Obituaries for Jan. 13, 2022
RICHARD LEE ANDORF
Richard Lee Andorf, 75, of Brookfield.
Beloved husband of Diane Andorf (nee Markus); fond father of Brigetta (Ronald) Harper; dear grandfather of Kailee and Tyler; brother of Diane (Thomas) Parsons, and Wendy (Byron) Blum; uncle of many nieces and nephews.
Services and interment private. Arrangements entrusted to Hitzeman Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 9445 W. 31st St., Brookfield.
JAMES M. ARIEL
James M. Ariel, 70, 60-year resident of Chicago’a McKinley Park community, passed away peacefully on Christmas Day.
Beloved husband of Bonita (née Atilano); loving and cherished father of Vanessa (Dan) Medlin and Natalie (Nate) Wolfe; proud Poppa of Issac Daniel and Isabel Marie; son of the late Robert Ariel and late Pauline Ariel; dear brother of Karen (Michael) Pritts and Linda (Richard) Reese; loyal friend, uncle, nephew and cousin to many.
James retired in 2011 from the ATU Local 241 where he worked as a CTA bus Mechanic for over 30 years.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the St. Jude Cancer Research Organization in Jim’s honor.
RAYMOND BURALLI
Raymond Buralli, 91, passed away December 15.
Loving father and grandfather. He will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him.
Visitation was held December 18 at Damar-Kaminski Funeral Home & Crematorium, 7861 S. 88th Avenue, Justice. Cremation rites accorded.
ELVIA BEATRICE FABIAN
Elvia Beatrice Fabian (nee Coronado), 63, passed away unexpectedly from complications of COVID-19 in Downers Grove, January 2.
Elvia was a dedicated wife to her husband Antonio for 43 years; loving mother to, Selina Fabian, Beatrice (nee Avalos) and the late Antonio J Jr.; caring and thoughtful grandmother to her grandchildren Emma Vargas and Bruce Avalos; sister of Jay Cantu, Sylvia Coronado the late Reynaldo Coronado, the late Lydia (nee Hernandez), and the late Linda (nee Weiner). Daughter of the late Julio and Rita R. Coronado. Elvia was also a warm and kind mother in law to Andrew Avalos.
Chapel service was held January 7 at Szykowny Funeral Home, 4901 S. Archer Ave. Burial and interment at Mt Auburn Cemetery. 4101 S. Oak Park Ave. in Stickney. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Elvia B Fabian please visit our tribute store.
MARIA GALVAN
Maria Galvan (née Pacheco), 89, of Chicago’s Garfield Ridge community, passed away peacefully at home December 26.
She was the beloved wife of the late Alejo Galvan; loving mother of Salvador (Josie) Galvan, Abel Galvan, Yolanda (Steve) Disanto, Lourdes (Mike) Vatch, Concepcion “Connie” (John) Acevedo, Rosario “Rose” (John) Pagliari and Marcella Galvan; proud grandmother of Alejandro (Shonda) Galvan, Rick (Jennifer) Galvan, Dominic Galvan, Tony (Susie) Galvan, Jacqueline (Jeff) Kooper, Xavier (Erin) Galvan, Christine (Jason) Szymczak, Lisa (Patrick)McGuire, Stephen (Liz) Disanto, Mike (Julie) Vatch, Liz (Peter) Haberkorn, Sara (Tyler)Thurman, Nicholas (Carla) Kozlowicz, Alexandria (Grant) Winkel, John Pagliari and Jessica Pagliari.
Visitation was January 3 until time of prayers at Foran Funeral Home, 7300 W. Archer Ave. in Summit. Procession to St. Joseph Church for a Mass of Christian Burial. Interment Resurrection Cemetery.
DANUTA GUSTAW
Danuta Gustaw (nee Stachyra), 81, of Burbank, passed away January 2.
