Paul John Gavac, age 73 of La Grange. Beloved husband of Pat Elaine Gavac, nee Bubert; loving father of Sarah Gavac; son of Anne Gavac, nee Hluchy and the late Samuel Gavac; dear brother of Susan (the late Joseph) Hassel; uncle and cousin of many; dear friend and teacher of many students.
Paul served in the U.S. Army in Vietnam. He then completed his education at Southern Illinois University before beginning his career as an art teach at Marion Central Catholic High School in Woodstock. He moved to St. Viator’s Catholic High School in Arlington Heights and retired from Cicero School District 99. Paul spent as much time as possible with his family at the farm he grew up on in Michigan.
A Memorial Visitation will be held Thursday, August 18, 2022 from 3 P.M. to 7 P.M. at Hitzeman Funeral Home, Ltd., 9445 W. 31st Street, Brookfield, IL 60513. A prayer service is scheduled at 4 P.M.
Inurnment Private Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery, Elwood.
In lieu of flowers, memorials appreciated to Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, 954 W. Washington Blvd #305, Chicago, IL 60607.
Information 708-485-2000 or www.HitzemanFuneral.com
For those of you that would like to express your condolences to the family, please click on the link below and you can leave the family a message. If you wish to send a sympathy card to the family, please feel free to send it to Hitzeman Funeral Home, 9445 West 31st Street, Brookfield, IL 60513, c/o Paul Gavac Family. We will gladly forward it on to the family.
Print Obituary & Condolences
Pat & Sarah, I’m so sorry to hear about Paul. I vividly recall his kindness, upbeat manner, and great laugh. As you mourn, I hope you find comfort in your memories of Paul. Please know that Paul and each of you are top of mind. Paul (Hickey)
Dear Pat, please accept my deepest condolences. Times like this are never easy but we rely on Jesus to give us comfort. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.
I am so very for your loss. I taught with Paul at both Columbus West and Unity. He was such a kind man and so good with my Special Needs students. They always loved Art Class. I am keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers.
Jennifer Turek
Please accept my condolences on the
Passing of Paul.
Mildred Mendel
My condolences to
Pat, and family members.
Millie Mendel
My condolences to the entire Gavac family. Paul was a wonderful man. He was one of many mentors I had at D99. His sense of humor was one of kind and he always had me laughing. The memories are priceless my friend and Rest IN Peace . Please know he had an impact on me and so many other people that crossed his path. Until we meet again and you can ask me What video I am watching for PE/ Health today? God Bless you Mr. Gavac.
I can only print something I posted on Facebook after visiting the Traveling Vietnam Memorial Wall in July in the southern suburbs. We’ll miss you Paul. Paid my respects to my Facebook friends, Jamie Drag and Paul Gavac today, by viewing the Vietnam Veteran’s Memorial Replica wall at the grounds of Bloom Township’s Marian Catholic High School, in Chicago Heights, Illinois, about 30 minutes from my home. Paul was an art teacher at the Junior High at which I taught and he was always vary quiet about the details of his Vietnam army service. He lives near LaGrange, Illinois and is really a tall fellow. I was reminded how he’d look in his summer short sleeved khaki uniform when I’d watch Good Morning Vietnam with Robin Williams. There was a sergeant major in that movie that was his nemesis, but he was tall and always dressed in his khakis. I thought that’s how Paul might have looked in his uniform if he ever got to Saigon. Paul is about the most quiet and well mannered, low key person I’ve ever met. So, Paul I stood their today and said a quiet prayer for you both, thanking you for your service, and asking that the Lord give you a special acknowledgment for keeping us all safer and quietly better because of your service.
My condolences to all your family and loved ones. Paul was my mentor as an art teacher in Cicero. He always cheerful and good natured towards all his students and colleages. He was a thoughtful man, one you could count on , for any need you had or to hear any concern. Paul is in the hearts of many of my Cicero colleages and will my missed. May God bless yoo.
So sorry for your loss. Paul was a great classmate in our Czech class.