Joseph “Joe” Ladislas, 79, of Peotone, passed away peacefully at home on January 28, 2026.
Born on June 30, 1946, in Harvey, he graduated from Thornton Township High School in 1965. Shortly thereafter, he was drafted into the U. S. Army, where he served his country honorably. He was discharged and started a career as a maintenance worker and mechanic, who could fix anything whether it was a car, a lawnmower, or a tractor.
In 1968, Joe married Linda (Baron) Ladislas, and together they made their home in Hazel Crest, where they raised their two children. During their years there, Joe and Linda were actively involved in community life, especially through their love of antique cars. They were proud owners of a 1930 Model A Ford, which they enjoyed driving together, and they also served on the Hazel Crest Beautification Committee. In 2002, they moved to Peotone, drawn by the peaceful, country atmosphere they had always loved. Linda preceded Joe in death in 2016. In 2019, Joe met the second love of his life, Lynn Smith, who survives him.
In Peotone, Joe truly embraced life and became affectionately known by many as “Crazy Joe.” He loved dancing, meeting new people, and forming lasting friendships. He was employed by the Peotone Park District and also worked as a bus aide – two roles he enjoyed tremendously. Joe was deeply loved in the community and was a member of the Peotone Car Club, Peotone American Legion, and St. Paul the Apostle Parish. One of his greatest joys was portraying Santa Claus and the Easter Bunny at Peotone Historical Society events, as he especially loved spending time with children and bringing smiles to their faces. He was the go-to man when it came to fixing lawnmowers and snowblowers, and everyone knew him as “lawnmower Joe.”
Joe is survived by his children, Dawn Ladislas of Peotone and Dr. Bryan (Kenya) Ladislas of Cibolo, Texas; granddaughter, Sarita Ladislas of Cibolo, Texas; fiancée, Lynn Smith of Bridgeview; sister, Diane Ladislas Furlong of Mequon, Wisconsin; stepchildren, Melissa George of Bourbonnais and Mike George of Bridgeview; brother-in-law, Earl Baron of South Bend; Ladislas nieces and nephews; and his beloved best friend, Rusty. He was preceded in death by his parents, Jenny and Joseph Ladislas; in-laws, Earl and Helen Baron; brother, David Ladislas, and wife, Linda Ladislas.
Memorial donations may be made to the family.
Cremation rites have been accorded. A memorial visitation will be held at Fedde-Helfrich-Cross Funeral Home on Monday, February 9, from 3 – 7 p.m. Military honors and a memorial service will be held at 7 p.m., with Deacon Jim Kelly presiding. Memories and condolences may be shared at www.feddehelfrichcrossfh.com.