Joseph Paul Illes

Feb. 19, 1926 - Jan. 4, 2020

SOUTH BEND, IN - Joseph Paul Illes, 93, residing in South Bend, passed away Saturday evening, January 4, 2020 in his home. He was born February 19, 1926 in South Bend, the son of Joseph & Theresa Elizabeth (Martinosi) Illes, and has remained a lifelong resident of South Bend.

On September 3, 1949 at Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, South Bend, Joseph was united in marriage to Lillian Marie Bakos. They enjoyed more than 69 years of marriage until her passing on May 19, 2019. He was also preceded in death by his daughter, Janice Marie Illes in October 1956, and his sister, Yolanda Elizabeth Illes on October 13, 2017.

He is survived by his three sons, Joseph Paul (Susan) Illes of Denver, CO, James Martin (Kathy) Illes of South Bend, and John Stephen (Sandra) Illes of Lafayette, IN. Also surviving are five grandsons, Jeremiah Joseph Illes, Michael James Illes, Joshua James Illes, Cory Christopher Illes, and Matthew Jacob Illes, along with step-grandchildren, Lara Branca and Michael Branca. Also surviving are fifteen great-grandchildren, Lauren Marie Nelson, Cheyenne Taylor Illes, Jeremiah Joseph Illes, Jr., and Evan Marshall Illes, Alexis, Alyssa, Audrey Rose, Kyler, Isabella, Jackson, Cooper, Ameera, Meadow, Justin, and Nathan.

Joe was a graduate of Central High School in South Bend, and participated in the tool and die apprenticeship program. Later in life, he studied at the School of Faith and Ministry. On Oct 7, 1991, Joseph was ordained a Deacon in the Episcopal Church, and has served as Deacon at the Cathedral of St James. He also served as Chaplain at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center from 1987-2001. Joe & Lillian were members of Good Sam's Camping Group. He also sang bass with the Society for the Preservation and Encouragement of Barber Shop Quartet Singing in America, Inc.

Services will be at 3:00 p.m. Sunday, January 19, at Episcopal Cathedral of St. James, 117 North Lafayette Blvd., South Bend. The Right Rev. Douglas Sparks will officiate, assisted by Rev. Brain Grantz. Inurnment will follow in the church columbarium. The family will receive friends from 1:00-3:00 p.m. Sunday at the church prior to the service.

Expressions of sympathy on behalf of Mr. Illes may be offered to the Cathedral of St. James, 117 North Lafayette Blvd., South Bend, IN 46601, or to The Center of Hospice Care, Inc., 501 Comfort Place, Mishawaka, IN 46545. The Palmer Funeral Home-Guisinger Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences to the family may be sent at www.palmerfuneralhomes.com.

01/12/2020 JFC