Obituaries for Jan. 20, 2022
THERESA M. BALDWIN
Theresa M. Baldwin (nee Boxlietner), age 76, passed away December 12, 2021.
Beloved wife of Richard Baldwin; loving mother of Michael Kresch, Kenneth Kresch, Crystal Nelson and Denise Baldwin; dear grandmother of Samantha Peters, Dennis Nelson, Devorie Nelson, Korin Leeth, Kayla Nelson, Kaylee Nelson, Travis Spagnola, Kyle Kresch, Sydney Kresch, Jonathan Kresch, Matthew Kresch and Addison Amistani; dearest great-grandmother of Andrew Delano, Anthony Peters, Anna Peters, Adam Peters and Dakota Nelson; cherished daughter of the late Clara (nee Conlon) and the late Fred Boxlietner. Also survived by nieces, nephew, relatives and friends.
Visitation was held December 18 at Damar-Kaminski Funeral Home & Crematorium, 7861 S. 88th Avenue, Justice. Cremation rites to be accorded. For more information, 708-496-0200 or www.kaminskifamilyfuneralhomes.com.
LUDWIKA BUDZ
Ludwika Budz (nee Turziak), age 87, passed away December 15.
Beloved wife of the late Tadeusz Budz; loving mother of Jan (Joanna) Budz, Kazimierz (Anna) Budz, Wladyslaw (Maria) Budz and Anna Budz (Andrzej Szaflarski); dear grandmother of Arthur (Monika) Budz, the late Natalia Budz, Ewelina Budz, Christian Bafia, Daniel Bafia, Kevin Budz, Erik Krzystyniak, Julianna Krzystyniak and Sebastian Budz; cherished daughter of the late Maria (nee Chowaniec) and the late Andrzej Turziak; fond sister of the late Wladyslaw (Maria) Turziak and Maria (the late Andrzej) Chowaniec. Also survived by nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
Visitation was held December 19 at Damar-Kaminski Funeral Home & Crematorium, 7861 S. 88th Avenue, Justice. Funeral was held December 20, prayers and procession from the funeral home to Sacred Heart Church, 8245 W. 111th Street, Palos Hills for Mass. Interment, Resurrection Cemetery, Justice. For more information, 708-496-0200 or www.kaminskifamilyfuneralhomes.com.
ANNA BUKOWSKA
Anna Bukowska, age 80, of Chicago, Archer Heights community, passed away January 6.
Loving mother of Maria (Stanley) Zolnierczyk and Czeslawa (Jan) Mietus; dearest grandmother of Dariusz (Gabriella) Zolnierczyk, JoAnna Zolnierczyk, Jacqueline (Michael) Bowling; fond great grandmother of Sebastian and Damian Zolnierczyk; devoted daughter of the late Maciej and late Maria (nee Szczechowicz) Bukowski; dearest sister of Jozef (Maria) Bukowski.
Visitation was held January 9 at Zarzycki Manor Chapels, 5088 S. Archer Ave., Chicago corner of Keeler. Funeral was held January 10 from the funeral home to the Church of St. Richard for Mass. Interment Resurrection Cemetery. 773-767-2166 or www.ZarzyckiManorChapels.com.
VIOLET V. ENGSTROM
Violet V. Engstrom nee Volland passed away on January 8.
She was the cherished wife of the late Harry Engstrom, beloved wife of the late Frank Biernat. Loving mother of Kathy (David) Pittman, Frank (Barbara) Biernat, Pamela (Michael) Cusack & Patricia (Balaji) Talluri. Cherished grandmother of David (Candace), the late Douglas (Heather), Kevin (Natalie), David, Steve (Tracy), Matthew (Tearsa), Beth (Dan), Tim (Nicki), Jason (Melissa), Patrick (Amy), Sanjay (Amanda) & Nicholas (Natasha). Great grandmother of 16. Dear sister of the late Doris Harris and the late Janet Korhorn, fond aunt of many nieces & nephews.
Violet dedicated her life to being an exceptionally wonderful wife and mother – the foundation of our family. She filled her home with warmth and kindness and demonstrated her love in so many ways.
Interment planned at the celebration of her life on her August birthday.
GENOVEVA “VEVA” GARZA
Genoveva “Veva” Garza, age 93, passed away January 4.
