Karl Edward Klukas

Karl, age 92, of Shorewood, Il and formerly of Bensenville, Il., passed away peacefully on Thursday, July 3, 2026 at Eden Vista Memory Care in Joliet, IL. Karl was also known as "Rick" due to the character Rick, in his favorite movie "Casablanca."

He was born on June 3, 1934 in Chicago, Il to Adolph and Anna (Sonntag) Klukas.

He attended Carl Schurz High School and Wilbur Wright Jr. College in Chicago. He then joined the U. S. Army and served from December 1956 to December 1958, as a Medic at the Fort Belvoir Army Hospital. He had many stories to tell about his experiences there. After his military discharge, he worked at various Safety Equipment Companies. He retired as a Manager of Safety Centers, in 1997.

In retirement, he loved fishing and browsing thru the antique stores in Door County, WI. He also enjoyed watching the birds and the antics of squirrels from the kitchen window. He wanted to keep busy doing anything, including washing dishes and cutting grass. He was known as a gentleman in business and in his personal life. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Rick is survived by his much-loved wife of 63.8 years, Elizabeth "Beth" (nee Schueler) Klukas, who he always put first. He was also a proud father of his daughter, Liz Klukas and his son Kyle Klukas; loving grandfather, of Natalya and Nicholas Klukas, and Madeline and Hunter Klukas.

Preceded in death by his parents, Adolph and Anna (Sonntag) Klukas and his sister, Anne Shirley (late, Kenneth) Krueger.

The family would especially like to thank the staff of Eden Vista Memory Care and Lightways Hospice for their kind and loving care they gave to Rick.

Per Rick's request, cremation rights have been accorded.

There will be no formal services. Inurnment with full military honors will be held at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery at a later date.

If you wish, donations in Karl's name to Lightways Hospice, 250 Water Stone Circle, Joliet, Illinois 60431 or the Alzheimer's Association would be most appreciated.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Farkas Funeral Home, 3201 West Jefferson Street, Joliet, Illinois 60431