A graduate of St. Teresa Academy, East St. Louis, IL, Loretta worked for eight years at Armour Packing Company, East St. Louis, IL, before becoming a full-time homemaker. She was a past member of St. Teresa Parish, Belleville, IL, where she had been a member of the Young-at-Heart Club, the Perpetual Help Sodality, and the choir. She was also a member of the Daughters of Isabella, Circle 329. Loretta was more recently a member of St. John the Baptist Parish, Smithton, IL, and a special member of St. Clare Catholic Church, O’Fallon, IL.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 47 years, Carl H. Gregorich, whom she married on November 15, 1949, and who died on February 25, 1997; a son, Christopher T. Gregorich; her parents, William E. and Loretta, nee May, Rank; two brothers-in-law, Don Hall and Edward Gregorich; and her father-in-law and mother-in-law, John and Helen, nee Skiera, Gregorich.
Surviving are four sons and a daughter, Deacon Carl J. “Butch” Gregorich of Lisle, IL,
Douglas E. (Shelly M.) Gregorich of Kansas City, MO,
John W. (Christy) Gregorich of Madison, WI,
Mark A. (Jana) Gregorich of Freeburg, IL,
and Mary “Peggy” (Gary) Haselhorst of O’Fallon, IL; a daughter-in-law, Kay Gregorich of Waterloo, IL;
17 grandchildren, Duane (Carla) Curtis, David (Erica) Curtis, Daniel (Karen) Curtis,
Jason (Sheila) Haselhorst, Jennifer (Micah) Derickson,
Jonathon (Angie) Haselhorst, Julie M. (Nathaniel) Bailey,
Bryan D. Gregorich, Elisa Gregorich, William Gregorich,
Nicholas Gregorich, Emery Gregorich, Brittany (Tyson) Pitzer,
Chelsea Gregorich (special friend, Chris Huppert), Justin Gregorich,
Hannah Mae Gregorich, and Ethan Gregorich;
15 great-grandchildren, Austin, Tyler, Avery, Austin, Dominic, Hunter,
Cambria, Belle Loretta, Teagan, Rose, Audrey, Christopher,
Austin, Ethan, and Ryder;
her sister, Patricia Hall of Wood River, IL;
her brother, James (June) Rank of Smithton, IL;
three nieces; Linn Lebonick, Judy Greenfield, and Mary Kay Downen; many great-nieces, great-nephews; great-great-nieces and great-great-nephews.
Loretta was a loving mother, grandma, and great-grandma, not only to her family, but to all who knew her. She was always ready for the next family gathering.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Mercy Home for Boys and Girls, c/o Mission of Our Lady of Mercy, 1140 W. Jackson Blvd., Chicago, IL 60607, to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, or in the form of Masses. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.rennerfh.com.
Visitation: Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday, July 10, 2015, at George Renner & Sons Funeral Home, Belleville, IL, and from 9 to 10 a.m. Saturday, July 11, 2015, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Smithton, IL.
Funeral: A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 10 a.m. Saturday, July 11, 2015, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Smithton, IL, with Father Stanley Konieczny officiating. Burial will follow at Green Mount Catholic Cemetery, Belleville, IL.
Condolences Left For Loretta Gregorich
We were privileged to get to know your mother through her friendship with our mom Catherine Thouvenot. Your mother was a very gracious and loving person. May she be resting in the loving arms of our Lord. We will continue to hold you and your Mom in our prayers. God be with you!
Mary Therese and Bob Poettker, St. Peters, MO, 63376
Mark, Jana, Hannah & Ethan,
Please accept our deepest sympathies in the loss of your mom. I know she was a very important part of your lives. I cannot be there in person, but know that I am thinking of you.
Shannon, Ron & Veronica Hummert
Shannon Hummert, Belleville, IL, 62221
I’m so sorry to hear of Loretta’s passing. She was truly a joy to talk to and exemplified the spirit of your family. Love to all of you!
Melissa Eversole, O’Fallon, Illinois, 62269
Jon and family, we offer our deepest condolences with the list of such a beloved and beautiful person. She will be missed and was and is the brightest light in everyone she had touched.
Tim Schnell & Family, De Forest, Wisconsin , 53532
We were so sad to hear the news about Loretta. She was such a special lady and we feel that our lives are richer for knowing her. Our thoughts and prayers are with your entire family.
Steve and Jamie Steiert, Waunakee, WI, 53597
Jon and family, we offer our deepest condolences with the list of such a beloved and beautiful person. She will be missed and was and is the brightest light in everyone she had touched.
Tim Schnell & Family, De Forest, Wisconsin , 53532