Beloved mother of Norma (John) Rodriguez, Robert Garza, Elizabeth “Lizzie” Garza, David (Lee) Garza, Maria “Bonnie” (Juan) Basilio, Anita “Annie” (Roberto) Malpica Jr.; 12 grandchildren; 19 great grandchildren; five siblings, and many nephews and nieces.
Visitation was held at Szykowny Funeral Home, 4901 S. Archer Ave., Chicago. Jonathan F Siedlecki, Director/Owner. Cremation private. To leave any tributes, please visit Funeral Home Website at www.SzykownyFuneralHomeIL.com.
CARLOS IRIZARRY, SR.
Carlos Irizarry, Sr., age 69, passed away January 2. United States Army Veteran Vietnam War.
Beloved husband of the late Mireya (nee Salazar); loving father of Carlos (Amanda) Irizarry, Jr. and Carolina Irizarry; dearest grandfather of Alexander, Andre, Zoe and Samuel Irizarry; devoted son of the late Felicita (nee Medina) and late Rafael Irizarry; dear brother of Hermes (late Agueda) Perez, Jose (Amelida) Camacho, Rafael (Angelita) Irizarry, Teresa Irizarry (Cesar Varela), Juan (Sylvia) Irizarry, Nelson (Cynthia) Irizarry, Alicia Irizarry, Noel Irizarry, Robert Irizarry, Tonita Irizarry and Edwin Irizarry; fond uncle of many nieces and nephews.
Visitation was held January 7 at Zarzycki Manor Chapels, Ltd., 5088 S. Archer Ave., corner of Keeler. Prayer Service with Military Honors followed. 773-767-2166.
RAYMOND JOHN JASIEN
Raymond John Jasien, age of 94, passed away December 20, 2021. Army Veteran (Korea).
He was preceded in death by his wife, Ann, and his sister, Dolores. Ray is survived by his daughter, Cynthia Narayan, grandson Christopher, granddaughter Sara and her husband Ben; by his son Steven, daughter-in-law Melissa, granddaughters Sabrina and Nicole; and family members in Illinois and Florida.
A private cremation has been held.
MARIE ANNETTE KJER
Marie Annette Kjer, age 59, passed away January 5.
Loving daughter of Lorraine J. Coppens and the late Charles F. Kubal Jr.; cherished mother to Tammy (Richard) Starzyk, Stephanie (Robert) Johnson, and Robert (Sara) Kjer, beloved grandmother to Elizabeth, Ryder, and one on the way; dear sister to, John (Deborah) Kubal and Barbara (the late David) Arlington.
Memories were shared at a visitation on January 13, with prayer service at Hann Funeral Home, 8230 S. Harlem Ave, Bridgeview. Funeral services were held Friday January 14 at Hann Funeral Home to St. Fabian Catholic Church 8300 Thomas Ave, Bridgeview for a Mass of Christian Burial. Interment St. Mary Cemetery in Evergreen Park. For more information, please call the funeral home at 708-496-3344.
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.
GORDANA LEVENDA
Gordana Levenda, 74, of Palos Hills, passed away on January 11.
Gordana was born in Austria.
She was the beloved mother, grandmother, aunt, and friend to all. She was preceded in death by her parents, Gregorie and Helena nee Graf Glodjovich. Cherished mother of Caroline, Nicholas (Kristy), Elizabeth, and Anthony (Kelly) Levenda; loving grandmother of Luke and Samantha.
She was a loving and strong person who dedicated her life to helping others through her career working in hospital laboratories. She was a lover of animals and dedicated to stray animal rescue. She passed on her love of animals, nature, cooking and gardens to all of her children. Her main passion was to be a supportive mother and grandmother. She will be greatly missed by all.
Services and interment private.
Arrangements entrusted to Palos-Gaidas Funeral Home, Palos Hills.
For information or to express your condolences, visit www.palosgaidasfh.com or call 708-974-4410.
MARTIN J. McGRATH
Martin J. McGrath, age 90, passed away January 7. Korean War Army Veteran.
Beloved husband of Rita (nee O’Donnell); loving father of Kathy McGrath, Colleen (Gregory) Mather and the late Michael (Kathleen) McGrath; devoted grandfather of Kathleen and Molly Mather, Sean (Samantha) and Daniel (Shelli-Lynne) McGrath; great-grandfather of Michael and Callan; cherished son of the late Michael and Agnes McGrath. Longtime educator and principal at Hurley Elementary in Chicago.
