Joseph G. Vais, age 81; beloved husband of Carol Grigus; loving father of Catherine (David) Ginsburg, Mary Lu (Daniel) Osborne, Patricia Vais, and Margaret Vais; loving step-father of Laura (Bryan) Etheridge, Peggy (Dave) Mangot, and John (Kelly) Grigus; proud grandfather of Haley, Luke, Brooke, Micah, Alex, Lidya, Jack, and Averie; dear brother of Theresa (the late Lenny) Boudreaux, Anthony (Judy) Vais, and Robert (Lisa) Vais; loving uncle of Doug, Nicole, the late Gina, Anthony, Callen, and Caden.
Joe was the eldest child of the late Henry Vais and the late Marie (nee Altieri) Vais. He grew up in Chicago and Cicero, Illinois. Joe most recently resided in Countryside and was a longtime resident of Mount Prospect, Orland Park, and Wonder Lake. Joe enjoyed playing sports in his younger days. On the great 1957 Morton High School football team, he started on both sides of the line. In college, on a football scholarship, he played for the Drake University Bulldogs. He served his country as a member of the United States Army Reserve. He was an avid Chicago Cubs and Chicago Bears fan. In the summertime, Joe could often be found boating on Wonder Lake with his daughters, with a smile on his face, a beer in his hand, and the Cubs on the radio. He also enjoyed vacationing with his wife Carol in Madeira Beach, Florida, spending time in the sun and listening to live music. Joe enjoyed meeting people and had a knack for remembering everyone he met. With Joe and Carol’s recent move to Countryside, he was able to spend more time with his siblings and other family members which was a blessing. Joe was happiest spending time with family and friends celebrating a holiday, graduation, birthday, or just life.
A private service will be held. Interment Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, Alsip. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Joseph’s name to a charity of your choice are appreciated. Arrangements entrusted to Hallowell & James Funeral Home, Countryside. Funeral info: (708) 352-6500
Joe was very kind man. My thoughts and prayers are with Carol and his whole family. May he Rest In Peace ❤️💙❤️🙏🙏🙏
Rest in peace, my friend.
Thank you Bob. Joe loved your email and phone chats. You were a good friend.
Rest well dear old friend.
Jack McEachern
Joe was a wonderful, loving Brother-in-law to us. He loved being with Family, our Christmas party and the annual 4th of July party. We were blessed to have spent so many times together, especially our first visit to Wonder Lake. Our Family will miss the good advice he always gave and his great smile. Rest in peace our dearest Joe.
Thank you Marge and your entire family for your love and support. Joe always loved receiving your birthday cards, every year without fail. You made him feel loved. God bless
Extended hugs to my extended Vais family. Always proud to be included in the branches of this loving family tree!
Sending my condolences to his wife Carol and family. I worked for Mr. Vais as his secretary for School-to-Work Program at Morton East H.S. He was such a dedicated and nice person to work for. Rest in Peace.
Thank you Martha. Your comments are so comforting
Dear Cousin Carol, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. He sounds like an amazing man! Take care of yourself. Much Love,Maureen
Thank you so much for reaching out to me Maureen. Each comment feels like a hug. Wish you had the opportunity to meet Joe. Stay well and God bless younand your family
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Sadly another good soul has passed. from the old JSM, 1957 Football team
R.I.P.