Joseph Wilson Oldaker

Joseph Wilson Oldaker, born March 31, 1939, in Glendale, West Virginia,  passed away in his family home in Yorkville, Illinois, on May 17, 2021.  He is preceded in death by his mother, Jessie Olnick.  He is survived by his loving wife, Elissa Oldaker, to whom he was happily married for forty-six years.  He is also survived by his children, Yvonne Oldaker, Adam (Jon) Oldaker, Joseph P. (Lia) Oldaker and Scott (Beth) Oldaker.   His grandchildren, many of whom he helped to raise, provided much joy to his life.  Their names are Rhoda, Wren, Eloise, Annie, Emma Rose, Abraham Wilson and Wynona.  Joseph taught high school science, mainly chemistry and physics for forty years, thirty-six of which were devoted to service at Homewood-Flossmoor High School.  He also took great pride in serving as the Scholastic Bowl Coach at H-F, and he was inducted into the Scholastic Bowl Hall of Fame in 2005.  He held a bachelor's degree in chemistry from Wheeling Jesuit University and a master's degree in educational administration from Purdue University.  He was an active volunteer for many organizations throughout his life, most recently the Illinois Retired Teachers Association.  He was a member of St. Anne's Catholic Church in Hazel Crest, IL.  Resting at the Tews-Ryan Funeral Home, 18230 Dixie Highway, Homewood, Sunday from 2:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m.  Funeral Monday, 9:15 a.m. to St. Anne Church, 16801 Dixie Hwy., Hazel Crest, IL.  Mass 10:00 a.m.  Interment Assumption Cemetery.  Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, https://www.stjude.org/donate .  For info 708 798-5300 or https://www.info@tews-ryanfh.com .