Obituaries March 17, 2022
NEMESIO GONZALES CAMPOSANO
Nemesio Gonzales Camposano, 83, passed away January 31.
He will be forever missed by beloved family and friends.
Visitation and Liturgical Chapel service was held at Szykowny Funeral Home, 4901 S. Archer Ave., Chicago. Cremation private.
ROBERT M. CURRAN
Robert M. “Bob” Curran, 77, of Chicago’s Garfield Ridge community, passed away unexpectedly February 23.
He was an Army veteran.
He was the beloved son of the late John and Elizabeth Curran; loving partner of Eleonora “Lonnie” Witkowska; dear brother of Thomas (Lenore) Curran, James (Vivian) Curran, Gerald (Sharon) Curran, Michael Curran, the late John (late Joyce) Curran, and the late Margaret (Patrick) Boyle; fond uncle of Thomas Jr., Patrick, Brian, Colleen, John, Gerald Jr., Audrey, Linda and Joel.
Before retiring, Bob worked for the CTA for over 40 years.
Family and friends met at Two Holy Martyrs Parish, St. Symphorosa Church, 6135 S. Austin, Chicago, on March 3 for a Mass of Resurrection followed with Military Honors. Burial will be at St. Mary Cemetery at a later date.
Condolences may be sent to Bob’s family on his personal tribute website at www.foranfuneralhome.com.
CAROLYN MAE FRIEND
Carolyn Mae Friend, 82, resident of Summit for 63 years, passed away February 26.
Beloved wife of Earl Friend; loving mother of Les (Pam) Friend, Matt (Beth) Friend, Scott (Judy) Friend, Rich Friend, Carol Ann (Warren) Grimm and Rebecca Friend (Mark Poston); loving grandmother to Lesley Anne, Zachery, Kiersten, Cindy, Mary (Lee Bragg), Cody, Ben Grimm, Nicole, Andy Grimm, and Aiden Poston; great-grandmother of Zachery, Nathan, Connor, and Hannah; sisters Dorothy Riebau (Robert), Linda Overton (Chuck). She was preceded in death by her daughter Carol Ann Grimm; parents Leslie Earl Savage and Elsie Mae Savage; dear sister Mary Frantz, brothers Ernest (Jessie) Savage, Roy (Alberta) Savage, Bob Savage, Harry Savage, Eugene Savage, in-laws; Opal (Oliver) Fike, Clarence (Rosemary) Friend, Wayne Friend, Dorothy (Ross) Fike, Robert Riebau, and Chuck Overton.
Carolyn was a devoted and active member of Zion Lutheran Church.
A memorial visitation and service were held at Zion Lutheran Church March 5. Carolyn will be buried at Blooming Rose Church and Cemetery in Friendsville, Maryland at a later date.
Condolences may be sent to Carolyn’s family on her personal tribute website at www.foranfuneralhome.com.
BERTHA GODINEZ
Bertha Godinez, 90, of Chicago, passed away January 28.
She will be forever missed by beloved family and friends.
Visitation and chapel service were held at Szykowny Funeral Home, 4901 S. Archer Ave., Chicago. Final resting place St Mary’s Cemetery, Evergreen Park.
To leave any tributes, please visit funeral home website at www.SzykownyFuneralHomeIL.com.
ALLEN E. KARAUS
Allen E. Karaus, of Palos Hills, passed away on March 3 at the age of 74.
Al was born to Anthony Karaus and Rose Konrath in Chicago. He was the youngest of six siblings and is survived by his sisters, Sylvia and Antoinette.
He grew up in the Back of the Yards neighborhood in Chicago and attended Dewey Elementary School and Tilden High School.
As a teenager, he joined and truly enjoyed the Sherman Park Weightlifting Club, cultivating a dedication to fitness that continued throughout his life.
He served as a paratrooper, spending much of his tour stationed in Germany. During that time, he completed the Nijmegen March in the Netherlands, feeling proud to represent the United States and privileged to march along other NATO forces.
In 1973, he married the love of his life Kathryn Yanahan. They built a life on the South Side of Chicago and had two loving children, Allen and Jennifer (Craig).
He spent his career as an officer for the Chicago Police Department. After retiring from the department, he moved to the southwest suburbs and enjoyed his connections to Sacred Heart Church and St. Mark’s Church.
