Recek

Rose Ann Kokes Recek, 94, passed away peacefully in her sleep on April 13, 2026, at the Monument Hill Care Facility in La Grange. Rose was born in the Hostyn community on Aug. 18, 1931, the daughter of Ludvik and Agnes (Muras) Kokes. She attended school at Queen of the Holy Rosary parish in Hostyn before staying home to help tend to the family farm.

On Aug. 7, 1950, Rose married Anton H. Recek at Queen of the Holy Rosary Catholic Church. Together, they were blessed with four children: James, Evelyn, Gary, and Marcus. After moving to La Grange, Rose dedicated her life to her family and her faith as a devoted member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church.

Rose wished to be remembered as a simple country girl who lived her Catholic faith. Her devotion was evident in her decades of service: she served as President and Treasurer of the Sacred Heart Altar Society, was an active member of the PTA while her children were in school, and was a long-standing member of KJZT Society No. 31. Following her husband’s service in WWII, she also became a dedicated member of the VFW Auxiliary.

For over 30 years, Rose meticulously cared for the church altar, ensuring it was ready for daily Mass, and she maintained the parish rectory for 19 years. She took great pride in this work, rarely missing a day. She also frequently assisted with funeral luncheons, providing comfort to other families in their time of need.

Rose was deeply proud of her Czech heritage and remained fluent in the language throughout her life. She was known for her holiday baking, using traditional Czech recipes passed down through generations. A gifted quilter, Rose hand-sewed over 30 quilts in her lifetime; in accordance with her wishes, one of her beautiful handmade quilts will drape her casket.

Rose is survived by her children: son, James (Pat) Recek; daughter, Evelyn Hluchan; son, Gary (Pauline) Recek; and son, Marcus Recek. She is also survived by her sister, Libby Geistmann of Industry; 10 grandchildren; 8 great-grandchildren; and a host of loving extended family members and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Anton H. Recek; son-in-law, Bubba Hluchan; daughter-in-law, Michelle Recek; her parents; sisters Mary Kokes, Helen (Fred) Machac, and Theresa (Raymond) Jozwiak; brother, Joseph (Mary Ann) Kokes, and brother-in-law Herbert Geistmann.

The family wishes to express their deep gratitude to their friends, neighbors, and the parish community for the many cards, prayers, and visits that brightened Rose’s final days.

A visitation was held at Koenig-Belvill Funeral Home & Cremations on Monday, April 20, 2026, from 2-7 p.m. The family will be present to receive friends from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. A Holy Rosary will be recited at 7 p.m.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Sacred Heart Catholic Church of La Grange on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, at 11 a.m. A reception will be held at the parish center following the funeral mass. Interment will be held at 2 p.m. at the Holy Rosary Catholic Cemetery in Hostyn where Rose will be laid to rest alongside her beloved husband.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: Sacred Heart Catholic Church, KJZT Society No. 31, KJT Society No. 46 Memorial Fund, Knights of Columbus #2574 Scholarship Fund, or to the Sacred Heart Altar Society.

Family and friends can view and sign the guestbook online at www.lagrangefunerals. com.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Koenig-Belvill Funeral Home & Cremations in La Grange.