Obituaries June 16, 2022
BARBARA BAJZEC
Barbara Bajzec, 89, late of Orland Park, passed away on June 4.
She was the wife of the late George Bajzec; mother of Valentina and Darlene Bajzec; aunt of many nieces and nephews.
Funeral Service was held on June 11 at Thornridge Funeral Home. Interment Resurrection Cemetery.
Arrangements entrusted to Thornridge Funeral Home (Janusz Family Funeral Service).
ELEANOR M. BALTES
Eleanor M. Baltes, 100, late of Orland Park, passed away June 8.
She was the daughter of the late Anton and Selma Baltes; sister of the late Anton J. Baltes and Evelyn (Baltes) Schuette; aunt of Dean (Maureen) Schuette, David (Deb)Schuette, Dan Schuette, Diane Jorgensen, Donna (Andy) Rich; great aunt of many nieces and nephews.
A Funeral Mass was held on June 13 at Our Lady of the Woods Church. Interment St Mary Cemetery.
Arrangements entrusted to Thornridge Funeral Home (Janusz Family Funeral Service).
CARL BEDNARA
Carl Bednara, age 74, of Palos Park, passed away June 6.
Loving father of Richard (Sara) Bednara, Monica Bednara (Michael Ahrens) and Caroline Bednara; dearest grandfather of Sabrina, Rosie, Halie and Ayla; devoted son of the late Zofia Paduch and the late Stanislaw Bednara; fond brother of Adam Bednara; partner of Helena Majchrzak; uncle of many nieces and nephews.
Visitation was held June 10 at Zarzycki Manor Chapels, Ltd., 8999 S. Archer Avenue, Willow Springs. Funeral services followed. Interment Resurrection Cemetery. 708-839-8999 or www.ZarzyckiManorChapels.com.
ALLAN J. CITTA
Allan J. Citta, 73, of Manhattan, formerly of Tinley Park, passed away June 12.
He was the beloved husband of Annie (nee Majkrzak), loving father of Casey (Jennifer) Komosa and Alexa (Casey) Tietz; cherished grandfather of Logan, Trevor and Meredith; devoted son of the late Wanda (nee Makarek) and late James Citta; dear brother of Sandy (Steve) Hoeft; dear son-in-law of the late Rozalia (nee Kenick) and late Stanislaw Majkrzak; fond brother-in-law of Casimir, Tad (Anne) Majkrzak, Stanley Jr. (Agnes) Majkrzak, Lottie (Leonard) Rakus, John (Cindy) Majkrzak and the late Mary (late Bobby) Potoniec; uncle of many nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be Thursday, June 16, from 4-8 p.m. at Zarzycki Manor Chapels Ltd., 8999 S. Archer Ave., Willow Springs. Funeral will be Friday, June 17, at 9 a.m. from the funeral home to the Church of St. Patricia. Mass 10 a.m. Interment Resurrection Cemetery.
SERGIO DUENAS
Sergio Duenas, age 57, passed away May 24.
Beloved husband of Laura (nee Mendez) Duenas; loving dad of Jessica (Carlos) Gonzalez and Joseph Duenas (Mariela Villalobos); treasured grandpa of Carlos Gonzalez, Isabel Gonzalez, Emily Gonzalez, Aiden Gonzalez, Diego Duenas and Luciano Gonzalez; cherished son of Abraham Duenas (Antonia Duenas Aburto) and the late Micaelina Duenas Ibarra; devoted brother of Noel Duenas (Rogelia Cortez), Everardo Duenas, Maria (Scott) Dennis, Nina Duenas (Hugo Abarca), Abraham Duenas, Nilda Duenas (Jose Tapia), Elida Duenas (Francisco Javier Estrada) and Antonio Duenas (Samantha Alvarado). Also survived by many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
Visitation was held May 27 at Damar-Kaminski Funeral Home & Crematorium, 7861 S. 88th Avenue, Justice. Funeral was held May 28, Prayers and procession from the funeral home to Saint Bede the Venerable Church, 8200 S. Kostner Ave., Chicago for Mass. Interment, Resurrection Cemetery, Justice. For more information, 708-496-0200 or www.kaminskifamilyfuneralhomes.com.