Beloved wife of the late Edward Gustaw; loving mother of Edward A. Gustaw Jr., Ann Marie Gustaw, late Christopher (Christine) Gustaw, and the late John Gustaw; devoted daughter of the late Antoni and late Helen Stachyra; dearest sister of the late Zdzislaw (Regina) Stachyra; aunt of many nieces and nephews.
Visitation was held January 6 at Zarzycki Manor Chapels Ltd., 8999 S. Archer Ave., Willow Springs. Funeral was held January 7 from the funeral home to the Church of St. Albert the Great for Mass. Interment Resurrection Cemetery.
ROBERT W. HOMKO
Sgt. Robert W. Homko, 73, of Willow Springs, passed away on Christmas Day.
He was an Army veteran of the Viet Nam War. He received the Purple Heart and Bronze Star medals. He was a member of National Guard for 20 years.
Beloved husband of Georgia (nee Korzeniewski); dear brother of Dorothy (late George) Tescher. Robert will be missed by his many brothers and sisters- in –law, nieces, nephews and friends.
Visitation was December 28 until time of celebration of life service at Foran Funeral Home, 7300 W. Archer Ave. in Summit. Interment Resurrection Cemetery with Military Honors.
CECILE F. IRVING
Cecile F. Irving (nee Wawrzyniak) passed away January 4.
Beloved mother of Larry (Laime), Victoria (Ronald) Obszarny and Raymond (Adriane) Irving; loving Nana of James, Rebecca, Alissa, Veronica, Ronald II and the late Matthew; great grandmother and great-great grandmother of many; dear sister of the late Raymond (late Rose) Wawrzyniak, late Phyllis (late Angelo) Fiaccato, and the late Nancy (Vince) DeSimone; fond aunt to many.
Longtime parishioner of Immaculate Conception Church. Cecile was the longtime lunch cook at Edward Everett STEM Elementary School.
Visitation was January 7 and a funeral was held January 8 at the Richard Midway Funeral Home, 5749 Archer Ave. in Chicago. Processing to Our Lady of the Snows Church for mass. Private interment at Lithuanian National Cemetery.
LILLIAN E. KOEHNKE
Lillian E. Koehnke, 95, of Palos Park, formerly of Chicago, passed away January 7.
Beloved wife of the late Richard; loving mother of Alan (Victoria) Koehnke; cherished grandma of Richard A. and Constance Koehnke; dear sister of Helen (Edward) Kowalski, Dolores (The late Gene) Reiner and the late Bonnie Witkowski. Also many loving nieces, nephews and cousins.
Funeral was held January 10 at Richard J. Modell Funeral Home & Creamation Services, 12641 W. 143rd St., Homer Glen. Visitation was held January 9. Interment Resurrection Cemetery.
ANN KUFFELL
Ann Kuffell, 96, passed away on January 7, surrounded by her family.
Dear wife of the late Alex, and the late Howard Poznecki; loving mother of Sandra, Daniel (Laura) and Kenneth (Felicia); most wonderful and proud grandma to Brianne, Amanda and MaryAnn.
She was a life member of the Disabled American Veterans Auxiliary, member of Vittum Park Civic League, OLS Seniors and former Woman of the Year. Longtime parishioner of Our Lady of the Snows Parish and Member of the OLS CCW.
Funeral was January 13 at the Richard Midway Funeral Home, 5749 Archer Ave. in Chicago. Processing to Our Lady of the Snows Church for Mass. Interment Resurrection Cemetery. Visitation was January 12.
EMILY LITWINSKI
Emily Litwinski (nee Majka), 95, of Lemont and formerly of Chicago’s Archer Heights community, passed away January 2.
Beloved wife of the late Roman Litwinski; loving mother of Christine (late Henryk) Szafron; dearest grandmother of Jessica (Tarkan Michael Sengullu) Szafron; devoted daughter of the late Maria (nee Pisarek) and late Franciszek Majka.
Visitation was held January 7 at Zarzycki Manor Chapels Ltd., 8999 S. Archer Avenue, Willow Springs. Funeral services followed. Entombment Resurrection Garden Mausoleum.
