Stanley Stoklosa

Stanley “Stan” Stoklosa was welcomed to heaven on June 23, 2024 surrounded by his family who loved him dearly. Born December 6, 1956 in Miechowice Wielkie, Poland, Stan and his family immigrated to the United States on M/S Batory and started his life in Chicago on December 4, 1962. Stan was immensely proud of his humble Polish beginnings. The son of Joseph Stoklosa and Agatha Kuczak, his family settled on the Northwest side of Chicago where Stan graduated from Saint Ladislaus Grammar School and Gordon Tech High School. Throughout his teenage years, he loved playing tennis and baseball and worked at Jewel where he made lasting memories and friends. He went on to graduate from Loyola University Chicago, where his daughter Kristina would later follow in his steps. Stan met the love of his life, Theresa Kowalewicz, and was married for 40 beautiful years. The young couple built a home and moved to Wheeling, IL and welcomed their first son, Steve. Kristina, Ela, and Matt followed shortly after. His four children were the joy of his life, and he took immense pride in being the family provider. He always instilled in them the values of hard work and devotion to family. Stan beamed with joy as each of his five grandchildren were born over the last six years. He adored being a Dziadzia, was able to celebrate the birth of his three week old grandson, and excitedly anticipated the upcoming birth of another grandson. Stan was happiest in Powers Lake, Wisconsin. After over a year of blood, sweat, and tears, Stan and Theresa recently rebuilt their family’s small summer getaway home to a larger all-year-round home with hopes of large family gatherings and plenty of space for grandchildren. Stan was the designated captain of the family’s pontoon boat and enjoyed a quiet sunset cruise around the lake with Theresa. Stan worked as an Informatics Specialist at Baxter, Bayer, and Siemens. He was a dedicated employee, and although his job required a rigorous travel schedule and long hours away from home, he always managed to make time for his family. Stan had many passions throughout his life. He was a faithful Catholic and served as a Eucharistic Minister at Saint Edna where he was a parishioner for nearly 25 years. He was a Boy Scout Troop Leader and attended numerous camping trips with Steve and Matt. Stan mentored and guided both of his sons to earn their Eagle Scout ranks. While cheering on Ela at her many Special Olympics events, Stan also found time to volunteer and make a difference in the lives of numerous athletes. His basement workshop was filled to the brim with various tools to aid him in tinkering with all types of home improvement projects. Stan was a diehard sports fan and had a never ending commitment to the Green Bay Packers, Chicago White Sox, and Chicago Blackhawks. Up until some of his final days, Stan enjoyed an evening cup of instant coffee and a slice of whatever dessert Theresa had freshly baked. In January 2024, Stan was diagnosed with an aggressive form of bladder cancer. With the support of his wife and children, he battled through multiple rounds of chemotherapy and various setbacks. Despite recent promising test results, God’s will was different. Stan fought with a courageous spirit and positive attitude, always telling his medical team and family that he felt great. Stan’s legacy of humor, charm, and love will continue to inspire all who were fortunate enough to know him. Stan will be deeply missed by many and leaves behind his beloved wife, Theresa; cherished children, Steve (Renee), Kristina Mulligan (Chris), Ela, and Matt (Emily); and adored grandchildren, Josephine, Alex, Kate, Sophie, Luke, and Baby Boy Stoklosa. He is also survived by his siblings John (Joann), Mary Zukowski (Stanley), and Lucy Pieczonka (James); mother-in-law, Sophie Kowalewicz; sister-in-law, Alice Madeja (Marion), and brother-in-law John Kowalewicz (Tammie). He will also be missed by many nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends. Stan is preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Agatha, and his father-in-law, Jan Kowalewicz

Stanley Stoklosa

December 6, 1956 - June 23, 2024