Leslie W. Gauwitz

Les W. Gauwitz, 89 of Spring Bay, Illinois died at 7:05 p.m. on Friday January 25, 2013 in his log cabin home. Les was born on Dec. 29, 1923 in Peoria Heights to Harry and Bessie (Lower) Gauwitz. He married Suzie Shields on September 19, 1986 in Peoria and she survives. Also surviving are one son, Leslie "Bill" (Linda) Gauwitz; three daughters, Phyllis Durham, Diane Broe and Nanette (Chuck) Orton; 15 grandchildren; and many great and great great grandchildren; one brother Earl Gauwitz; and one sister, Grace Nolte. Les was preceded in death by daughters, Pamela Gauwitz and Stephanie Gibson; brothers Harry and Charles Gauwitz and a sister Lavina Gauwitz. Les had a long career as a Skinner at Armour Star and then at Callahans Meat Packing in Peoria, retiring in 1985. He had a real passion for living off the land and was famous for teaching his love of organic gardening, wine making, and butchering deer. He also loved fishing, hunting, woodworking, boating, music, and dancing. Les volunteered in his younger years on the Spring Bay Fire Department. A service to celebrate Les?s life will be held at 11:00am Wednesday Jan. 30, 2013 at Mason Funeral Home Germantown Hills Chapel with Rev. Tom Heren officiating Visitation will be Tuesday from 5pm until 7pm at the funeral home and also one hour prior to services. Burial will follow at Spring Bay Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Spring Bay Fire Department and Spring Bay American Legion Post #1115. Online condolences at www.masonfuneralhomes.com