MILDRED M. MEYER
Mildred M. Meyer (nee Palenik), 89.
Beloved wife of the late Harold; cherished daughter of the late John (late Mary); loving mother of Susan (William) Waterstraat, Hal (Kathleen), and Mark (Ellen) Meyer; dearest Nana to Jonathan, Bradley, Andrew, Melissa (Elliot), Madeline, Matthew (Kristina), Katherine, Meredith, and Luke. Devoted sister of the late Rudolph (late Norma and late Elmyra) Palenik, the late Helen (late Stephen) Pijacek, the late Edward (late Antionette) Palenik, and Ruth (Joseph) Enderle; fond sister-in-law of Beverly (late James) Walsh; special Aunt (Mimi) of nieces and nephews; friend of many, but especially Helen Hruska.
Visitation followed by funeral was held January 12 at Evangelical Lutheran Church of Dr. Martin Luther, 5344 S. Francisco, Chicago. Interment Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials to Evangelical Lutheran Church of Dr. Martin Luther appreciated.
Arrangement entrusted to Kosary Funeral Home.
JEAN E. MRKACEK
Jean E. Mrkacek (nee Hofraiter), 81, of Willow Springs, passed away December 31.
Beloved wife of the late James R. Mrkacek; loving mother of Cheryl Geer, Nancy Mrkacek and Debra Mullen; dear grandmother of Christopher (Sherry) Geer, Matt Geer, Joshua (Ashley) Mullen and Douglas Mullen; dearest great-grandmother of Lauren Geer and Henry Mullen; devoted daughter of the late Emily (nee Gruntrad) and late Frank Hofraiter; dear sister of the late Ronald Hofraiter; fond sister-in-law of Jeanne Wood, late Lorraine Kopca and late Joseph Mrkacek; also nieces and nephews.
Mrs. Mrkacek was a member of the Willow Springs Lioness Club, Willow Springs Senior Club, LaGrange Garden Club, Pokeno Club and Past President of the Willow Springs School PTA.
Visitation was held January 5 at Zarzycki Manor Chapels, 8999 S. Archer Ave., Willow Springs. Funeral was held January 6 from the funeral home to the Church of St. Patricia for Mass. Entombment Fairmount Willow Hills Memorial Park.
RUTH O’NEILL
Ruth O’Neill (née Morales), 87, Chicago’s Garfield Ridge community, passed away December 26.
Much loved and devoted mother of Alan O’Neill, Charisse O’Neill and Monica (Scott) Mrozek; cherished grandmother of 22 and great grandmother of 17. Ruth was preceded in death by her 13 brothers and sisters.
Visitation was held January 6 at Foran Funeral Home, 7300 W. Archer Ave. in Summit. Visitation was held at the funeral home January 8 until time of prayers. Procession from the funeral home to Two Holy Martyrs Parish, St. Rene Goupil Church for a Mass of Christian Burial. Interment atSt. Mary Cemetery.
STELLA RAUDYS
Stella Raudys (née Ramoska), 96, of Chicago’s Garfield Ridge community, passed away January 1.
Loving wife of the late Joseph; dearest sister of the late Antoinette Heyder and the late John (late Magdalene) Ramoska; cherished aunt of Laura Ramoska and Gary Heyder; dear sister-in-law, aunt and great aunt of many.
Stella was a member of St. Daniel the Prophet Senior Group and also St. Agnes Senior Group.
Visitation was held January 6 at Foran Funeral Home, 7300 W. Archer Ave. in Summit, until time of celebration of life service. Procession from the funeral home to St. Casimir Cemetery where Stella was laid to rest next to her husband.
In lieu of flowers, please say a prayer for Stella.
ALONZO RHYNES
Alonzo Rhynes, 72, of Summit, passed away unexpectedly at home December 27.
He was the loving father of Ann Marie Burnett; devoted and proud grandfather of Timothy McFerrin, Cassius Burnett, Alexus McFerrin, Bishop McFerrin, London McFerrin and Tashaina Burnett; dear brother of Jannie Rhynes. Alonzo will be missed by his many friends and neighbors.
