Joseph Hutmacher

Joseph E. Hutmacher, age 90 of Des Plaines, Illinois (formerly of Chicago and Rosemont), married 68 years to Mary, nee Fleming, passed away on August 16, 2021 surrounded by his loving family. Born September 30, 1930 in Chicago, Illinois to the late Joseph and Clara Hutmacher, nee Heckenkamp. Beloved youngest brother of Mary “Sweetie”, Bette, Madeline, Lucille, Bill, and Bob. Loving father of the late Joseph E. Hutmacher Jr., Susan (Dan) O’Connell, Karen (late Gary) Fazio, Jill (Robin) Hill. Proud grandfather of Joe (Dana) Fazio, Danny O’Connell, Jeff (Mallory) Fazio, Meghan (Jim) Wignall, Kellie Fazio, Casey (Alex) Scott, Timmy O’Connell, and Kimmie Fazio. Affectionately known as Just Joe to eleven great grandchildren: Franklin, Vincent, Elizabeth, Joseph, Conner, Thomas, Taylor, Jonathan, Owen, Carson, and Lenny. Fond uncle of many nieces and nephews. Enjoyed the company of family and friends throughout his life. Joe knew someone every place he visited!

From St. Benedict’s to DePaul Academy, basketball carried “Jumpin’ Joe” to Loyola University, where he was a member of the basketball team from 1948 to 1952 and also earned a Bachelor's degree in Sociology. He was drafted into the U.S. Army where he had the honor to play all over the U.S. on the basketball team. In 1953 Mary and Joe married and began a family on the northwest side of Chicago in 1955. Together they enjoyed hosting parties, bowling leagues, and spending time with beloved friends and family. Joe was one of the original 16” softball players in Chicago, and was inducted into the Chicago 16” Softball Hall of Fame in 1999 as a player and umpire. Joe retired from the Chicago Park District in 1993, and in retirement, he lived an active and busy life. Joe loved to relax with his friends at the Eden House on Fort Myers Beach, travel the world, compete nightly in Wheel of Fortune from his armchair, cheer on the Bears and Cubs, and he would never turn down a vodka on the rocks. After his daily morning mass at Our Lady of Hope, Joe cherished the camaraderie of his friends at the health club. Time spent with Joe meant a great story, a joke or two, and many laughs and smiles. He will be fondly remembered for his honest advice, quick wit, and love for his wife and family.

Visitation Saturday, 9 to 10:30 a.m. at Cumberland Chapels, 8300 W Lawrence Ave., Norridge. (The family requests that everyone would wear a mask while in the chapel) Funeral Mass Saturday, 11:00 a.m. at Our Lady of Hope Catholic Church, 9711 W Devon Ave., Rosemont. Interment private. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation or Our Lady of Hope Church in Rosemont, Illinois.