He enjoyed simple pleasures including time with family, outings to nearby forest preserves, helping out at church functions, following sports, and going to the park across the street from his home.
He was a kind and caring man and was loved dearly by his family and friends. \
A memorial service will be planned for May.
Memorial donations can be made to The Wounded Warrior Project, https://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/ or St. Mark’s Church in Worth, https://www.stmarkworth.org/
Arrangements entrusted to Palos-Gaidas Funeral Home, 11028 Southwest Highway, Palos Hills.
To express your condolences or for updated information, visit www.palosgaidasfh.com.
EUGENE E. KRYCZKA SR.
Eugene E. Kryczka Sr., 75, of Palos Hills, passed away on March 5.
He was a veteran of the Army National Guard.
He was the beloved husband of Marguerite Kryczka nee Frana; loving father of Kathleen (Brian) Anderson, Eugene Jr. and Benjamin (Jaime) Kryczka, Mary (Timothy) Farmer; cherished grandfather of Jacob and Nicholas Anderson, Alexander, Steven and Ryan Kryczka and Daniel Farmer and the late James and John Farmer. Devoted son of the late John and Frances nee Mocaldo Kryczka. Dearest brother of the late Walter Kryczka; dearest brother-in-law of Gregory (Michelle)Frana and the late Otto Frana; kind uncle to Stacy, Gail Jo, Zachary and Christopher; dear friend to many.
Services were held last week at from Palos-Gaidas Funeral Home, 11028 Southwest Highway, Palos Hills, to Sacred Heart Church. Interment Resurrection Cemetery.
Gene served as a Police Commissioner for the Palos Hills Police Department and he was also a former Palos Hills alderman.
He was a 50-year member of Sacred Heart Church.
In lieu of flowers, contributions to Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation would be appreciated.
To express your condolences or for information, visit www.palosgaidasfh.com.
LORRAINE M. LOTZ
Lorraine M. Lotz, 92, of Brookfield, passed away February 27.
Beloved wife of the late Erwin W. Lotz; fond mother of Martin Lotz, Eileen (Robert) Pusateri, William (Carol) Lotz, Kathleen (Bruce) Wollensak and Bernard (Heather) Lotz; dear grandmother of Robert (Michelle) Pusateri, Adam (Caitlin) Pusateri, Connor Wollensak, Kelsey Lotz, Justin Lotz and Paige Wollensak; great grandmother of Nicholas Pusateri, Marin Pusateri and Rowan Pusateri; loving sister of Jeannie (Bruce) Stamp.
Visitation was held March 3 at Hitzeman Funeral Home Ltd., 9445 W. 31st St., Brookfield. Funeral to St. Louise de Marillac Church, LaGrange Park for Mass. Interment Queen of Heaven Cemetery, Hillside.
Memorials appreciated to St. Anthony’s Guild, 144 W. 22nd St., New York NY 10001.
ANTONI MAKSWIEJ
Antoni Makswiej, 82, passed away February 4.
Beloved husband of Helena (nee Suchocka) Makswiej; loving father of Grzegorz (Aleksandra) Makswiej, Andy (Kamila) Makswiej and Justyna Makswiej; dear grandfather of Gabriella, Victoria, Natalia, Maximilian and Olivia; cherished son of the late Dominika (nee Czerpak) and the late Czeslaw Makswiej; fond brother of Edmund (Kazimiera) Makswiej and Stanislaw (Barbara) Makswiej. Also survived by nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
Visitation was held February 8 at Damar-Kaminski Funeral Home & Crematorium, 7861 S. 88th Avenue, Justice. Funeral was held February 9 to Saint Faustina Kowalska Church, 5255 S. McVicker Avenue, Chicago, for Mass. Interment, Resurrection Cemetery, Justice.
RITA C. MEDINA
Rita C. Medina, 94, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family February 7.
Beloved daughter of Gregorio and Maria Carrizales (deceased). Survivors include her brothers Guadalupe and Jose Carrizales; beloved husband Juan Medina and three children Guadalupe, Richard and Yesenia, 12 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews.
She was employed at Nabisco Bakery for over 35 years retiring in 1991.
A celebration of her life was held at Szykowny Funeral Home, 4901 S. Archer Ave., Chicago. Cremation private.
To leave any tributes, please visit funeral home website at www.SzykownyFuneralHomeIL.com.
