Julius J Okrzesik passed peacefully on January 12, 2025, six days shy of his 105th birthday.
A native of LaPorte, Indiana, Julius was the youngest of three children born to Polish immigrants Mary Duda and Rudolph Okrzesik. His parents were weavers by trade and devout members of the Catholic Church, where they raised their children, Elizabeth, Teofil ("Tuffy"), and Julius, in the faith and instilled a profound sense of love of country.
When Pearl Harbor was attacked, Julius and his brother, Tuffy, joined the US Army Air Corps, where Julius was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant and assigned to a P-51 Mustang. He flew 88 combat missions and was awarded four Bronze Stars, a Distinguished Flying Cross, and Air Medals with 15 Oak Leaf Clusters. After his service, he joined the FAA as an air traffic controller.
He and his wife Judith raised 3 daughters and a son, John.
In 1974, Julius and his family retired to St. Petersburg, FL. They enjoyed many years of retirement before Judith passed.
Julius remained active in his senior bowling league until age 99 and maintained a competitive average through his last year.
In 1991, Julius met Mary Alice while playing bingo, and they enjoyed a 31-year marriage. As an avid golfer, Mary Alice sparked Julius' interest in the game, and they golfed together in their 90s. Julius continued to golf at 104 years old and treasured the friendships he made.
Julius remained active and engaged to the very end. He enjoyed attending veterans' events, playing bingo, using his iPad to "see" family events, tending to his plants, golfing, and "friends & family" dinners. He had abundant knowledge and advice to offer if asked and was always kind and thoughtful...he will be greatly missed.