LAUREN RENEE FIELDS
Lauren Renee Fields, age 32, passed away peacefully with her family by her side May 27.
She was survived by her parents Deanna (Scott) VanDell and Larry Fields; her loving fiancé William Gates Jr.; her grandparents Sam and Linda Lupo and many aunts, uncles and cousins.
Thank you to everyone who supported #Laurenstrong. It gave her strength to fight right to the end. She fought her entire battle with courage, dignity and grace.
In memory of Lauren, donations to the Morton Arboretum, are much appreciated.
Visitation was held May 29 at Damar-Kaminski Funeral Home & Crematorium, 7861 S. 88th Avenue, Justice, with a Service and Time of Remembrance held at the funeral home. Cremation Rites to be accorded. For more information, 708-496-0200 or www.kaminskifamilyfuneralhomes.com.
ROBERT R. FUESEL
Robert R. Fuesel, 86, died at his home in Palos Heights on June 4.
He was the beloved husband of 60 years to Margaret, nee Sacco, dear father to Paul (Ex: Marsha Failor) of Seattle, Gregg (Elizabeth) of Omaha, Neb., Jerry (Marie) of Orland Park, fond grandfather of Robert, Benjamin, Carrie, and Owen. Preceded in death by brother Stan (Barbara) of Fairfax, VA. Fond uncle of many nieces and nephews.
Retired from the Internal Revenue Service criminal division as special agent (1958 – 1986), U.S. Military Reserves (Marines and Air Force OSI). Former president, Federal Criminal Investigators Association and National Association of Crime Commissioners. Served as Executive Director of the Chicago Crime Commission (1986 – 1991). Fuesel enjoyed sharing stories of his work on investigations of organized crime figures and of narcotic and gambling operations. He helped those telling the history of organized crime and, prior to his retirement, acted as a consultant on the movie, “The Untouchables.” Member of the Illinois Police Association and the Fraternal Order of Police. Lay minister at Incarnation Catholic Church, Crestwood, he proudly created a garden for the Blessed Mary and set up the Adoration Chapel and book stand.
Visitation will be Friday, June 17, from 4-8 p.m. Funeral will be Saturday, June 18, at 10:15 a.m. from the Becvar & Son Funeral Home, 5539 W. 127th Street, Crestwood, to Incarnation Catholic Church, 5757 W. 127th Street, Crestwood, for an 11 a.m. Mass. Interment will be in private at St. Mary Cemetery, Evergreen Park.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Bob’s name to the charity of your choice would be appreciated. \
ANDRZEJ GOCAL
Andrzej Gocal, age 73, passed away May 30.
Beloved husband of Maria (nee Jedrol) Gocal; loving father of Krzysztof (Aleksandra) Gocal, Maria Gocal, Krystyna Gocal and Anna (Jan) Bochnak; dearest grandfather of Antoni Gocal, Wojciech Gocal, Marianna Bochnak, Julianna (Michael) Walsh and Jonathan Bochnak; cherished son of the late Ludwika (nee Skubisz) and the late Andrzej Gocal; fond brother of Anna (Wladyslaw) Staszel and Maria (Jozef) Bobek. Also survived by nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. Member of ZPPA Kolo Nr. 52 Czerwienne.
Visitation was held June 2 at Damar-Kaminski Funeral Home & Crematorium, 7861 S. 88th Avenue, Justice. Funeral was held June 3, Prayers and procession from the funeral home to Saint Bruno Church, 4751 S. Harding Avenue, Chicago for Mass. Interment, Resurrection Cemetery, Justice. For more information, 708-496-0200 or www.kaminskifamilyfuneralhomes.com.
CHARLES C. LA FRANCIS
Charles “Charlie” C. La Francis, age 73, passed away June 6. Army Veteran.
