William Francis Jakovac, 82, of Worth, died peacefully with his family by his side.
Bill was born Jan. 23, 1944, in Chicago, and was raised and cared for by many loved ones. He graduated from Our Lady of the Lourdes Elementary School and St. Mel High School.
He lived in Burbank for many years and belonged to St. Albert the Great Parish there. A devout Catholic, he later belonged to Sacred Heart Parish in Palos Hills while living in Worth and Oregon, Illinois.
He retired from Advertising Metal in Chicago and later worked part time at Jewel.
Bill loved trips to the lake house, the zoo, museums and the movies with his cousins. He took daily shopping trips on the bus in his neighborhood. He enjoyed swimming and hobby crafts, especially latch hook. Because he loved animals, he always helped care for the pets he lived with. He also liked doing yard and household work; he would have it no other way.
Most of all, he was a compassionate, loving man who enjoyed being with family.
He was the devoted son of the late William Jakovac and Valley Jakovac (née Martinec), and the dearest nephew of the late Stanley Martinez (Stella), Louise Randa (Frank), Pauline Zucek (Leonard) and William Martinec (Audrey).
He was the dearest cousin of Mark Martinec (Ester), James Martinec, Russell Martinec, Terryann Schenk (Ken), Michael Zucek (Lois), Noel Zucek (Maria), Jamie Zucek (Marisa), Deborah Unolt (Barb), Daniel Unolt (Sandy), David Unolt (Debi), Diane Pruitt (Dick), Danette Keeler (Rick), Donna Unolt, Dawn Orpurt (Kurt), Al Kruse (Jackie), Cassandra Unolt (Michael), Daniel Unolt (Courtney), Tom Fink (Jennifer), Matthew Unolt (Rose), Heather Pawlowski, Dylan Pruitt, Sara Wallner (Shawn), Stephanie Keeler (Zachary), Jon Keeler (Jamie), Michael Keeler, Nicole Trehas (Jim), Christina Beuschel (Andrew), Zachary Huff, Elizabeth Huff, Garett Orpurt (Kyla), Grace Schrock (Tate) and the late William Martinec, Audrey Unolt (John) and Fred Randa (Linda).
Visitation: Sunday, Oct. 11, 2026, 3 to 8 p.m.
Funeral: Monday, Oct. 12, 2026. Prayers begin at 9 a.m. at Palos-Gaidas Funeral Home, 11028 Southwest Highway, Palos Hills, followed by 10 a.m. Mass at Sacred Heart Church.
Interment: Resurrection Cemetery.