Albert "Ab" Urnikis

Albert “Ab” Urnikis, 91, of rural Granville passed away on Tuesday, July 25, 2023 at OSF St. Francis Medical Center, Peoria.

Visitation will be from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 29, 2023 at Dysart-Cofoid Funeral Chapel, 208 S. McCoy St. Granville, Illinois.

Burial will be at a later date with military honors in Hennepin.

Ab was born on February 17, 1932 in Hennepin to Anton and Anna (Ragazinski) Urnikis.  He married Ola Mae “Odie” Zenor on June 28, 1952 in Hennepin.

Ab attended the Nash one-room schoolhouse on the north Hennepin Prairie and graduated from Hennepin High School in 1950.  He served in the United States Army during the Korean War.  Ab was a self-employed farmer as well as a dealer for DeKalb Seed Corn.  He served as a board member for the Magnolia Mutual Insurance Company in McNabb for many years.

Ab was an avid duck hunter and loved the sport.  He was a hunting guide and caretaker for property north of Hennepin leased by General Printers Ink.  Later, he managed the Hennepin Houseboat Duck Club.  Ab was able to fulfill his life’s dream to own his own club as co-owner of Abadean Hunt Club and then as the sole owner of the club, changing the name to Ab’s Hunt Club.

Survivors include one son, Robert Z. Urnikis of rural Granville; two daughters, LuAnn (Harold) Hayward of rural Hennepin and Jennifer A. (Eric) Pyszka of Peru; four grandchildren, Joshua Hayward, Maleaha (Nick) Novak, Ethan Pyszka and Evan Pyszka.

He was preceded in death by his Parents; Wife, Ola Mae in 2018; Sisters:  Irene and Frances “Toots”; Brothers: Stanley, William, Walter and Robert.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Putnam County Community Center or a charity of donor’s choice.

Pallbearers will be Rob Urnikis, Harold Hayward, Josh Hayward, Eric Pyszka, Ethan Pyszka and Nick Novak.

Online condolences may be made to his family at www.dcfunerals.com.

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