He was the loving Father of Christopher (Regina) La Francis, Valerie (Daniel) Gallo and Sarah (Bob Skrobot) La Francis; proud grandfather of Lucy, Charlie and Sophia La Francis and Ben, Nori, Nate and Ava Gallo; and Grandpaw to Lucky Jack, Ginny, Blue and Drax; fond brother of Shari (late Jim) Broscovak, Tim (Sylvia) La Francis, the late Faye (Russ) Schneider and Wendy (Mike) Skwira. Charlie will be missed by his former spouse and dear friend Christine La Francis and his many nieces, nephews and friends.
Visitation was held June10 at Foran Funeral Home, 7300 W. Archer Ave. (55th street just west of Harlem). A Service in celebration of Charlie’s life was held followed by Military Honors. In lieu of flowers, the family requests any generosity in Charlie’s memory be given to the Mutts of the Midway dog rescue. https://www.muttsofthemidway.org/donate. Condolences may be sent to Charles’s family on his personal tribute website at www.foranfuneralhome.com.
ADELE E. O’BRIEN
Adele E. O’Brien, nee Glenn, 91, of Hometown, passed away on June 12 at home surrounded by her loved ones.
She was the beloved wife for 70 years of William F. O’Brien; devoted mother of Ellen O’Brien and the late Michael and Martin (Joanne) O’Brien; proud grandma of Janet, Jennifer and Katie; great-grandmother of six.
Adele was a retired surgical nurse after a 43-year career.
Funeral service will be Thursday at 11 a.m. at Curley Funeral Home, 6116 W. 111th St., Chicago Ridge. Interment at Mount Hope Cemetery in Chicago.
JAMES T. O’BRIEN
James T. O’Brien, age 73, passed away June 5. US Army Veteran, honorably served in the Vietnam War.
Proud father of Jim (Karen) O’Brien, Tracie (Joe) Yednock, and Katherine (Brian) Thompson; adoring grandpa of Emma, Jimmy, and Abbey O’Brien; Tommy and Ryan Yednock; Brian, Matthew, and Patrick Thompson; dear brother of Mike (Maria) O’Brien, the late Danny (late Kathy) O’Brien, Patricia (Jack) Kenney, Mary Kay Murphy, and the late Gerry O’Brien; fond uncle to many nieces and nephews; Cherished friend to many; Proud 52 year member of the Sprinkler Fitter’s Union Local 281.
Visitation was held June 9 until the time of Mass at St. Catherine of Alexandria Church, 10621 S. Kedvale Ave., Oak Lawn; Interment Private. Arrangements entrusted to Curley Funeral Home, Chicago Ridge. Kindly Omit Flowers. For funeral info: 708-422-2700 or www.curleyfuneralhome.com.
VICTORIA ROSE OGRODNY
Victoria Rose Ogrodny, 3, of Oak Lawn, passed away June 13.
She is the cherished daughter of Jennifer Ogrodny; dearest sister of Lucas Natour; loving granddaughter of Janet Ogrodny and Slawomir Ogrodny; fond great granddaughter of John (late Mary) Doran and Zofia (Jozef) Ogrodny; dearest niece of Jonathan and also survived by many great aunts and great uncles.
Visitation will be Friday, June 17, 4-8 p.m. at Zarzycki Manor Chapels, 8999 S. Archer Avenue, Willow Springs. Funeral will be Saturday, June 18, at 9 a.m. from the funeral home to the Church of St. Gerald. Mass 10 a.m. Interment Resurrection Cemetery.
PATRICIA A. OLESKY
Patricia A. Olesky (nee Moser), age 87, passed away May 12.
Beloved wife of the late Theodore Olesky; loving mother of the late Michael Olesky Sr. and the late Pamela Olesky-Smith; dear grandmother of Michael Jr. (Monica) Olesky; dearest great-grandmother of Olivia and Theo. Also survived by relatives and friends.
Visitation was held May 31 at Damar-Kaminski Funeral Home & Crematorium, 7861 S. 88th Avenue, Justice. Cremation rites have been accorded. For more information, 708-496-0200 or www.kaminskifamilyfuneralhomes.com.
