Joseph M. Klis Jr., a man with a great laugh and kind soul, a longtime resident of Oswego after growing up on the South Side of Chicago, a loving husband and proud father of six children, has left this earth a better place. Joe died at home on Good Friday, April 3, after his body said enough and his spirit rose to heaven. He was 83. Joseph Michael Klis Jr. was born in Chicago to Joseph M. and Stella (Parzych) Klis on January 16, 1932. He graduated from St. Rita High School in Chicago, served in the Korean War with the Army where he became a sergeant instructor. He met his love, Mary Ann Plaskas, in Chicago. They were married 57 years - from April 19, 1958 until, as they said on that day, "death due us part." Mary Ann then convinced Joe to move to Aurora, then Oswego, where they raised their six children. Joe worked 17 years at Ryerson Steel in Chicago as a steel salesman, then 28 years for All Steel Equipment in Montgomery in the purchasing department. Given the choice of moving with All Steel to Mississippi or staying put, Joe, then 62, wasn't about to uproot his family. He retired and took on a "Mr. Mom" role, driving his wife to and from work. He was an Oswego Pony League coach for 10 years and member of St. Anne's Catholic Church for 48, which included a term on the Parish Council. They reenacted their wedding vows on their 50th anniversary at St. Anne's altar. During that ceremony, Joe said the reason for their success was ''We took the "me" and changed it to "we." Mary Ann said the key was "fun & humor." Along with his wife, Joe attended all his sons' games and daughters' after-school activities. They put all six kids through college. Later, their support shifted to their grandkids' events. Joe will be remembered for his wonderful laugh and sense of humor. He was a man of great humility who was the first to laugh at himself. Yet, he also was uniquely perceptive about people and the world's ways, frequently offering his theories on both. He carried himself in a way where it was clear to others his goal was to spend eternity in heaven. His legacy will live on through his six surviving children - Mike (Becky), Lori, Tom, Kathy Fish (Dan), Bryan (Tina) and Sherri Urso (Jimmy) - and 12 grandchildern -- Adrianne; Patrick; Joey; Annie; Tim; Brittney, Kaitlyn; Blake; Johnny; Rachel; Jordan and Josie -- his sister Evelyn and brother-in-laws Joe (Sue) Plaskas and Robert (Margaret) Plaskas; nieces, nephews, cousins. He was preceded in death by his father and mother. Special thanks to Transition Hospice and his caregiver, Anna. Visitation will take place on Friday, April 10, 2015 from 3:00 to 7:00 PM at the DUNN FAMILY FUNERAL HOME with CREMATORY 1801 Douglas Rd Oswego, IL. Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated by Fr. John Ouper on Saturday, April 11, 2015 at 10:00 AM at St Anne Catholic Church 551 Boulder Hill Pass Oswego, IL. Interment will follow at Mount Olivet Cemetery in Aurora, IL with military honors. For additional information 630/554-3888 or www.dunnfamilyfuneralhome.com