Joseph Robert Potempa

Joseph Potempa of Tinley Park passed away August 22nd, 2026 after a prolonged battle with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.

Joe was born on August 18th, 1953, to Roman Potempa Sr. and Adeline Potempa. He was a beloved husband of JoAnn Potempa (LaHucik) for almost 53 years. Loving father of Eric (Kris), Keith (Freya), Stephanie and precious granddaughter Wilhelmina. Preceded in death by his infant daughter Stephanie.

Joe was a loving brother of Stanley (late Nancy), James "Mo" (Sheila), Mary (Vince Cimino) and the late Roman (late Sarah). He was a loving brother-in-law to Mel LaHucik (Ann), Stan Lahucik (Karen), Mary Ann Andrus, and a fond uncle of many nieces and nephews.

Joe, along with his brothers, volunteered many joyful hours building and repairing facilities at BSA Camp Betz, a scouting camp his family has been involved in for generations. Joe was an avid car enthusiast and active member of the Northern Mustang Corral car club. He spent 8 years restoring his brother's 1969 Shelby Mustang GT500, which he frequently exhibited and received awards for at car shows across the country.

Everyone who knew Joe could attest to his incredible depth of knowledge across many disciplines, far beyond his profession as a retired pipefitter of Local 597. If it could be built, he would have multiple ideas of how to do it, each of them meticulous and long-lasting. If it had an engine, electricity, plumbing or moving parts, chances are he knew exactly how it should work, what was wrong if it wasn't working, and how to fix it. He shared his knowledge and skills tirelessly with others. Friends and family turned to him if something needed building, fixing, troubleshooting, or just an insightful opinion. Joe was well respected for the quality of his work as well as his character. He was well loved for his dedication to his family, friends, and community.

A visitation will be held Friday, August 28th, from 4:00-8:00 pm at Vandenberg Funeral Home 17248 Harlem Avenue, Tinley Park, IL. 60477. Funeral services, Saturday, August 29th at 10:00 Am at the funeral home. Interment will follow in Holy Sepulchre Cemetery. Luncheon to follow.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Joe's memory to IPF Foundation (idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis) and Thunderbird Society (Camp Betz).