KRYSTYNA PYRZANOWSKI
Krystyna Pyrzanowski (nee Cachro), age 52, of Palos Hills, passed away June 5.
Beloved wife of Derek Pyrzanowski; loving mother of Konrad (Karolina), Noah and Nellie Pyrzanowski; devoted daughter of Stanislaw and the late Irena (nee Kucharska); dearest sister of Irena Stanek; fond aunt of Natalia (Andy) Galdyn, Robert Stanek and Raphael (Grace) Pyrzanowski; fond daughter-in-law of Janusz (late Elzbieta) Pyrzanowski; dear sister-in-law of Lester (Ania Jankowska) Pyrzanowski; also survived by many aunts, uncles and cousins of the Kucharski and Cachro Families.
Visitation was held June 9 at Zarzycki Manor Chapels, Ltd., 8999 S. Archer Ave. Funeral was held June 10 from the funeral home to the Church of Sacred Heart for Mass. Interment Resurrection Cemetery. 708-839-8999 or www.ZarzyckiManorChapels.com.
JOSE A RODRIGUEZ
Jose A Rodriguez, age 69, passed away June 3 at his residence.
Will be forever missed by his beloved family and friends.
Visitation and Chapel Service were held at Szykowny Funeral Home, 4901 S Archer Ave, Chicago. Jonathan F Siedlecki, Owner/Director. Interment is in Mexico. To leave any tributes, please visit funeral home website at www.SzykownyFuneralHomeIL.com.
ANNA E. ROEGNER
Anna E. “Betty” Roegner (nee Wuerfele), age 93, of Brookfield, passed away peacefully June 4.
Betty was preceded in death by her husband of over 50 years, Rupert Roegner; her parents George and Fonda (Graham) Wuerfele; sisters Georgie Ethel, Mildred Stillian, Alberta Wuerfele, Lucile Woods, and Marguerite Myers. Betty is survived by her daughter, Cathy (Ron) Shook, her son and gracious caregiver, Mark Roegner, four grandchildren, Elizabeth (Ryan) Briggs, Ben (Meredith) Shook, David (Liz) Shook, and Jon (Mary) Shook as well as six great grandchildren Michael, Jackson, Chris, Caroline, Donovan, and Lily.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimers Association. Visitation was held June 7 at Hitzeman Funeral Home, Ltd., 9445 West 31st Street, Brookfield. Graveside service was held June 8 at Woodlawn Cemetery, 7750 Cermak Rd, Forest Park. Information 708-485-2000 or www.HitzemanFuneral.com. For those of you that would like to express your condolences to the family, please visit the funeral home website and you can leave the family a message. 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 the Anna Roegner Family. We will gladly forward it on to the family.
MARY ANN SHEEHY
Mary Ann Sheehy, age 87, passed away May 25.
Cherished daughter of the late Gertrude (nee McGrory) and the late William Sheehy; dear sister of the late Bill (the late Maureen) Sheehy, the late Kathleen (Richard) Wojciechowski, and the late Carol (the late John) Bazukas; cherished love of the late Ted Willy. Also survived by nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, relatives and friends.
Visitation was held May 31 at Damar-Kaminski Funeral Home & Crematorium, 7861 S. 88th Avenue, Justice with Service and Time of Remembrance held at the funeral home. Interment, Resurrection Cemetery Garden Mausoleum, Justice. For more information, 708-496-0200 or www.kaminskifamilyfuneralhomes.com.
SPIROS G. VARDOUNIOTIS
Spiros G. Vardouniotis, age 89, passed away May 21. Veteran of the Korean War.
