August ‘Augie’ Juricic, a Joliet, Illinois native and former baseball star, passed away on Tuesday, September 9, 2025, at the age of 70.
While his family has not yet disclosed the actual cause of his death, many of his loved ones are paying tribute to the late August ‘Augie’ Juricic and extending their heartfelt condolences to his family during this difficult time.
August ‘Augie’ Juricic is survived by his wife of 44 years, Teresa ‘Terese’ Juricic Pleski, son, Augie Jr., and wife Tiffany Juricic, daughter, Becky, and husband Jason DeGroate, and grandchildren, Augie, Noah, and Lily.
He also leaves behind his siblings, Ginny (Don) Krall, Jayne Juricic, Jimmy (Jane) Juricic, and Terry (Marilyn) Juricic, as well as numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.
Augie touched the lives of many through his remarkable athletic career and his significant contributions to the community.
Born on December 13, 1954, in Joliet, Illinois, August Juricic began his athletic career from a very young age.
He played baseball at Joliet Central High School, from which he graduated in 1973.
Following The Graduation From Joliet Central H.S., Augie Was Drafted to The Chicago Cubs
A talented second baseman, he was drafted by the Cubs in the 7th round of the 1973 MLB June Amateur Draft.
Standing 5’10”, Juricic batted left and threw right. He began his professional career at just 19 with the GCL Cubs in the Gulf Coast League, where he appeared in 44 games during the 1973 season.
The following year, he played for the Key West Conchs in the Florida State League, recording 49 hits and 20 RBIs over 71 games.
In his two minor league seasons, Juricic totaled 115 games with a batting average of .218 while also proving himself defensively with a .918 fielding percentage at second base.
Though his professional career was brief, he left his mark as a determined player who proudly represented his hometown on the field.
In addition to baseball, Augie was an avid fisherman and golfer.
August ‘Augie’ Juricic will always be remembered for his athletic journey and his kind and cheerful nature.
A celebration of Augie’s life will be held with a memorial visitation on Saturday, September 13, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Tezak Funeral Home, 1211 Plainfield Road, Joliet, Illinois.
Chapel services will be held following the visitation at 5:00 pm.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Augie Juricic is preceded in death by his parents, August and Lorraine Juricic; his in-laws, Raymond and Elaine Pleski; his brothers, Eugene Juricic and Teddy Juricic; his sisters, Lisa Lachowski and Kathy Cecil; and his brothers-in-law, Ray Pleski and Dave Lachowski.
- His son, Augie Juricic, studied EMT/Fire Science at Joliet Junior College and works at Dive Right Scuba.
