George Cipra, Sr

George James Cipra, Sr.

Age 88 of Wilmington, passed away Friday December 12, 2008 at the Joliet Area Community Hospice Home in Joliet.

Born April 02, 1920 in Chicago, George was a son of the late James R. and CeCelia A. Soukup Cipra. He was a graduate of Morton High School in Cicero, Illinois and was a member of the Chicago Slovak Soccer Team, which was the 1941 winner of the Kelley Cup. A World War II Veteran, George served as an Army Combat Cameraman with the 163rd Signal Photographic Company from 1942-1945 and was a recipient of the Bronze and Silver Star. He was a retired letter carrier for the United States Post Office after 35 year of service and was a life member of the Wilmington VFW and the American Legion, Koca Post 39 in Braidwood. George was also a member of the Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery Honor Squad and served as a former trustee for Wesley Township, where he was a Judge of Elections for 20 some years. George was a supporter of all sports events at Wilmington High School for the past 50 years.

Survivors include one son George J. Cipra, Jr. of New York, Martha (William) Brousseau of Vallejo, California, Teresa (Clyde) Sanders of Wilmington and Celia (Richard) Holland of Joplin, Missouri; nine grandchildren; (21) great grandchildren and one great-great grandchild.

George was preceded in death by his parents, his wife of 52 year: LaVerne W. Hawley Cipra; one brother James R. Cipra, Jr.; one grandson Dewite Sanders and one granddaughter Marcia Craft.

Graveside services will be held on Saturday December 20, 2008 at 10:00AM in Oakwood Cemetery in Wilmington. Rev. Ron Taylor will officiate and full military honors will be provided.

Preferred memorials may be made as gifts in George's memory to School Unit District 209-U Foundation for Excellence.

Funeral services have been made under the direction of Reeves Funeral Home in Wilmington (815/476-7621)