Beloved husband of Irini (nee Xydis) Vardouniotis; loving father of George Vardouniotis and Alexandra Vardouniotis (Bill Laskaridis); dearest Papou of George Spiro Laskaridis; cherished son of the late Alexandra (nee Bisbikis) and the late George Vardouniotis; dear brother of the late Pete (the late Mary), the late Kostas (the late Kalliope), the late Demetrios (Martha), the late Asimina (the late Kostas), the late Louis (Eleni), Eleni (the late Sotiris), the late Panagiota (the late Nikos) and the late Vlasia (Demetrios). Also survived by nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
Visitation was held May 24 at Damar-Kaminski Funeral Home & Crematorium, 7861 S. 88th Avenue, Justice. Funeral was held May 25, procession from the funeral home to Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Church, 7560 S. Archer Road, Justice for service. Interment, Bethania Cemetery, Justice. For more information, 708-496-0200 or www.kaminskifamilyfuneralhomes.com.
Local News
Sandburg’s touchdown pass in final minute sinks Lincoln-Way Central
By Mike Walsh Sandburg coach Troy McAllister faced a decision in a Week 6 Southwest Suburban crossover game at Lincoln-Way Central. In reality, it wasn’t much of a choice: Let your best athletes make a play. And they did. In the Eagles’ 28-27 victory over Lincoln-Way Central, Charlie Snoreck caught a 5-yard touchdown pass from…
Myles and Myles to go: Mitchell, Richards race past Shepard
By Mike Walsh Have a senior season, Myles Mitchell. The versatile running back delivered another dominant performance in Week 6 as Richards shut out Shepard 21-0 in a South Suburban Red game in Palos Heights. Mitchell ran 25 times for 233 yards, including touchdowns of 91 and 9 yards. The North Dakota State recruit also…
Football notebook: New Solorio coach eyes turnaround
By Mike Clark After eight years away from football, Jonathan Jauregui was ready to get back in the game. Already working at Solorio, he joined the Sun Warriors’ coaching staff as defensive coordinator last year. This season, he’s the head coach and Solorio is off to a 4-2 start after getting past host Back of…
Kamarion and Kavarion McCarter power Kennedy past Ag. Science
By Mike Clark Things are changing for Kennedy football, and the McCarter brothers are among those making it happen. In one of the biggest games in program history, the Crusaders knocked off Ag. Science 17-8 in Week 6 at Gately Stadium. That all but clinched the Public League White Southwest title for Kennedy (5-1, 3-0),…
Argo’s late rally falls short vs. Tinley Park
Argo had the final scoring opportunity it wanted in Friday night’s South Suburban crossover contest against host Tinley Park. Unfortunately for the Argonauts, an untimely interception thrown after reaching the Titans’ 30-yard-line with 56 seconds remaining on a first-and-10 play sealed their fate in a 19-14 loss. “The kids fought at the end, but we…
Area sports roundup: Cougars fall to national power; area golfers swing to sectionals
By Jeff Vorva St. Xavier has proven to be a solid top-15 football team in the country in NAIA play, but the Cougars need a little more work when playing with top-5 opponents. Cougars coach Mike Feminis didn’t sugarcoat things when he said his team took “a good old-fashioned butt whipping from an outstanding team,”…
Nazareth’s ground game dominates vs. St. Rita
By Mike Walsh Quarterback Logan Malachuk and the other skill players at Nazareth draw most of the attention and deservedly so. After all, the Roadrunners have piled up 206 points through the first six games of the season, a 34.3 average. But after Nazareth’s 45-21 CCL/ESCC Green victory at St. Rita in Week 6, it…
Mike Walsh’s Football Top 10, Week 7
1. MARIST (5-1) Last week: Beat Providence 28-7 This week: at St. Ignatius Comment: Running back John McAuliffe and quarterback Jacob Ritter accounted for two TDs each in a strong victory over Providence. 2. LYONS (6-0) Last week: Beat Oak Park-River Forest 49-14 This week: at Downers Grove North Comment: West Suburban Silver supremacy on…
Girls volleyball roundup: Mother McAuley beats Marist to take third in ASICS
By Jeff Vorva Mother McAuley’s chance for a three-peat of winning the ASICS Challenge was halted in the semifinals. But the third-place match was no disappointment. The host Mighty Macs took third in the tournament by beating rival Marist for the second time in 10 days, 25-20, 25-19 on Oct. 5. The two teams met…
