Norb" Dudek
Norbert “Norb” Dudek
May 23, 1933 – August 28, 2025 Norbert J. “Norb” Dudek, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and friend, passed away peacefully, surrounded by loved ones. Born on May 23, 1933, at home on the family farm to Marie (Wyciskala) and Michael Dudek, where he lived with his parents and brothers, the late Richard and late Michael Dudek. He is survived by his loving wife of 70 years, Elizabeth (“Betty”) Wojciehowski, his children John (Peggy), the late Annmarie, Mark (Lori), Rose (Patrick) Pollard, and Mike (Jennifer) Dudek, his grandchildren Matthew (Gina), Michael (Amy), Ross (Charlotte), Kara (Eric) Mizel, Joe Dudek, Michael (Monika) Pollard, John Pollard, Claire, Jake and Eric Dudek, and his great grandchildren, Jackson, Olivia, and Quinn Dudek, and Edda Senz Pollard. Norb’s life was rooted in hard work, service, and a deep love for his community. He attended Deer Park Grade School, graduating second in his class—out of two students. The one-room schoolhouse, with just eight children across grades 1–8 and a single teacher, shaped Norb’s early years. He fondly recalled carrying coal and water each day for the school and using outdoor toilets. At age 12, he was entrusted by his teacher to drive a Model A car filled with classmates to pick up a Christmas tree for the classroom—a story that reflects his early sense of responsibility and adventure. After graduating from Marquette High School, Norb proudly served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. His career path was as diverse as it was industrious: he worked as a Fuller Brush salesman, at the Bakelite Factory, and for Burkhart making deliveries. In 1961, with a $1,500 loan and a dream, he founded Letterkraft Printers (now LKCS, Inc.) out of his basement, building a successful business that has served the Illinois Valley and throughout the United States since. All four of his adult children followed in his footsteps leading LKCS to the current day. A passionate Rotarian for over 50 years, Norb served as President in 1967–68 and was honored as Rotarian of the Year for his contributions during the Gulf War. He was also named a Paul Harris Fellow. His commitment to service extended to aviation—he fell in love with flying after soloing at age 17 and became a Lifeline pilot, volunteering flights to St. Jude and Mayo Clinic. He also flew business leaders to the Illinois Valley to encourage investment in the region. Norb was a lifelong member of the Knights of Columbus, joining at age 17, and an advocate for workers’ rights as a Teamster. He served as President of the Ambassadors in the Chamber of Commerce and was a passionate defender of the local agricultural economy, a cause close to his farm boy heart. His love of travel took him to all 50 states and throughout the world. He and Betty spent over twenty memorable winters with many good friends in Mesa, AZ. Norb enjoyed flying, boating, golfing, fishing, RVing, camping, shuffleboard, hunting, cooking, and playing Euchre. For 15 years, he flew friends and family to Canada for fishing trips, creating cherished memories. Norb remained active in his alma mater, Marquette High School, organizing and hosting numerous class reunions at his home in Utica. He was known for his warmth, generosity, sense of humor, and unwavering dedication to his community and family. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew him. Visitation will be held on Thursday, Sep. 4, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m., at St. Hyacinth Catholic Church, 927 10th St. LaSalle, IL. Additional visitation will be in the church on Friday from 10 until the time of services. A funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday, Sep. 5 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Hyacinth’s. Fr Tom Otto will officiate. Interment St. Hyacinth’s Cemetery. Full military rites will be conducted by the LaSalle / Oglesby Veterans Group. In lieu of flowers, memorials to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital are appreciated. Arrangements are being managed by Burgess Funeral Homes, 815-223-0587. On line condolences may be expressed at www.burgessfh.com
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