Dr. Wilbur F. Dolezal, 82, Morris, passed away very unexpectedly Tuesday evening, May 31, 2011 at Morris Hospital.
Born July 23, 1928, in Chicago, Wilbur was the son of the late John and Mathilda (Benes) Dolezal. He received his education in the public schools in Cicerio, Ill. He graduated from the University of Illinois, having received a bachelor's degree in liberal arts and science with a major in chemistry. In 1954, he graduated with the degree of Doctor of Dental Surgery from Loyola University.
Dr. Dolezal served his country in the U. S. Air Force dental corp from 1954 to 1956 during the Korean conflict.
Dr. Dolezal began both his private practice of dentistry in Franklin Park, Ill., and teaching operative dentistry at Loyola University Dental School in 1956. In 1957, he moved his dental practice to Morris and had to give up his instruction at Loyola University in 1959 due to his ever expanding dental practice in the Jefferson West building at 417 W. Jefferson St. He retired from his practice of dentistry in 1997 after serving for more than 43 years.
Wilbur married Jeri Viskocil on Dec. 26, 1953, at St. Odilo's Catholic Church in Berwyn, Ill.
He was a lifetime member of Illinois State Dental Society, a member of American College of Dentists and International College of Dentists.
Wilbur was an enthusiastic golfer, and was a member of the Morris Country Club since 1958. He was an active member in many capacities at Immaculate Conception Church. He also served as a member of the Morris Community High School Board of Education, was a member of and served as president of the Grundy County Board of Health and was a member of the Morris Rotary Club.
Survivors include his loving wife of more than 57 years, Jeri; one son, Stephen (Susan) Dolezal of Papillion, Neb.; one sister, Bernice Aspan of Ellicott City, Md.; sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Anne and L. J. Behnke of Downers Grove, Ill; sister-in-law, Bernadette Viskocil of Boynton Beach, Fla; along with several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; daughter in infancy, Mary Karen Dolezal; one brother, Alvin Dolezal; and brother-in-law, James Viskocil, Jr.
Friends may call from 9 a.m. Monday June 6, 2011until the time of Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. Rev. Edward J. Howe will officiate at Immaculate Conception Church, 516 E. Jackson St., Morris.
Inurnment will follow at Mt. Carmel Cemetery.
The preferred form of remembrance would be memorial gifts to Morris Hospital Foundation or Immaculate Conception School.
Condolences can be extended to the family online at www.ucdavisandsons.com.
Arrangements were entrusted with U. C. Davis & Sons Funeral Home Ltd., 301 W. Washington St., Morris. For more information, call (815) 942-0084.