Louis Ac Barbarek

Louis A.C. Barbarek Born into Life, 1-26-1930 Born into Eternity, 3-24-2010 Louis, 80, a resident of Park Forest for nearly 55 years, was born and raised in Perth Amboy, NJ. Great loves of his youth were his education, his violin, model airplanes and the Boy Scouts. Cherished early accomplishments were National Honor Society, Eagle Scout, Air Scout Ace, Air Scout Encampment at West Point, New Jersey All State Orchestra, and drum major. He was known for his violin performance at various churches in his home town where he graduated, class of 47 from Perth Amboy High. Lou attended Reserve Officer Candidate School summers of 49 and 50 in RI after Navy enlistment, graduated from Newark College of Engineering (now NJIT) with a BS in aeronautical engineering. Member of the Glee Club, he was inducted into TauBetaPie and PiTauSigma fraternities, graduating in 1951. Louis then began work for Chance Vought Aircraft in Grand Prairie,TX as a structural design engineer on the F7U3 Navy Carrier Jet. Commissioned as ensign in the Naval Reserves, Lou was called to active duty in the Korean War, summer of 51, serving on the USS Curtis, stationed in the Pacific and was witness to the first hydrogen bomb test in the fall of 52. While onboard ship, Louis began the art of leather work, continuing to perfect the tooling skill, creating gifts that will be treasured heirlooms for generations to come. Louis was honorably discharged from the USNavy Reserves as a full Lieutenant and Korean War veteran. Transferred to Sandia Base in NM, Lou married Helen Kurimski, also of Perth Amboy, NJ, and began their family. Lou was employed as a research scientist at IITRI, Chicago, working there for 25 yrs, continuing on as a consultant until retirement in 1992. Continued education earned his Masters degree in business and in engineering administration from IIT and approached his PHD in Psychology. After retirement, he graduated with an Associate Degree from Prairie State College and was inducted into Phi Theta Kappa. A lifetime passion was to fly. Louis earned his pilots license at the former Wings Field in Richton Park, IL and taught advanced ground school. One of the highlights that will be remembered, and something that he always looked forward to, was the opportunity Louis had at his 80th birthday celebration, to share the story of his life with his children and grandchildren. Louis leaves behind his beloved wife, Helen, of 56 yrs, four children; Linda (Chuck) Amos of Warrington, PA, Warren (Kathy) of Chanahon, IL, Wayne (Joanne) of West Chicago, IL and Leon, of Las Vegas, NV. He was proud of all his grandchildren; Jayme, Michael (pre-deceasing him in 2001), Christina, Rebecca, Jeremy, and Shannon, and his great- grandchildren; Sienna, Mason and Charlotte. Lou is also survived by his sister, Carolyn (Jozsef) Lukacs of Metuchan, NJ. Always a strong advocate of education, he pursued growth throughout his life. Louis was known by his friends and family as a man of many talents and interests. He and his wife were long time members of Deer Creek Christian Church, University Park, IL. Louis was a passionate man of strong convictions. Along with his deep love and appreciation of his family, was his love of his faith and his country. It is with much love and appreciation for those who are praying for us, supporting our mother and grandmother in her new life without her love beside her, as we miss a man who was a true cheerleader, eager to participate in our lives, share our joys and as interested in our accomplishments and endeavors ( if not more ) than we were. He retained his childlike wonder and excitement for discovery throughout our lives together and it is a privilege and honor to live out his legacy by sharing the same with others in his memory. ~ The Grateful Barbarek and Amos and Gimbal Families Visitation Sunday, April 11th from 2- 5pm at Smits Funeral Homes-Steger Memorial Chapel( 3045 Chicago Rd., Steger, IL). Funeral Service, Monday, 10 a.m. at the Funeral Home. He will be laid to rest at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery, Elwood, IL. In lieu of flowers, the family appreciates donations made to the Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery Memorial Squad, Mothers Against Drunk Driving or Deer Creek Christian Church.