Cross country: Solorio’s unique venue a hit with runners
By Mike Walsh Come over the bridge spanning the west branch of the lagoon at the Marquette Park Golf Course on the way from the ninth green and make a left. While making the final kick down the left side of the No. 1 hole, there are trees on the left that have leaves beginning…
Neighbors
Sandburg’s touchdown pass in final minute sinks Lincoln-Way Central
By Mike Walsh Sandburg coach Troy McAllister faced a decision in a Week 6 Southwest Suburban crossover game at Lincoln-Way Central. In reality, it wasn’t much of a choice: Let your best athletes make a play. And they did. In the Eagles’ 28-27 victory over Lincoln-Way Central, Charlie Snoreck caught a 5-yard touchdown pass from…
Myles and Myles to go: Mitchell, Richards race past Shepard
By Mike Walsh Have a senior season, Myles Mitchell. The versatile running back delivered another dominant performance in Week 6 as Richards shut out Shepard 21-0 in a South Suburban Red game in Palos Heights. Mitchell ran 25 times for 233 yards, including touchdowns of 91 and 9 yards. The North Dakota State recruit also…
Football notebook: New Solorio coach eyes turnaround
By Mike Clark After eight years away from football, Jonathan Jauregui was ready to get back in the game. Already working at Solorio, he joined the Sun Warriors’ coaching staff as defensive coordinator last year. This season, he’s the head coach and Solorio is off to a 4-2 start after getting past host Back of…
Kamarion and Kavarion McCarter power Kennedy past Ag. Science
By Mike Clark Things are changing for Kennedy football, and the McCarter brothers are among those making it happen. In one of the biggest games in program history, the Crusaders knocked off Ag. Science 17-8 in Week 6 at Gately Stadium. That all but clinched the Public League White Southwest title for Kennedy (5-1, 3-0),…
Argo’s late rally falls short vs. Tinley Park
Argo had the final scoring opportunity it wanted in Friday night’s South Suburban crossover contest against host Tinley Park. Unfortunately for the Argonauts, an untimely interception thrown after reaching the Titans’ 30-yard-line with 56 seconds remaining on a first-and-10 play sealed their fate in a 19-14 loss. “The kids fought at the end, but we…
Area sports roundup: Cougars fall to national power; area golfers swing to sectionals
By Jeff Vorva St. Xavier has proven to be a solid top-15 football team in the country in NAIA play, but the Cougars need a little more work when playing with top-5 opponents. Cougars coach Mike Feminis didn’t sugarcoat things when he said his team took “a good old-fashioned butt whipping from an outstanding team,”…
Nazareth’s ground game dominates vs. St. Rita
By Mike Walsh Quarterback Logan Malachuk and the other skill players at Nazareth draw most of the attention and deservedly so. After all, the Roadrunners have piled up 206 points through the first six games of the season, a 34.3 average. But after Nazareth’s 45-21 CCL/ESCC Green victory at St. Rita in Week 6, it…
Mike Walsh’s Football Top 10, Week 7
1. MARIST (5-1) Last week: Beat Providence 28-7 This week: at St. Ignatius Comment: Running back John McAuliffe and quarterback Jacob Ritter accounted for two TDs each in a strong victory over Providence. 2. LYONS (6-0) Last week: Beat Oak Park-River Forest 49-14 This week: at Downers Grove North Comment: West Suburban Silver supremacy on…
Girls volleyball roundup: Mother McAuley beats Marist to take third in ASICS
By Jeff Vorva Mother McAuley’s chance for a three-peat of winning the ASICS Challenge was halted in the semifinals. But the third-place match was no disappointment. The host Mighty Macs took third in the tournament by beating rival Marist for the second time in 10 days, 25-20, 25-19 on Oct. 5. The two teams met…
Cross country: Solorio’s unique venue a hit with runners
By Mike Walsh Come over the bridge spanning the west branch of the lagoon at the Marquette Park Golf Course on the way from the ninth green and make a left. While making the final kick down the left side of the No. 1 hole, there are trees on the left that have leaves beginning…