A celebration of life in honor of Alonzo will be held at a later date.
FRANCISCO ROJAS
Francisco Rojas, 82, passed away December 31.
Loving husband of Ofelia (nee Lopez). Beloved father of Maria (Oscar) Martinez, Francisco (Aly) Rojas, Jose A. (Betty) Rojas, Ofelia Rojas, Carlos (Lupe) Rojas, Patty Rojas, Jose L. Rojas, and Nancy Rojas; cherished grandfather of Oscar Jr., Amy, Britany, Jeremy, Felix, Carlos Jr., Julian and Bella; great-grandfather of Alexander, Madeline and Alexia; dearest brother of the Late Julian (Late Carmen) Rojas, late Roberto (Ageda) Rojas, late Anita (Late Gollo Pegero) Rojas, late Luz Maria (Late Rodolfo) Hernandez and late Lupe Rojas; many nieces and nephews.
Retired longtime employee of Amtrak.
Funeral was January 8 from Wolniak Funeral Home to Mary Mother of Mercy Church for Mass. Interment Holy Sepulchre Cemetery. Visitation was held January 7.
BRONISLAW SZELIGA
Bronislaw Szeliga, 86, passed away December 13.
Beloved husband of the late Maria (nee Truchan) Szeliga; loving father of Jan (Maria) Szeliga and Jozef Szeliga; dear grandfather of Krzysztof Szeliga and Piotr Szeliga; cherished son of the late Rozalia (nee Miskowiec) and the late Andrzej Szeliga. Also survived by nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
Visitation was December 17 at Damar-Kaminski Funeral Home & Crematorium, 7861 S. 88th Avenue, Justice. Funeral was held December 18, prayers and procession from the funeral home to Our Lady Mother of the Church Polish Mission, 116 Hilton St., Willow Springs for Mass.
Interment, Resurrection Cemetery, Justice.
STEFAN WILK
Stefan Wilk, 80, passed away December 16.
Beloved husband of the late Zofia (nee Cieslik) Wilk; loving father of Yolanda (Michael) Sullivan and Adam Wilk; dearest grandfather of Michael, Kevin, Marissa and Bailey; dear uncle of Marta Wilk and Peter Wilk, also survived by cousins, relatives and friends.
Visitation was December 18 at Damar-Kaminski Funeral Home & Crematorium, 7861 S. 88th Avenue, Justice. Funeral was held December 18, prayers and procession from the funeral home to Our Lady Mother of the Church Polish Mission, 116 Hilton St., Willow Springs, for Mass. Interment, Resurrection Cemetery, Justice.
Local News
We need real solutions to crime
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Icy spill yielded plenty of good will
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It’s a busy January in Gage Park
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You can bank on good service here
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Palos Park police to hold active shooter drill
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Richards’ Principal walks 24 hours for a cause
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Victress Women’s Wellness Center sets goals for 2022
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Broadcast news — Palos Heights’ Channel 4 has big 2021
Spread the loveBy Jeff Vorva The first Palos Heights city council meeting of 2022 featured a few minutes of bragging about Channel 4’s success in 2021. The local cable channel had a record-breaking year and Alderman Jerry McGovern was more than happy to run down the happy totals at Tuesday’s board meeting at City Hall.…
Experienced bakers buy The Great American Bagel in Palos Heights
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New owner will keep Palmer Place name and burgers Copy
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Neighbors
It’s about time | Illinois high school hoops gets 35-second shot clock beginning with 2026-27 season
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Oak Lawn police target drivers who ignore stop signs
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Volunteers from Brother Rice, St. Rita and St. Laurence help indigent on their final journey
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Comings & Goings: Orland Park Summerfest returns this weekend
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Repair Cafe this Saturday at Township of Lyons HQ
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‘They didn’t have to kill my brother’ – sister of slain Bridgeview man
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‘You just learn to live with the pain’
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Man shot in La Grange; suspect arrested in Stickney
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