Earl Giroux

Earl Giroux, age 71, of Bourbonnais passed away Saturday, April 18, 2020 at Loyola University Medical Center in Maywood. He was born May 12, 1948 in Kankakee, the son of Leonard & Isabelle (Blanchette) Giroux. He married Janet Girard in February 1970 at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Kankakee. Earl worked for Commonwealth Edison as a crew leader for sub-station construction for 32 years, retiring in 2002. He was a member of IBEW Local 176. He was also part owner and manager of Giroux Rental Properties for 45 years. Earl was born and raised in Manteno. He attended Our Lady’s Academy Grade School in Manteno. He was a graduate of Bishop McNamara High School in Kankakee. Earl loved fishing, cooking, and gardening, especially his day lily farm. He enjoyed attending and watching Bishop McNamara, University of Illinois, and Chicago Bears football games. In his younger years, Earl was involved in McNamara Mad Caps, McNamara Bingo, Maternity B.V.M. fundraisers, and the Knights of Columbus. He was an active member of the Moose Lodge in Bradley. Most importantly, he loved spending time with family and friends. He was larger than life and always had a joke to share with everyone. Earl was a devoted husband, loving father, compassionate grandfather, and truly enjoyed every moment with his wife, kids, and grandchildren. He always enjoyed attending his grandkids sporting events. Everyone knew him as either “Papa” or “Uncle Earl”. He was the life of the party and he will be greatly missed by family and friends. Earl was in the Illinois National Guard from 1967-1972, being federalized twice during those years. He was a 50-year parishioner of Maternity B.V.M. Catholic Church in Bourbonnais. Surviving are his wife, Janet Giroux of Bourbonnais; three daughters and one son-in-law, Kara Appell of Plainfield, IN, Jessica & Michael Lambert of Bourbonnais, and Jennifer Giroux-Bretveld of Bloomington, IN; eight grandchildren, Ethan Bretveld, Grace Bretveld, Claire Appell, Ava Appell, Sofia Appell, Isabelle Lambert, Evelyn Lambert, and Sylvia Lambert; one sister, Rita "Lil" Girard of Kankakee; two brothers and one sister-in-law, Robert L. & Janice Giroux of Bradley and Clarence Giroux; four brothers-in-law and four sisters-in-law, Francis & Sandy Girard of Kankakee, James & Barbara Girard of Bourbonnais, Joe & Nancy Girard of Bourbonnais, and Richard & Anita Girard of Bourbonnais; many nieces and nephews, and several great nieces and nephews. Earl was preceded in death by his parents; one sister, Ella “Dolly” Sicard, three brothers-in-law, Walt Sicard, Gerald “Gee” Girard, and Arthur “Leo” Girard; and his mother-in-law and father-in-law, Rose & Maurice Girard. Due to the COVID 19 pandemic, a private family service will be held. Burial will be at All Saints Cemetery in Bourbonnais. A public memorial mass will be celebrated at a later date. Memorials may be made to Bishop McNamara Catholic School of Kankakee, or a Benefit Fund for special needs granddaughter, Evelyn Lambert. Arrangements by Clancy-Gernon Funeral Home in Bourbonnais.

Earl Giroux

May 12, 1948 - April 18, 2020