Gerald Bebar Obituary

Gerald F. Bebar, age 88 of Crest Hill, passed away at St. Joseph Hospital in Joliet on October 10, 2025. Gerald was born the son of Philip Bebar and Frances Bebar (née Lakota) on June 5, 1937 in Joliet, IL.

Gerald “Gerry” was a lifelong resident of the Joliet area. He served his country honorably as a member of the United States Army. He provided for his family as a member of the Carpenter’s Union Local #174 with sixty-eight years and seven months of service time. He always enjoyed supporting his children’s academic and athletic efforts, and more recently was proud to support his grandchildren in their various sporting events. He was a dedicated fan to his beloved Chicago Cubs and Chicago Bears. He was a loving husband, father, and grandfather who raised a wonderful family who continue to contribute to the Joliet area community to this day.

He was preceded in death by his parents Philip and Frances; his son Ronald P. Bebar; and his siblings Ray (Ginny) Bebar, Kathryn (Francis) Branshaw, Pauline (Richard) Bertolotti, Mary (Elmer) Pell, Philip (Audrey/Dolores) Bebar, Lilian (Robert) Wagner, Robert (Joann) Bebar, Jeanne (David) Engle, and Dolores (Richard) Kuban.

Gerry is survived by his dear wife of sixty-four years Carol J. Bebar (née Stimac); his children Jeffrey Bebar, Philip (Jennifer) Bebar, Andrew (Marcia) Bebar, Christopher (Nancy) Bebar and his daughter-in-law Susan; his grandchildren Sydney, Elyse, Alex, Christopher, Jacob, Matthew, Zachary, Nathan, and Tessa; as well as his great grandchild Blaze. Many extended family members and other loved ones also survive.

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate any donations made in Gerald’s name be directed to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital at https://www.stjude.org/give.html or at 501 St. Jude’s Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

A Celebration of Life Memorial Gathering will be held in the Nativity Room at Saint Mary Nativity Church, 706 N. Broadway St. Joliet, IL at 9:00 am on Thursday October 16, 2025. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated immediately following the gathering period at 10:00 am. Upon close of Mass, all guests will be invited to travel in procession to Saint Mary Nativity Cemetery, 601 Caton Farm Rd. Crest Hill, IL for a Chapel Inurnment Committal Service.