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Obituaries for Jan. 13, 2022

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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. 

ArielJAMES 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. 

BuralliRAYMOND 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. 

FabianELVIA 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.

GalvanMARIA 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. 

GustawDANUTA 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. 

HomkoROBERT W. HOMKO

images REPORTER EXTRA ART Am Flag copySgt. 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. 

IrvingCECILE 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. 

KoehnkeLILLIAN 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. 

KuffellANN 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. 

LitwinskiEMILY 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.

MeyerMILDRED 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.

MrkacekJEAN 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.

ONeillRUTH 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. 

RhyneALONZO 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. 

RojasFRANCISCO 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.

SzeligaBRONISLAW 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.

WilkSTEFAN 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

Jamal Thompson is the new boys basketball coach at Richards.

Area Sports Roundup | New coaches named at Richards and Stagg

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Spread the loveBy Jeff Vorva Correspondent A few area high school coaching vacancies have been filled, including those for Richards boys basketball and Stagg football. Jamal Thompson takes over at Richards for Kyle Rathbun. Thompson has experience coaching at Seton, Leo and St. Rita. Jacob O’Connor will lead Stagg football, where he takes the reins…

The Independence Junior High School community memorialized art teacher Mike Maholland by planting a memorial tree overlooking his art classroom. A moment of silence was held outside during the tree planting. (Supplied photos)

Memorial service honors longtime Independence art teacher

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Spread the loveBy Kelly White Palos School District 128 honored the life of one of its beloved educators with a Memorial Service. The service at Independence Jr. High School, 6610 W. Highland Dr., Palos Heights, May 24 honored the legacy of longtime art teacher, Mike Maholland, of Hickory Hills, who passed away on February 18.…

regional biz 5-28-24 OakLawnChamberRestaurantWeek

Oak Lawn Chamber to sponsor Restaurant Week

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Spread the loveBy Bob Bong More than a dozen restaurants have signed up to take part in the Oak Lawn Chamber of Commerce’s inaugural Restaurant Week in June. “This is a new endeavor for us,” said Anne Fritz, chamber executive director. “This will be our unofficial kick off to summer.” Fritz said the chamber’s marketing…

Kelly Simkins shows off a blue-eyed cicada that she found in Orland Park. (Photo provided by Kelly Simkins)

One-in-a-million blue-eyed cicada found in Orland Park

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Spread the loveBy Jeff Vorva Kelly Simkins is an aspiring musician and someday she just might hit the stage and perform a Frank Sinatra song. Meanwhile, the Crestwood resident is partnering with another “Ol Blue Eyes” for a little fame. So, start spreading the news… Simkins, who owns Merlin’s Rockin’ Pet Show, was in Orland…

Summit says it will cost $1.7 million to replace the aging 74th Avenue pedestrian bridge. (Photo by Carol McGowan)

Summit looks to replace aging pedestrian bridge

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Spread the loveBy Carol McGowan Generations of Summit residents have used the 74th Avenue pedestrian bridge and village officials are now getting ready to replace the aging structure. Village Engineer Tim Klass from Novotny Engineering recently discussed replacing the bridge with a crowd of about 75 people at a community meeting on May 15 at…

It will now cost golfers a few bucks more to play Flagg Creek. (File photo)

Flagg Creek golfers will pay more for greens fees

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Spread the loveBy Steve Metsch It will cost more to play at Flagg Creek Golf Course in Countryside this summer. The Pleasant Dale Park District, by a 4-1 vote, recently approved a rate increase that had been unanimously approved by the Countryside City Council in April. The park district and city are co-owners of Flagg…

McCook plans on sandblasting decades of paint off its fire hydrants -- like this one near the village hall -- and painting them a color to be determined. (Photo by Steve Metsch) 

McCook fire hydrants to be sandblasted and painted

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Spread the loveBy Steve Metsch Decades of paint – some three-quarters of an inch thick – will be sandblasted off most of the fire hydrants in McCook this summer. “For 30, 40 years we’ve been painting over them. They’ve never been sandblasted. It’s well overdue,” Mayor Terrance Carr said during the most recent board meeting.…

Antoinette Briley

Woman sentenced in 2003 murders of newborn twins

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Spread the loveFrom staff reports A 44-year-old woman, charged in the 2003 deaths of her newborn twins following an extensive cold case investigation by Cook County Sheriff’s Police, has been convicted of murder. On May 8, Cook County Sheriff Thomas J. Dart announced that Antoinette Briley pled guilty to murder at the Bridgeview Courthouse and…

dvn mccook coco

McCook approves ‘preventive’ rodent control program

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Spread the loveBy Steve Metsch The McCook Village Board earlier this month approved what Mayor Terrance Carr calls “preventive maintenance.” The board on May 6 unanimously approved paying Rose Pest Solutions $12,000 for a 10-week rodent control program throughout the village. It’s not that the McCook now has a rat problem, Carr said. It’s that…

