Lillian (Balazs) Dudkiewicz

Lillian Eleanore (Balazs) Dudkiewicz, 80, passed away peacefully in her sleep November 17, 2016, at Benedictine Manor in La Crosse, Wisconsin.
Lillian was born in Chicago, Illinois, November 16, 1936, to Hungarian immigrants John Carol Balazs and Gizella (Schnapp) Balazs. Lillian grew up in Wauconda, Illinois. She attended the University of Illinois where she met Richard Dudkiewicz.
Lillian and Richard married on June 30, 1956, in Wauconda, Illinois and moved to Los Angeles, California. In 1961, they moved to Freeport, Illinois. Lillian and Richard lived in Freeport for 50 years and were active members of St. Thomas Catholic Church. Lillian gave of her talent for three decades by directing the St. Thomas choir during the 60’s and 70’s and 80’s. She was also a dedicated science teacher and school choir director at St. Joseph Middle School and Aquin High School for many years. She taught junior high science, high school chemistry, physics and religion. Lillian earned her Master’s Degree and later taught at St. Patrick’s School in Rockford, Ill., and in the Rockford Public Schools. Lillian enjoyed organizing the yearly Science Fairs, directing the chorus, and directed one of the first all school musicals at St. Joseph Middle School.
Lillian enjoyed and cherished her family, extended family and long lasting friendships from Freeport and around the country.
Lillian and Richard moved to the La Crosse, Wisconsin area in 2010 and became members of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish in Holmen, Wisconsin.
Lillian is survived by her husband Richard; her children, John (Judy DeMeester) Dudkiewicz of Onalaska, Wis., Cathy (Joe) Duda of Bettendorf, Iowa, and Marcia (Greg) Powichroski of Kalamazoo, Mich.; four grandchildren, John (Annie) and Jeff Dudkiewicz, and Marie and Erin Powichroski; and two great grandchildren, Ella and Maggie Dudkiewicz, all of whom she was very proud. Lillian was preceded in death by her parents and one sister, Grace Finkenbinder.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, November 25th, at the Benedictine Manor Chapel in La Crosse with Rev. Robert Cook officiating. Visitation will begin at 10:30 a.m. Lillian will be interred with committal rites at 3:00 p.m., Thursday, December 1st, at Calvary Catholic Cemetery in Freeport, Ill.   A reception will follow at St. Thomas Catholic Church from 4:00 until 6:00 p.m.