Timothy John Gawla, age 80, passed away peacefully following a brief illness on

August 29, 2024, at Loyola Medical Center, with his loving wife and son at his side.

He was born on November 2, 1943 to Sigismund and Josephine (Hahn) Gawla, in Blue Island. He graduated from Assumption BVM School, Mount Carmel High School, Illinois Teachers College of Chicago, and Governors State University.

Tim taught at Sacred Heart High School, Mokena, from 1966 to 1971 until the school closed. Tim continued his teaching career at Providence Catholic High School, New Lenox, for the next thirty-six years, retiring in 2007. Over the years, he served as a faculty member in the Business and Technology Departments, Assistant Dean, Head Dean of Students, Assistant Principal, Golf Club Moderator, Head Boys and Girls Golf Coach. Upon retirement, for the next seven years, he was Assistant Girls Golf Coach.

Tim was described as an achiever, open-minded, generous, knowledgeable, modest, courageous, responsible and highly-respected educator. He was a man of few words but would have the best one line zingers!

Tim is survived by the "love of his life" of 37 years, Donna (nee Borchardt), his son, Keith and daughter-in-law, Shareen. He also leaves behind two cherished grandsons, Dante and Dominic. He will be sorely missed by his sisters, Alexandra "Sandy" Migas, Paula (David) Szczepanek, Michaeleen (Leo) Mennella, sister-in-law Jeni Gawla, sister-in-law and brother-in-law Deb and Mike Keigher, as well as numerous nephews, nieces, great nephews and nieces, cousins, and life-long friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother James, brother-in-law Anthony Migas, and parents-in-law Donald and Margaret Borchardt.

Tim's generosity is shown as he donated his body to the Anatomical Gift Association of Illinois for the advancement of medical science.

Memorial Services to honor Tim's life will be held at Forsythe Gould Funeral Home on Sunday, September 8, 2024. Visitation will be from 8:45 to 10:45 AM, followed by a short service. Arrangements entrusted to Forsythe Gould Funeral Home, 507 S. State St., Manhattan, IL 60442, 815-478-3321, www.forsythegouldfh.com.