Funeral Mass was held January 13 at St. Michael Church, 14327 Highland Avenue, Orland Park. Interment Holy Sepulchre Cemetery. For further information Richard J Modell Funeral Home, 708-301-3595.
SHIRLEY L. (MOHR) MESTAN
Shirley L. Mestan (nee Mohr), age 94, passed away December 18, 2021.
Beloved wife of 70 years of the late Edward J. Mestan, Jr.; loving mother of Robert E., MD (Cecelia) Mestan, Janice L. (Sam) Perry and Ronald A. (Diane) Mestan; dear grandmother of 11 and great-grandmother of 13; fond sister of the late Bonnie (late Paul) Jensen. Aunt and great-aunt of many nieces and nephews. Member of St. Jane de Chantal Ladies Guild & Seniors.
In lieu of flowers memorials to American Heart Association, P.O. Box 840692, Dallas, TX 75284-0692 or www.heart.org.
LARRY ELDON MITCHELL
Larry Eldon Mitchell, age 84, longtime resident of Bridgeview, passed away December 28, 2021.
He leaves behind his beloved wife Carole (nee Cerven), son Jeff and daughter Patricia, 4 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren, from a former marriage, also 3 stepsons – Michael (Andrea), the late Anthony, the late Edward Rodriguez, Grampa Larry”Pops” to Michael Jr., Blanca (Wally) Lockard and Cheyenne Rodriguez, Great Grampa Larry to Wally III, Aniayah and Eleazar. Larry was a member and tireless worker in the Bridgeview Golden Agers Senior Club and The Senior Commission.
Cremation rites were private, and a memorial will be held at a later date with friends and family to be notified.
MILDRED M. MEYER
Mildred M. Meyer (nee Palenik), 89, of Oak Lawn, passed away January 5.
She was the 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.
Funeral services were 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.
Arrangements entrusted to Kosary Funeral Home.
JUAN RAMON ORTIZ
Juan Ramon Ortiz, age 55, of Chicago, Little Village community, passed away January 6. Recently retired Chicago Police Sergeant.
He was the beloved son of Jose Carmen Ortiz and the late Maria Guadalupe Perez; treasured partner and friend of Deborah Scheck; dear brother of Antonio (Rosie Green) Ortiz, Raul (Scott Mossman) Ortiz, Alberto (Juan Carlos Gonzalez) Ortiz, Martha Elena (Roberto) Lara, Margarita (Reynel Villalobos) Ortiz, Ofelia Ortiz, Rosa Maria Ortiz and Natalia Ortiz. Fond uncle of many nieces and nephews. For 29 years Sgt. Ortiz served the city of Chicago with honor and respect.
Visitation was held January 12 at Foran Funeral Home, 7300 West Archer Ave. (55th St. just west of Harlem). A service in celebration of Juan’s life was held at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, the family would greatly appreciate a donation in honor of Sgt. Ortiz to the Chicago Police Memorial Foundation. Condolences may be sent to Juan’s family on his personal tribute website at www.foranfuneralhome.com.
CZESLAW PARZYGNAT
Czeslaw Parzygnat, age 66, passed away December 16, 2021.
Beloved husband of Teresa (nee Tetnowska) Parzygnat; loving father of Lukasz (Beata) Parzygnat; dearest grandpa of Maximus; cherished son of the late Zofia (nee Pepek) and the late Stanislaw Parzygnat; dear brother of Jan, Franciszek, Stefan, Adam, Jadwiga, Anna, Andrzej, Tadeusz, the late Stanislaw, the late Jozef and the late Wiktoria. Also survived by nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
Visitation was held December 20, 2021 at Damar-Kaminski Funeral Home & Crematorium, 7861 S. 88th Avenue, Justice. Funeral was held December 21, 2021, prayers and procession from the funeral home to Saint Blase Church, 6101 S. 75th Avenue, Summit for Mass. Interment, Resurrection Cemetery, Justice. For more information, 708-496-0200 or www.kaminskifamilyfuneralhomes.com.
JOSEPH RAGUSA
Joseph Ragusa, age 68, of Willowbrook, passed away December 29, 2021.