ALICE M. NOWAK
Alice M. Nowak (nee Krason), 96, of Summit, passed away peacefully at home on March 1, five days before her 97th birthday.
She was the beloved wife of the late Edward J. Nowak, loving and kind mother of Gregg (Betty), Edward (Cyndie) Nowak, the late Marian Pietruszka and Teresa Klimek- Downs; dedicated grandmother to Monica, Elyse (Toby), Alexa (Zach), Rich, Russ (Carrie); Ron (Carrie) and great-grandmother of Reagan, Corrine, Caitlynn, Ricky, Ella and Reid. Dear sister #5 to Maryrose Darmofal sister #9. Alice was preceded in death by her mother, Catherine Krason , her siblings, Josephine (John) Filipiak; Casimira (Frank) Nowak; Thaddeus (Florence) Krason; Evelyn (Ignatius) Goetz; Chester (Ruby) Krason; John Krason, and Joseph Krason and her brothers and sisters-in-law, Anthony Darmofal, John (Antoinette) Nowak, Walter (Stephanie) Nowak, Stanley Nowak, Josephine Nowak, Sophie (Paul) Jachim, Mary (Michael) Lizik, Frank (Casimira) Nowak, Helen (Walter) Sanicki, Emily (Thomas) Suchocki; respected aunt and great-aunt to many.
Retired employee of Sears Roebuck. A Life member of St. Joseph’s Ladies of the Rosary.
Visitation was held March 4 at Foran Funeral Home, 7300 W. Archer Ave. in Summit. Visitation at the funeral home March 5 until time of Prayers then Mass at St. Joseph Church. Interment Resurrection Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Alice’s honor to Shriners Children’s Hospital would be appreciated.
To share a memory of offer condolences please visit Alice’s personal tribute website at www.foranfuneralhome.com.
JULIO CAESAR PIMENTEL
Julio Caesar Pimentel, 84, passed away February 6.
Loving husband of the late Jeanne Irene Pimentel (Jakovac); dear father of Jeannie Andrea Pimentel, Julio Gumersindo Pimentel Jr., Janet Pimentel, and Jessica Pimentel; beloved grandfather of Alfonso Rios (Joy), Cynthia Reyes (Robert), Joseph Rios (Tiffany), Christine Luis (David), Nicole Pimentel, Benjamin Pimentel, Ashley Pimentel, Melissa McPhail (Tim), Meagan Pimentel, Reginald B. Pimentel, and Hope H. Daniel; cherished great-grandfather of Joey McCague, Alfonso Jesus Rios, Alejandro Rios, Genesis Rivera, Robert Reyes Junior, Joshua Reyes, Jason Reyes, Liam McPhail, Natalia Rios, Issac Rios, and Angelo and James Luis; beloved son of the late Ana (the late Antonio) Moreno and the late Caear (the late Lugarda) Pimentel; loving brother of Elsa Moreno and the late Marcos Moreno (Rena), the late Joe (the late Josephine) Pimentel, Lydia Pimentel and the late Nina Pimentel. Julio is also survived by his many nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.
Visitation was held February 9 at Damar-Kaminski Funeral Home & Crematorium, 7861 S. 88th Avenue, Justice. Funeral was held February 10 to Saint Symphorosa Church, 6135 S. Austin Avenue, Chicago. Interment, Resurrection Cemetery, Justice.
JOHN R. SARBARNECK
John R. Sarbarneck, 92.
He was a National Guard veteran of the Korean War.
Beloved husband and best friend for 68 years to the late Charlotte A. Sarbarneck (nee Zender); loving father of Michelle Sarbarneck, Marc Sarbarneck, Renee (DJ) Hosbein and Marynoel Sarbarneck; dearest grandfather of Anthony (Tiffany) Palazzolo and Andrea Palazzolo (Troy Maxwell); dear great grandfather of Troy, Ace, Maryahanna and Nadiya; fond brother-in-law of Judith (Donald) Rohlfing and Melinda (late Robert) Lamacki; also nieces and nephews.
Visitation was held March 12 at the Church of St. Paul with Mass. Interment Resurrection Cemetery.
THOMAS J. SCHMITZ, JR.
Thomas J. Schmitz Jr., 87, passed away March 8.
He was an Army veteran.
