Oak Lawn Bakery Owner Ted Tuzik Dies Unexpectedly At Age 68

OAK LAWN, IL — Theodore “Ted” Tuzik, baker of sweet treats, passed away unexpectedly on Oct. 31. He had just celebrated his 68th birthday on Oct. 7.

Tuzik was the third-generation co-owner of Tuzik’s 95th Street Bakery in Oak Lawn, which opened in 1931. He ran the bakery for 35 years with his loyal business partner, Bill Love. Specializing in wedding and party cakes and offering everyday goodies as well, Tuzik's stood out as a sweet gem on the South Side at 4955 W. 95th St. for almost nine decades. The bakery sweetened the holiday traditions for thousands of South Side families with custard and jelly-filled paczki on Fat Tuesday, Irish soda bread on St. Patrick’s Day, and Easter lamb cakes. The building was for sale and the owners had planned on retiring.

Customers left online tributes to Tuzik, thanking him for giving them their first job and recalling his love for his family.

Tuzik was a devoted family man. He leaves his wife of 45 years, Mary “Maggie” (McAuliffe); and daughters Gretchen (Joseph) Jager, Nora (James) Bansley, Mary Kate, and Bridget (Matt) Hunter. He was the cherished Dzia Dzia of grandchildren Jimmy, Brendan, Henry, Charlie, Joey, and Danny; and was the loving brother of Lisa (Bill) Love. He was preceded in death by his parents, Eleanor and Ted Tuzik, and siblings Terry Tuzik, and the late Lenore (late Mike) Pietrowski. He a loving brother-in-law, uncle and friend to many.

Visitation for Ted Tuzik will take place from 3 to 9 .m. Monday, Nov. 4, at Curley’s Funeral Home, 6116 W. 111th St., Chicago Ridge. A funeral Mass is planned for 10 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 5, at the St. Rita of Cascia High School Shrine, 7740 S. Western Ave., Chicago.