Beloved husband of Kathy (née Koziarz); cherished son of the late Benny and late Margaret (nee Polito), Ragusa; much loved brother of Peter (Nikki) Ragusa, Ninette (Henry) Machnik, the late Maria Corso, and brother-in-law of Gina (Louie) Spalla; dear son-in-law of the late Angeline “Chickie” McGleam. Joe will be greatly missed by his nieces and nephews Gia, Jenna, Tammy, Thomas, Julie, Ann Marie, Peter, Michelle, Michael, Kari and his many great nieces and nephews. He loved his dog “babies” Emme, Luci and Oliver.
Visitation was held January 11 at Foran Funeral Home, 7300 W. Archer Ave. (55th Street just west of Harlem). A Chapel Service with Fr. Bob Regan officiating followed at the funeral home. Condolences may be sent to Joseph’s family on his personal tribute website at www.foranfuneralhome.com.
ANTONIO CARDOZA RIVERA
Antonio Cardoza Rivera, age 77, passed away peacefully January 6 in Evergreen Park,
Visitation was held January 13 at Marin Funeral Home, 2744 W. 51st Street Chicago. Funeral mass on January 14 at St. Gall Church (55th and Kedzie) in Chicago, IL. Interment Queen of Heaven Cemetery, 1400 S Wolf, Hillside, IL.
JULIO SAUCEDO
Julio Saucedo, age 84, passed away January 9.
Beloved husband of Belia (nee Serrano); loving father of Francisca (German) Serrano, Antonio, Patricia (Gerardo) Cahue, Julio Jr. (Patricia) the late Mario, Michael Sanchez and Maria Cristina (Mauricio) Velez; proud grandfather of Mayra, Daniel, Samuel, Ismael, German Jr., Mariella, Gerardo Jr., Isaac, Andres, Bianca, Gema, Julio III, Jimena, Sofia, Marianna, Mario Jr., Manuel and David; great grandfather of Isabella, Jorge Jr. and Mateo; dear brother of Nicolasa, the late Fermin, the late Pedro, the late Leobarda and the late Agripina.
Family and friends gathered at the Wolniak Funeral Home, 5700 S. Pulaski Rd on January 13. Funeral from Wolniak Funeral Home to Epiphany church for mass. Interment St. Mary Cemetery. 773-767-4500 or www.wolniakfuneralhome.
LUPE SCHAEFER
Lupe Schaefer (née Trevino), age 70, passed away January 9.
Daughter of the late Francisco and Delfina Trevino; loving wife of 50 years to Thomas Schaefer; beloved mother of Sabrina (Donald) Seropian; proud and cherished grandmother of Christopher, Angelina and Ella. Sister to many brother and sisters, as well sister-in-law to many. She was loved and cared for by Leonard and Kathleen Biancofiori.
Visitation was held January 14 at Ridge Funeral Home, (Edward A. Tylka, Manager), 6620 W. Archer Ave, Chicago. Prayer Service was held January 15 at Ridge Funeral Home, 6620 W. Archer Ave, Chicago. Mass of Christian Burial was held at St. Daniel the Prophet Church, 5300 S. Natoma Ave, Chicago. Interment at St. Mary Cemetery, Evergreen Park. For info call 773-586-7900 or visit www.ridgefh.com. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.ridgefh.com for the Schaefer family.
IRENE VISCARIELLO
Irene Viscariello (nee Jansky), age 94, of Brookfield, passed away January 5.
Beloved wife of the late Gennaro “Gene” Viscariello; loving mother of James (Pamela) Viscariello, Michael Viscariello, and Gene (Renee) Viscariello; grandmother of Andrew, Erica, Natalie, Melanie, Jenna, Kelsey, Kristina, and Michael Jr.; great-grandmother of Alithia, Naomi, Sage and Greta.
Visitation was held January 7 at Hitzeman Funeral Home, Ltd., 9445 West 31st Street, Brookfield. Funeral to St. Barbara Church, 4000 Prairie Avenue, Brookfield for Mass. Interment Queen of Heaven, Hillside. Information 708-485-2000 or www.HitzemanFuneral.com. If you wish to send a sympathy card to the family, please feel free to send it to Hitzeman Funeral Home, 9445 West 31st Street, Brookfield, IL 60513, c/o Irene Viscariello Family. We will gladly forward it on to the family.
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