Loving husband of 58 years to Patrice Schmitz (nee Wagner); cherished dad to Mariclare (Joe) Sheil, Mark (Mary Brittany) Schmitz, Mike Schmitz, Matt (Maggie) Schmitz, Jean (Mike) Moran, Tom (Michelle) Schmitz, Cecile (Tom) Riordan, and Katie (George) Terrell; adoring grampa of 21 grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren; dear son of the late Thomas and Mae Schmitz (nee VanDolman); brother of Sandra Schmitz OP, Richard (Marge) Schmitz, and the late Arlene (late Robert) Beaman; uncle to many nieces and nephews.
Visitation was held March 15. Funeral March 16 from Curley Funeral Home, 6116 W. 111th St., Chicago Ridge, to St. Thomas More Church, 2825 W. 81st St., Chicago for Mass. Interment Holy Sepulchre Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations would be appreciated to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, https://www.stjude.org/donations.
LATTIE WOJTYSIAK
Lattie Wojtysiak (nee Plewa), 87, passed away February 22.
Beloved wife of the late Edward Wojtysiak; loving mother of Edward Wojtysiak and Christine (Daniel) Rice; dearest grandmother of Jessica Wojtysiak, Joseph (Charly) Wojtysiak, Timothy Wojtysiak, Rachael (fiancé Miles), Thomas Rice, Amanda Rice and Nicholas (fiancé Jessica) Rice; devoted daughter of the late Anna (nee Panszczyk) and late Stanley Plewa; dear sister of and Maryanne (Fred) Anderson and late Stella (Raymond) Zmikly; proud aunt of many nieces and nephews.
Visitation was held February 27 at Zarzycki Manor Chapels Ltd., 5088 S. Archer Ave., Chicago. Funeral was held February 28 from the funeral home to the Church of St. Richard for Mass. Interment Resurrection Cemetery.
Local News
Oak Lawn-Hometown Middle School shares the love
Spread the loveBy Kelly White Oak Lawn-Hometown Middle School students shared the love in February. The school, 5345 W. 99th St. in Oak Lawn, held a Hershey Heartwarming Project, where students used green screen technology to make videos of picture book read aloud and activities for pediatric patients at Hope Children’s Hospital. “Reading books can…
Bridgeview buys new digital radio system for police
Spread the loveBy Steve Metsch Bridgeview is spending $250,000 for a state-of-the-art radio system that Police Chief Ricardo Mancha said will be a vast improvement for the department. The village board at its March 2 meeting unanimously approved the purchase of 45 portable digital radios and accessories from Motorola Solutions. “Doing this is going to…
Forest View trades K-9 officer to Stickney
Spread the loveBy Carol McGowan After working with the Forest View Police Department, Ali, a 5-year-old male German shepherd, has a new home with the neighboring Stickney Police Department. Forest View Village Administrator Michael Dropka said it worked out well for all involved. “The idea came about because of our great relationship with the Village…
Lyons hits jackpot with gaming machine fee hike
Spread the loveBy Steve Metsch The village of Lyons stands to benefit greatly from a new state law that allows non-home rule communities to charge higher annual fees for the gaming terminal licensing fee. The state previously had a cap of $25 on the fee, Mayor Christopher Getty said. That’s been boosted to $250. At…
Beloved Attorney, David C. Dineff, passes away
Spread the loveBy Carol McGowan David C. Dineff, a well-known and longtime area attorney, passed away unexpectedly on March 8. He was 73. To know David, was to love David. To his family and friends, he was the most special person. To his clients, which are too many to count over the years, he was caring…
Lifelong area resident, Betty Brady, passes away at 94
Spread the loveBy Carol McGowan Betty Brady, a lifelong area resident of Summit and Bedford Park, and the mother of Bedford Park Mayor David Brady, passed away on February 26 at the age of 94. She was born in Summit on November 3, 1927. Mrs. Brady graduated from Zion Lutheran School in Summit in 1941,…
Palos Heights officials hear from both sides on video gaming
Spread the loveBy Jeff Vorva Palos Heights officials took the temperature of the community about video gaming Monday night. It was very warm for both sides. More than 80 people showed up at the Palos Heights Recreation Center’s Orchard Room for special meeting of the License, Permits and Franchise Committee for a chance to air…
Rossberg takes over Argo football program
Spread the loveBy Carol McGowan Phillip Rossberg may be the new head football coach at Argo High School, but he’s been a familiar face on the sidelines and in the classroom at the school for the last seven years. He started working at the school in 2015, and along with being the new head football…
