Joseph “Mr. Lis the Scientist” V. Lis, age 87, of , formerly of Willowbrook and Brookfield, Korean War Marine Veteran. Beloved husband of the late Marlene H. Lis, nee Drog; fond father of Kathy (Rick) Gornik, Laurie (Jeff) Wilhoit and the late Christine Lis; dear grandfather of Lauren Gornik and Heather Gornik; uncle of many nieces and nephews. Former Science Teacher of 39 years at SE Gross School Brookfield. Visitation Friday, October 21, 2016, 3 P.M. to 8 P. M. and Saturday, October 22, 2016, 10:30 A.M. to 11 A.M. at Hitzeman Funeral Home, Ltd., 9445 W. 31st Street, Brookfield. Funeral Saturday 11 A.M. to St. Louise de Marillac Church, La Grange Park. Mass 11:30 A.M. Interment Queen of Heaven Cemetery. Memorials appreciated to Caring Women Connection, J. Lis Scholarship Fund P.O. Box 234, Lake Zurich, IL 60047. http://caringwomensconnection.com/donate-now/ Information 708-485-2000 or www.HitzemanFuneral.com “Hurry up and take your time”
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So sorry for your loss. Mr. Lis was an awesome man who will be sorely missed. A great mentor and teacher to many. God Bless. Heaven has gained the Angel we had on earth! Much love and many prayers to his family at this difficult time.
He was a special man and helped shape the lives of many of us. Thank you
I remember Mr. Lis from his science class when I went to Gross in 1957. He was a great teacher but I was not the best student. He is the reason that I am interested in so much now in my senior years. Joe Lis made his mark on a lot of young lives. I’m proud to have been one of his students.
So very sorry to hear of Joe’s passing. Everyone who met Joe and Marlene were blessed. Please accept our deepest sympathies.
You asked me to be the altar server at your daughter’s wedding. I was so honored. I’ll never forget to hurry up and take my time. God bless and keep you, Mr. Lis.
Dear Laurie, Kathy and family,
Sending you our heart felt condolences on the passing on your Father. After reading the comments on Facebook, I wish he had been my science teacher!! He was clearly a wonderful teacher and human being and what a great legacy he has left.
Sincerely, Susan Passaglia and Family
Rest in peace Mr. Lis. As a graduate of Gross in 1984, I was lucky enough to have him for a teacher. Fond memories of someone who made learning fun.
I am saddened by the loss of this fine man. I was a fellow teacher at Gross School and friends with both Joe and Marlene for many years. They were both held in high esteem.
Joe, the greatest husband, father, teacher and a great example for all to follow.. My mom, Anna Koenig, always spoke highly of Joe in all his life roles. Heaven has gained another angel!!
I was sorry to hear of your dad’s passing. He was my science teacher at Gross School and your mom was my 6th grade teacher. I remember enjoying your dad’s class even though I really didn’t like Science too much! I will be in the area over the weekend for my RB reunion, but unfortunately have plans for Friday and Saturday so won’t be able to express my condolences in person. You are in my thoughts and prayers at this time. Sympathy for your loss.
I was so sorry to hear of Mr. Lis’s passing. I have many great memories of Miss Drog, my 6th grade teacher, and of Mr. Lis, my science/math teacher in 7th and 8th grade. A bunch of us took credit for getting them together my sixth-grade year by requesting Mr. Lis as a science specialist to lecture in Miss Drog’s class. We all attended their beautiful wedding and bought gifts for their first sweet baby. Many great memories of them!
Your father was the most likeable and important teacher I ever had. He had a real heart and was such a genuine, no-nonsense kind of guy that made everyone respect and look up to him. He was so proud of his family, and anyone who knew him, knew that. My thoughts and prayers are with you now and in the days to come when he is no longer with us. May he rest in peace. He will be greatly missed.
Sorry for your loss! He was one of my favorite teachers and a great human being. He encouraged my interest in science and in asking questions to learn. He touched so many people!
We share in your grief. As you’ve heard so many, many times Mr. Lis personified character, a moral compass, compassionate caring for his students and family and did it all with his unforgettable sense of humor. Without a doubt, heaven is now a better place. I’m so grateful and a better person for having crossed his path.
Kathy and Laurie, I send you big hugs. You were so blessed to have Joe as your father. He made a HUGE impact on many of our lives, and was one of my favorite teachers ever (Gross alum 1974.)
Laurie, Kathy and extended family,
You know what an amazing man you have lost; he touched so, so many lives by being one of the best, funniest, and most memorable teachers any of us at Gross Elementary were lucky to have been blessed with. My heart goes out to all of you in a very large hug. My condolences.
Please accept my deepest sympathy. Mr. Lis and Stosch are part of my fondest grammar school memories. He made me a better student and I still have my Biology notes from his class within reach 45 years after graduating from Gross School.
Mr. Lis was a great man and teacher. My children had him as a teacher. We knew Mr and Mrs Lis from St. Louise. There are not many like him that touched so many lives. We are so sorry for your loss. He and Marlene are now together again, tears of sadness and joy, only good memories, of your father. Peace be with you and your family, at this time of grief.
I’m sorry for your loss. Mr. Lis made learning and life fun. That was a great quality in him. We need more.
My sympathies on the death of Joe Lis. Because we were out of town I was unable to attend services, but I remember him as a supportive, smart and funny member of the faculty when I began working at S.E. Gross School in 1992. I was the Librarian, but also taught one class of Language Arts to Eighth Graders. He used to tease me when I rolled my Library cart full of teaching needs to the appointed classroom. His gentle joking made a good start to my day.
My deepest sympathy for your loss. I received word of the passing of Mr. Lis just this morning. My classmate Carolyn Morgan Myler (see above) wrote almost everything I wanted to say. Joe was responsible for my interest in biological science and a role model for those of us who became teachers. He was a very special man in so many ways. He shall be missed.