Joseph A. Malek, age 86, formerly of LaGrange Park; beloved husband of Marcia for 64 years; loving father of the late Mary Malek, Maureen (Chuck) Dunham, Mindy (Paul) Reineke, Meg (Chuck) Duranty, & Joe (Colleen) Malek; dear brother of Gigi Turk; uncle & friend of many.

Joe was a dedicated volunteer at the Brookfield Zoo and Morton Arboretum, and also was a Eucharistic Minister for the ailing in area hospitals. Joe lived a very faith based life through prayer, attending daily Mass and living Jesus’ mission of ministering to others. He was an avid arborist and enjoyed gardening every day that was possible. Joe was the proud grandfather of Ryan and Kenzie Dunham, Nicole (Mike) Krejci, Brad (Kelsey), Kevin, and Brian Duranty, Emily (John) Grogan, Nick (fiancé Megan), Patrick, and Lauren Reineke, and Daniel, Sean, and Elizabeth Malek. He was also a great grandfather of Charley Krejci, Quinn, Owen, and Will Duranty, and Thomas and Grace Grogan. Joe’s career included 30 years starting, managing, and growing his own law practice, and from there moving on to work at the United States Environmental Protection Agency for almost 20 years. His greatest joy in life was spending as much time as possible with his family.

Visitation 9:30 a.m. until time of Funeral Mass, 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, November 20 at St. Francis Xavier Church of LaGrange, 124 N. Spring Ave., LaGrange. Interment private. In lieu of flowers, donations in Joe’s name to the Morton Arboretum are appreciated (Go to: https://connect.clickandpledge.com/w/Form/729e0840-4b90-478a-a23a-364dcf41f0a3 ). Arrangements entrusted to Hallowell & James Funeral Home, Countryside. Info: (708) 352-6500