Greetings from your new columnist
Spread the loveBy Laura Ortega Your correspondent in Greater Ashburn 4214 W. 82nd Place • (773) 627-6679 I’m excited to become the new correspondent for Greater Ashburn (covering the Wrightwood, Ashburn, Parkview and Scottsdale neighborhoods). Please allow me to introduce myself to you. I work full-time as a finance professional, specializing in state and local…
Seven reasons this spring sports season could be special
Spread the loveBy Jeff Vorva Staff writer Things are a little quiet right now, but it’s the calm before the storm. Get ready for a monster sports spring in the area. The IHSA offers 13 spring sports and activities, including bass fishing. Area colleges will be busy, especially with baseball and softball. The Chicago Red…
Neighbors
Township of Lyons donates $10,000 to help food pantries
Spread the loveBy Steve Metsch The Township of Lyons board was in a giving mood at its most recent meeting. The board approved sponsorships and donations totaling $12,250. The largest donation was $10,000. It went to the Greater Chicago Food Depository which runs 12 monthly mobile food pantries in the township each year. Supervisor Christopher…
Countryside zoning commissioner honored for 20 years on board
Spread the loveBy Steve Metsch For the past 20 years, Tina Grotzke has had a say-so in every development that’s come to Countryside. Grotzke was appointed to another term on the city’s the plan commission zoning board of appeals during the city council’s meeting on June 12. Mayor Sean McDermott noted Grotzke’s two decades of…
Nuccio bids farewell to Indian Springs SD 109
Spread the loveBy Carol McGowan After 25 years of serving the area, 22 of those at Indian Springs School District 109, Dr. Blair Nuccio is set to retire. Dr. Nuccio was the assistant superintendent at District 109 before becoming superintendent in July of 2017. Prior to that, he spent three years as the superintendent at…
A real knockout
Spread the loveLyons boy, 10, heads to boxing nationals By Steve Metsch Dario Lemus Jr., has yet to knock out an opponent in the boxing ring. Give him time. After all, the 10-year-old Lyons boy has only been boxing for 18 months. “I’ve dropped two kids, but not like a knockout,” Dario said with a…
New Middle Eastern coffee shop opens next to Bridgeview courthouse
Spread the loveBy Nuha Abdessalam Coffee connoisseurs take heart, Bridgeview Court Plaza’s newest addition, The Qahwa, is now open. Prepare to be captivated by a truly unique Middle Eastern coffee experience, nestled in the heart of Bridgeview’s “Little Palestine.” The Qahwa, with its one-of-a-kind Middle Eastern coffee blends and inviting atmosphere, is a haven for…
Temps were hot, but golfers were cool
Spread the love. Kathy Headley Your correspondent in Chicago Lawn and Marquette Manor 6610 S. Francisco • (773) 776-7778 . The weekend of June 22/23 started with temps in the 90s, a high humidity both days and the threat of rain loomed throughout the weekend as well. This is not unusual for the third week…
Oak Lawn Fourth of July festivities
Spread the loveCelebrate Independence Day at the Village of Oak Lawn’s annual Fourth of July Parade at 4 p.m. on Saturday, June 29! This cherished community event brings together families, friends, and neighbors to honor the spirit of freedom and patriotism. Parade will step off at 95th Street and Lacrosse and head west on 95th…
District 230 names Director of Safety and Security
Spread the loveFrom staff reports The Consolidated High School District 230 Board of Education approved Dr. Mary Pat Carr as the district’s first Director of Security. She will move from her current position as Assistant Principal of Activities at Stagg High School to the Administrative Center on July 1. Her duties as Director of Safety…
Worth Public Library kicks off summer reading program
Spread the loveBy Kelly White Patrons at the Worth Public Library welcomed in the summer season earlier this month. The library, 6917 W. 111th St., hosted its annual celebration on June 1 to bring patrons of all ages out to sign up for its summer reading program. “We love any excuse to celebrate reading with…
Fire knocks out Orland’s UFC Gym
Spread the loveFrom staff reports A fire last Thursday afternoon practically destroyed an Orland Park gym and knocked out neighboring businesses, as well. Orland Park firefighters received a call at 2:31 p.m. June 20 for a reported fire in the UFC Gym located at 66 Orland Square Drive Unit C. Multiple 911 calls were received for a…
