Stanley J. Kukla Jr.
Stanley J Kukla Jr. born December 11, 1937 in Chicago, parents: Stan Sr. & Elsie Kukla, brothers Frederick (deceased) and Robert. Loving husband to Geraldine for 58 years. Together they had 3 sons, Stan III- (Dawn), Steven-(Delilah), and Greg. Grandchildren: Cameron, Carter, Kennedy, Johnny, Walter.
Stan attended Steimetz High School, and then proceeded to Marquette University. In 1964 Stan Sr. and his 3 sons started Kukla Press, Inc. a commercial web offset printing company, located in Schiller Park, IL. In the late 70’s Kukla Press expanded and moved to Elk Grove Village, IL. Stan Jr was responsible for the sales side of the business, then after the passing of his father in 1975, became CEO. He was passionate about the printing business and enjoyed the many relationships he created over the years. Stan had a natural drive to be a salesman, and a showman. He loved his employees and knew that his success was their success. Stan was actively involved in the success of the printing industry, was President of the PIA/Web Offset Group, elected into the Hall of Fame Gold Ink Awards in 1992, and a member of the Chicago Litho Club. An example of Stan’s personality is at the Awards night for the Web Offset group at the Shed Aquarium in Chicago, Stan shows up with his own fishing pole. Through the years, Stan was also a member of the Knights of Columbus, Board member of the Boy Scouts of America, Board Member of the City of Hope charity foundation, and member of the Polish Alliance of Chicago. Stan was proud of his Polish heritage, flying the Polish flag next to the American flag in front of the business and having his semi- trucks painted with the Polish eagle. Chicago knew the “Polish Prints”.
Outside of work Stan enjoyed playing golf, where he was a member at River Forrest Country Club in Elmhurst IL. Stan was never a pro golfer, but if you ever played a round with Stan you probably thought you were with Rodney Dangerfield. In the mid 80’s Stan joined Big Foot Country Club in Fontana WI, where his family had a second home close by in Lake Geneva. Stan also enjoyed most outdoor activities. His 3 kids took after him and were always at his side, as Stan taught them the skills they have today. When Stan/Gerrie discovered a place in Islamorada (FL Keys) it was a new venture. Stan and his 3 boys spent many hours fishing on his boat named “Southern Comfort”. Not only did Stan fish with his boys, they also had a passion for hunting, ducks, deer, and pheasants were his specialty. He loved the outdoors, whether it was a walk in the woods or a venture on the water.
As Stan retired, he reestablished his childhood talent with the paint brush. He loved to paint on canvas and took classes to improve his skills. Over the years, Stan painted many pictures for family and friends.
Stan was a people person, loved to tell jokes, meet new people and was a constant entertainer. His motto in life was “Work hard, Play hard”.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Stan’s name to :
Misericordia Heart of Mercy
Attn: Sister Rosemary Connelly
6300 N Ridge Ave.
Chicago, IL 60660
.
A visitation will be held on Friday January 8th from 3-7PM at Smith Corcoran Funeral Home 185 E. Northwest Hwy. Palatine, IL 60067. Funeral mass on Saturday, January 9th at 10:30am at Holy Family Catholic Church. If you wish to attend the mass, please sign up HERE: http://bit.ly/KuklaSFuneral . The mass will be live streamed here: www.holyfamilyparish.org
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