Joseph B. Zelek

Joe passed away suddenly at his home in Reddick, IL. He is survived by his wife, Kelley (Smith) Zelek; her children, Katie, Amanda, Brandon (deceased), Jessica, Michael and many grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Joseph Jacob and Helen Marie (Kurzeja) Zelek.

Also preceded in death by Laura (Hewitt) Zelek, first wife and mother of his son, Joe and stepsons, Matt and Bill

Father to Joseph Jacob Zelek II, wife Kristen (Sobol) Zelek; grandfather to Celine Alexandra and Cameron Joseph Zelek; brother to Carol Zelek and Cheryl Zelek-Rodriguez (John).

Born and raised in Chicago (Roseland) and Calumet City, IL. Attended St. Salomea Elementary; graduated Kohn Elementary School, Mendel Catholic High School and South Suburban College.

Joe worked at Electro-Motive Division of General Motors in Chicago with his father; Merry X-ray Corporation in San Jose, California and UPS Freight in South Holland, IL.

His favorite pastime was music and playing his guitar surpassed only by his passion for reading the Bible and his hard-cover collection of Stephen King novels.

A memorial mass will be held on Saturday, May 23, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Anne Church; 16801 Dixie Highway, Hazel Crest, IL 60429.

St. Anne is one of the parishes affected by the archdiocese consolidation. Online it says the church is permanently closed; however, the early learning center remains open and the church is still open for baptisms, weddings and funerals. In Lieu of flowers memorials to your favorite charity in Joe's name would be appreciated.