August 31, 2020
REST IN PEACE
David J Rezek, age 85, peacefully passed away at his home with his family by his side on August 31, 2020. Son of the late Otto and Claire Rezek. Dear brother of Thomas Rezek (late wife MaryAnn) and the late Jane Rezek (Vic Schymeinsky). Loving husband of Ligaya A. Rezek. Devoted father of Robert (Lowen), Francis, and Anna Rezek and to his step-children Albert Solis (Christina), Helen Coughlin (Kelly), Marylou Cleff (Timothy), Esteban Solis, Maria Delmonico (Bryan), Jude Solis (Vivien), and Nestor Solis (Laura).
Grandfather of Emily (Tim), Valerie, Stephanie (Aaron), Michael Anthony, Jason, Stephanie, Tim Jr., Christopher, Vanessa, Daniel, Bryan Jr., Maria (Josh), Joseph, Charmaine, James, Jacob, Jovie, Donovan, Evangeline, Viviana and Michael Francis.
Great grandfather of Derek, Ava, Leo, and Meredith.
Fond Uncle of the Doherty children: Michael, Coco, Cathy, Chrissy, Paul and the Rezek children: Daniel, Thomas Jr. Matthew, Michael, and Natasha.
We would also like to acknowledge David and Ligaya’s longtime caregivers, Juliet Keefner and Katrina Kenady who have been at their side for many years.
Born in Chicago on June 9, 1935 David graduated from Saint Patrick’s High School in Chicago in 1953. He then attended Saint Procopius College (presently Benedictine University) as a Divinity Student and graduated Maryknoll of Glen Ellyn in 1957 with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Philosophy. David excelled in both basketball and football claiming All-City Honors in high school and All-Conference awards in college for both sports. He went on to study Professional Training of Theology in Maryknoll, New York and graduated there in 1962.
David served as a Maryknoll Missionary priest in the southern island of the Philippines called Mindanao. He loved his vocation as a priest and he loved the people for whom he served. He would always say that the Philippines had the greatest sunsets and waterfalls in the world. David left the priesthood in 1969 and met his wife, Ligaya. They married in 1970 and remained in holy matrimony for 50 years. David and Ligaya returned to Chicago at the end of 1972. He then spent the rest of his life running his tree business in the southwest suburban area, mainly in Hinsdale.
A very spiritual man, David spent a great deal studying mythology and comparative religion. His personal collection consisted of many books and VCR tapes of Carl Jung and Joseph Campbell and the monomyth theory in relation to the cosmic universe. David was the epitome of hard work. He had a unique way of priding himself in his work ethic and his ability to relate to others. He spent a great deal of time volunteering at The Port Soup Kitchen in the Back of the Yards neighborhood of Chicago. He always felt there was a need to serve the less fortunate. David and Ligaya continued to be actively involved with the Maryknoll Missionaries. He always wanted to retire in the Philippines but never got the chance. Well, we can all proudly agree that he will soon be there watching the greatest sunsets in the world.
David joined CORPUS in 1980 and attended the Chicago National Conference in 1992.