Visitation

May 10, 2024

Biography

Robert “Gus” Gosanko, age 87, Beloved husband of Virginia (known by most as Lorraine) for 66 years; Loving dad of Catherine (Robert) Burnham and Sharon (Lance) Luka; Proud grandpa of Nicholas and Joseph Luka; Dear brother of Clarence (Marilyn) Gosanko, Nicholas (the late Jackie) Gosanko, Steven (Patricia) Gosanko, Michelle Gosanko, and the late Gloria Wichert; Dear brother in law of the late John (Clara) Begley; Loving uncle, cousin, and friend to many. Born in Chicago on September 1, 1936 to Nicholas and Rose (Mogytyz), Gus (as he was fondly known to many) enlisted in the United States Navy in 1955 following his graduation from Lane Tech High School and proudly served overseas as an Aviation Boatswain’s Mate on the USS Shangri La (CVA 38) actively and in the reserves for 8 years. Following his naval service, Gus and Lorraine were married on November 2, 1957 and relocated from Chicago to Itasca a few years later where they welcomed daughters, Catherine and Sharon, and have resided ever since. Gus retired from a long and successful career of 30+ years as a territory manager and executive with Sears Roebuck and Co. and devoted his life in retirement to many civic and volunteer efforts. He was a proud member of the V.F.W. North DuPage Post 5167 and was instrumental in leading many memorial ceremonies within the community and at the elementary schools in Itasca. Gus also participated in the Citizen Police Academy at the Itasca Police Department and was awarded the DuPage County Chiefs of Police Citizen Volunteer of The Year in 2019 for his years of service in the program. His strong faith and devotion to God was evident in the love and joy he shared with his family, friends, and his beloved parish community at St Peter the Apostle Church in Itasca, where he served as an usher for many years. Visitation Friday, May 10th 8:30 am to 10:30 am at The Oaks Funeral Home, 1201 E Irving Park Road (at Prospect) Itasca. Procession from the funeral home to Saint Peter the Apostle Church, Itasca for Mass at 11:00 am followed immediately by military funeral honors. Family and friends are welcome to meet promptly at 2:00pm on Wednesday, May 15th at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery, 20953 W Hoff Road, Elwood, IL 60421 for the military committal service. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Gus’ honor may be made to the V.F.W. of Illinois (vfwil.org).

Back