Leo Francis Buck

Leo F. Buck, age 99, passed away on January 6, 2014 while resting peacefully at his residence in the Bickford, House Bourbonnais, IL. His wife of 66 years, Ruth M. Jensen Buck was at his bedside. Mr. Buck was born October 16, 1914 in Chebanse. His parents are the late Frank and Alice Provancal Buck. Mr. Buck was a lifelong resident of Kankakee, County. He spent his early years farming and later retired from the A. O. Smith Corp in 1979 after over 30 years. A twice wounded World War II Infantryman, who rose to the rank of Tech Sergeant. Leo Buck fought in major battles from the beginning to the end of the campaign in the South Pacific. For the past 70 years he has been a member of St Patrick’s Catholic Church and the Holy Name Society of Kankakee. He will be most remembered for his devotion to his wife and family, his friendships to all and for putting the wants and needs of others in front of his own dreams and desires. In addition to delivering Meals on Wheels for more than 10 years, he spent every free minute of his time for 8 years as a key member of the Kankakee Westview Spurs Club. The Spurs voluntarily transformed a rock field behind the current Kankakee High School into one of the premiere multi-sport complexes in the state of Illinois. Additionally Mr. Buck worked with Sister Josephine teaching the English language to those immigrating into the area. He is survived by his wife Ruth Jensen Buck of Bourbonnais, his daughter Ann (Ron) Schramm of Chicago, IL, his sons Alan (Norma) Buck of Hillsboro, IL, , Mark (Dianne) Buck of Indian Shores, FL and Jay (Amanda) Buck of Tucson, AZ; He has 4 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren. He is survived by his brother Don (Judy) Buck of Kankakee and sisters Mary Buck Rathman of Bourbonnais, Gertrude Buck Howe of Herscher, Loretta Buck Bebiak of Owosso, MI and Evelyn Buck Howe of Belding, MI. He was preceded in his death by his brothers Vincent and William Buck, and sister Ceceila Buck Baldwin. Visitation will be from 3:00pm to 6:00pm on Friday January 10, 2014 at the Clancy-Gernon Funeral Home in Bourbonnais. A Funeral Mass will commence at 10:00am on Saturday January 11, 2014 at St Patrick’s Catholic Church in Kankakee and be followed by interment at Mount Cavalry Cemetery. Memorials may be made to St. Patrick Church (www.stpatrickkankakee.com), Hospice of Kankakee Valley (www.hkvcares.org), American Cancer Society (www.cancer.org), or American Heart Association (www.heart.org).

Leo Francis Buck

October 16, 1914 - January 6, 2014