Joseph Ondrus Obituary

Ondrus Ph.D., Dr. Joseph 96, of LaGrange, beloved husband of the late Phyllis (nee Surdek), loving brother of the late George, Frank, Thomas Ondrus, Rose Albizu, Anna Suchy, Katherine Sramek and Frances Skala, dear uncle of JoAnn Schwartz, Thomas Ondrus, Barbara Wachtel, Stephen and Carol Skala, special uncle to John Surdek, fond great-uncle and great-great-uncle to many. Dr. Ondrus was Superintendent with Morton High Schools for 44 years, retiring June 30, 1983. Dr. Ondrus, a Morton graduate, joined the faculty in 1939, as a teacher and coach, and became a counselor in 1953. In 1956, he was appointed Morton College Dean of Men. From 1958-67 he took on the responsibility of business manager for both Morton College and High School. He served as Asst. Superintendent from 1967 until his appointment as Superintendent in 1973. Concerned not only about faculty input and committees, but also for student input, he formed the Superintendent's Student Advisory Council in 1977, a group of student leaders representing various organizations from both the East and West buildings. He was always attending student activities such as banquets, sporting events, dances, concerts and plays. Over the years he received honors at both the state and national levels. One of the most meaningful to him was the plaque he received from the Illinois State Board of Education through its "Those Who Excel" program. Only two superintendents received this honor in 1980, which is the highest honor for the administrative category in the Cook County Educational Service Region. He was also proud of being the first recipient for the Morton College Distinguished Service to Education Award in 1981. Visitation 3 to 9 p.m., Thursday, at Hallowell & James Funeral Home, 1025 W. 55th St., Countryside, where Funeral service will be held at 10 a.m., on Friday. Entombment Resurrection Mausoleum. Funeral home phone: 708-352-6500