Walter J. Harezlak, Sr., an incredibly loving and kind man, died Thursday, July 23, 2015. Born May 20, 1921, the son of Albert and Sophia (Giermek) Harezlak. He proudly served his country during World War II serving in the South Pacific. Upon his discharge from the U. S. Marine Corps, he married and shared his life with Irene Wazycky for the next 38 years. He served the Rockford community as a fire fighter for 26 years, “Doc” retired as a Captain in the Rockford Fire Department in 1971. He was an active member of Stanislaus Kostka Church, a charter member of White Eagles, and one of the founding leaders of the St. Stan’s Polish Fest. Known as a caring man, he would always stop whatever he was doing to lend a helping hand to anyone. He was especially proud of his family. We are eternally grateful for the legacy of kindness and memories of our dad’s truly wonderful life.

Survivors include: children – Kathleen (Jack) Ramsey, Thomas Harezlak, Dennis (Jean) Harezlak, and Bud (Mary) Harezlak; grandchildren – Michelle (Jared) Day, Stephanie (Ernie) Fuhr, Gina Harezlak, Greg Harezlak, Annie (Graeme Hardy) Harezlak, Tom (Bethany Firnhaber) Harezlak, Dan (Christine) Harezlak, David (Victoria Widlak, fiancee) Harezlak; great-grandchildren – Annika and Ellie Day, Casey and Logan Harezlak; sister – Theresa (Matt) Blaszczyk; many cherished nieces and nephews; special friend – Connie Mikkelson.

Predeceased by: wife – Irene; brothers – Rev. Father Bernard, Charles, George, Joseph, and Edward Harezlak; sisters – Sister Mary Aquinetta, Sister Mary Thomasetta, Mary Goral, and Sophie Davis; special friend – Mary Dobnick.

The family wishes to thank the staffs at Northern Illinois Hospice, Crimson Pointe and RiverBluff Nursing Home. A special thanks to his friend, Matt Hopkins, Director of Crimson Pointe for his caring and assistance.