Obituary: Kathleen R. Lepacek

Obituary was published and funeral arrangements were entrusted to the care and direction of the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home and Crematory​.

Kathleen R. Lepacek

(nee Ryan)

Kathleen R. Lepacek, age 83, of Joliet, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, August 5, 2026, at StoryPoint Romeoville, with her family by her side.

Born July 25, 1943, in Joliet, she was the daughter of the late Donald and Helen (Murphy) Ryan. Raised in Joliet, Kathleen was a graduate of St. Francis Academy and received her Bachelor’s degree from the University of St. Francis, majoring in Social Work.

After graduation, she taught kindergarten in Florida for a short time before returning to Illinois. She then taught kindergarten and first grade at Elwood Grade School, and was instrumental in establishing early learning programs in Elwood. Following some time at home raising her family, she returned to work as a substitute teacher for Joliet and Plainfield schools, as a teacher for Joliet Job Corps, and a Social Worker for the Joliet Juvenile Detention Center.

A competitive swimmer during college, Kathleen continued to enjoy swimming throughout her adult life. She also enjoyed travel, and frequent visits to Starved Rock State Park with her husband. She was extremely proud of her Irish heritage, enjoyed an occasional Beefeaters and a glass of wine, and cherished the time she spent as a volunteer with the St. Joseph’s Hospital Women’s Auxiliary.

Kathleen married the love of her life, Martin J. “Marty” Lepacek, Jr., and they enjoyed 45 years of marriage until his passing November 17, 2023.

Kathleen was the beloved mother of Kevin (Victoria) Lepacek and Keith (Joanna) Lepacek; dearest grandmother of Jonathan and Claire; loving sister of Nancy (the late Marty) Koerner; dear sister-in-law of Patricia Lepacek; fond aunt of several nieces and nephews; and special friend to Theresa Kauer.

Visitation for Kathleen Lepacek will be held Monday, August 10, 2026, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home 3200 Black Rd. (at Essington Rd.) Joliet, IL. Funeral Services will be Tuesday, August 11, 2026, at 9:15 a.m., from the funeral home to St. Mary Nativity Catholic Church, 706 N. Broadway St., Joliet, where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. Cremation rites will be accorded following services and interment in Ss. Cyril and Methodius Cemetery will take place on Thursday, August 13, 2026, at 11:00 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in Kathleen’s name to Lightways Hospice would be appreciated.

For more information, please call (815) 741-5500 or visit his Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com where you can share a favorite memory or leave a condolence.

Visit Fred C. Dames on Facebook​

Order Flowers​

Healing Resources​