Bernie and Regina Narusis with their son Victor in 1964. That rarely used political campaign device that says,”Narusis for States Attorney” is called a “cartop.”
A long-time Republican Precinct Committeeman from Oakwood Hills and 1964 candidate for the Republican nomination for McHenry County State’s Attorney died Thursday.
Bernie, his wife Regina and my mother and father, who was running for County Auditor, shared the campaign trail.
Dr. Anne Majewski and attorney Bernie Narusis renew acquaintances.
Both were running against Establishment candidates.
Both lost.
When Republican Party Chairman Bill LeFew tried to defeat State’s Attorney Lou Bianchi in 2008, Narusis excoriated LeFew.
When our son came along, Bernie, who had a daughter when he was in his 50’s, told me, “Cal, it will keep you young.”
He was so right.
Bernie’s obituary is below:
Bernard V. Narusis, June 12, 1929 – December 29, 2016
Bernard Veto Narusis “Bernie” passed peacefully in the company of his family at his home on December 29, 2016 in Oakwood Hills, Illinois at the age of 87.
Bernard is survived by his wife, Regina; children, Victor, Ellen (Behrens), and Susan (Losurdo); siblings Mary Anne (Hanretty) and Stanley; grandchildren (of Victor) – John, Joseph, Therese and Mary, (of Ellen) – Matthew, Anna and Alexis, (of Susan), Enzo and Zanna.
He is preceded in death by his parents John and Constance, and siblings John and Helen.
Bernard was born on June 12, 1929 in West Frankfort, Illinois to John and Constance Norusis.
He attended St. John’s Catholic Elementary School and West Frankfort High School before graduating from Southern Illinois University (Bachelors of Science), Northwestern University (MBA) and University of Illinois (Law).
Bernard married Regina, in 1959.
After moving to McHenry County that same year, Bernard began work for the Steinbrecker Law Firm in Crystal Lake as an attorney.
In 1969, Bernard joined his wife Regina in the practice of law, forming the law firm of Narusis & Narusis in which they actively serving the needs of individuals and local government until 2005.
Bernard was extremely proud of his heritage and family.
Bernard was a child of Lithuanian immigrants, and son of a coal miner.
He served two tours in the military, both in Korea.
He often recalled fond memories of his hunting experiences there (reminiscent of his love of the outdoors in Southern Illinois), and the beautiful people of Korea.
Bernard recently fulfilled a life-long goal by returning to Korea with his wife Regina.
Bernard was equally proud of his Lithuanian heritage.
He was active in Lithuanian organizations both in the U.S. and in Lithuania itself, working closely with his wife Regina in efforts to ensure the sustainability of the Lithuanian State.
Bernard and Regina enjoyed many extended visits to their second home in Vilnius, Lithuania, hosting friends, family and many others over the past 20 or more years.
Bernard enjoyed participating in politics.
He was a member and leader of the McHenry County Republican Party, a precinct committeeman for nearly 50 years in his hometown of Oakwood Hills, and served as a delegate to Republican National Conventions in 1968, 1972, 1976, 1980, 1984 and 1988.
He was honored to have earned the trust of so many, and proudly spoke of his many friendships and experiences.
Above all, he loved and adored his wife Regina.
They spent joyful days at their beautiful lake home, and travel to Mexico, Lithuania, and other places around the world.
Bernard worked tirelessly and lovingly to make their home a beautifully landscaped oasis for his beloved bride.
He was happiest with Regina.
Those who knew him were moved by his ever deepening love for and devotion to her.
The family would like to thank the staff at Hartland Hospice and Bernard’s care-givers Hilga Galabine and Birute Sakaviciene for their kind and warm care.
A wake is scheduled for 4-8 p.m., Monday January 2, 2017 at Querhammer & Flagg Funeral Home (500 W. Terra Cotta Ave., Crystal Lake, Illinois).
A mass is scheduled at Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Church (Cary, Illinois) at 1 pm on Tuesday, January 3, 2017.
Burial services will be held immediately thereafter at Crystal Lake Memorial Park (Crystal Lake, Illinois), followed by a reception at D’Andria’s Banquet facility (4419 Illinois Rt. 14, Crystal Lake, Illinois).
All are welcome to attend and celebrate Bernard’s life.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to either St. John’s Catholic School, in his hometown of West Frankfort, Illinois or the Lithuanian American Community, Inc. Waukegan/Lake County Chapter.
Condolences can be sent to www.querhammerandflagg.com.
He was one of the old school gentlemen of the bar.
If you couldn’t like him, you couldn’t like anyone.
A true Gentleman; it was an honor to have met he and his wife at an outing.
RIP Sir