Summit residents and property owners attend the community meeting on May 15. (Photo by Chris Crisanti)

Summit, property owners discuss apartment inspections

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Spread the loveBy Carol McGowan Nearly 75 people attended a community meeting last Wednesday evening in the multi-purpose room of Graves School to learn about changes coming to the village. Three topics highlighted the meeting. Rental property inspections, lead line replacement, and replacing the 74th Avenue pedestrian bridge. Mayor Sergio Rodriguez tackled the controversial rental…

Neighbors

Thanks to Niego Real Estate, block after block in Clearing and Garfield Ridge are decked out each year in red, white and blue. Residents are asked to volunteer to pick up flags and decorate their whole block—or even additional blocks. --Supplied photo

Niego Real Estate salutes America again

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Spread the love. Popular flag program underway . By Tim Hadac Clearing and Garfield Ridge residents who want to decorate their blocks in red, white and blue this Independence Day are encouraged to contact Niego Real Estate and reserve a supply of U.S. flags at no charge. The popular program to promote patriotism and community…

Alan Morales

Lyons Mental Health Commission pulls LeaderShop funding

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Spread the loveExecutive director accused of harassment From staff reports The local nonprofit service community was jolted when nearly $300,000 in mental health funds was withdrawn by a Lyons Township agency from the Western Springs LeaderShop, a social service agency that has provided youth programs for nearly 40 years. The Lyons Township Mental Health Commission…

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Mount Carmel, Marist and Oak Lawn among 84 teams at Riverside-Brookfield shootout

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Spread the loveBy Xavier Sanchez Correspondent   High school boys basketball does not stop in March and pick back up in late autumn. For many players, playing hoops is a year-round commitment. AAU ball is a big reason for, that there are summer camps, shootouts or other events at most schools during the summer. The…

Peggy Zabicki

Dog lovers to celebrate ‘Fur of July’

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Spread the love. By Peggy Zabicki Your correspondent in West Lawn 3633 W. 60th Place •  (773) 504-9327 . I’m starting out with some fun news. The West Lawn Dog Park Advisory Council will be hosting a Fur of July Pet Parade on Saturday, June 29 from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at West Lawn…

Mary Stanek

Fourth of July not happy for everyone

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Spread the love. By Mary Stanek Your correspondent in Archer Heights and West Elsdon 3808 W. 57th Place •  (773) 517-7796 . Happy Fourth of July. Cannot believe I am already saying that, time sure goes. Hope it is safe and quiet for everyone and especially all of our house pets. For us its shutting…

Kathy Headley

St. Rita’s transformation is worth a look

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Spread the love. Kathy Headley Your correspondent in Chicago Lawn and Marquette Manor 6610 S. Francisco • (773) 776-7778 . St. Rita of Cascia Church, 63rd and Fairfield, continues to undergo its transformation from the sunflowery/harvest golds and browns of the 1960s and 1970s to the calming pastels of the 2000s. Since the basilica-style church…

Alyssa Naeher clears a ball at North Carolina on June 23 in a 3-1 Red Stars loss. IMAGN photo

Loss to Courage brings Red Stars’ winless streak to five games

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Spread the loveBy Jeff Vorva Correspondent The Chicago Red Stars historic start to the season is all but forgotten. In the last five matches, the Red Stars have failed to win, with the latest setback being a 3-1 loss on the road to North Carolina on June 23 in an NWSL battle. The Red Stars…

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Summer League Basketball | Illinois powers compete at Riverside-Brookfield Shootout

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Spread the loveBy Xavier Sanchez Correspondent School’s out for the summer, but high school athletes across Illinois are remaining active during the summer sports season. This includes basketball players, who can be found at camps, open gyms, camps and even weekend tournaments. Among the more high profile hoops action in the area was the Riverside-Brookfield…

Dana Rettke, a graduate of Riverside-Brookfield High School, will play on the U.S. women's volleyball team at the upcoming Summer Olympic Games in Paris.

Dana Rettke and Ryan Murphy heading to Paris Summer Games

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Spread the loveBy Jeff Vorva Correspondent Area fans of the Summer Olympics will have extra reasons to cheer athletes from the United States in the upcoming Paris Games. Dana Rettke of Riverside is a member of the U.S. women’s volleyball team and Palos Heights native Ryan Murphy will represent the country in swimming. Rettke, a…

Kathy Headley

Hope Church feeds the hungry at Marquette Park

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Spread the love. Kathy Headley Your correspondent in Chicago Lawn and Marquette Manor 6610 S. Francisco • (773) 776-7778 . Last week on the way to our CAPS meeting at the Marquette Park Fieldhouse, I stopped in at the Tuesday Community Dinner hosted by Hope Church every week in the auditorium. Pastors Ben and Jordyn…