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
Palos Park police to hold active shooter drill
Spread the loveFrom staff reports Palos Park Police will fine tune their strategies for dealing with an active shooter to ensure the safety of both officers and citizens later this month. The end goal of the January 30 drlll is to test the department’s active shooter response plans and fine tune them. “Palos Park effective…
Richards’ Principal walks 24 hours for a cause
Spread the loveBy Kelly White Most people spend New Year’s Day relaxing. Richards High School Principal Dr. Mike Jacobson spent it on the treadmill. For the second year in a row, Jacobson inspired generous donations of more than $20,000 on New Year’s Day by walking 24 hours on a treadmill without stopping. All of the money raised goes directly…
Victress Women’s Wellness Center sets goals for 2022
Spread the loveBy Kelly White Empowering women in the new year is Victress, a wellness center for women, in Palos Heights. The center opened in October at 7120 W. 127th St. and welcomed in the new year with a goal-setting seminar open to women in the local community called, Achieve 2022: This year set goals,…
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
Spread the loveNew owners nearly double the menu for breakfast, lunch By Cosmo Hadac When The Great American Bagel’s shop in Palos Heights changed hands late last year, the new owners who walked in the door weren’t exactly new. Manny Rios Sr. and his wife, Silvia, have nearly 50 years of combined experience in…
New owner will keep Palmer Place name and burgers Copy
Spread the loveBy Steve Metsch Palmer Place Restaurant and Biergarten, a mainstay in downtown La Grange for nearly 40 years, will soon have new owners. But not much else will change. The name on 56 S. La Grange Road will still read Palmer Place. The employees now there will still have their jobs. And the…
Palos Park could be making its decision on gaming on Monday
Spread the loveBy Jeff Vorva Will Palos Park make its decision on bringing in gaming machines to the village on Monday? The world will have to wait until Monday to find out. The village council will meet for the first time in 2022 on Monday after its Jan. 10 meeting was cancelled because of a…
Pekau takes Rubin and Foxx to task over mandate punishments
Spread the loveBy Jeff Vorva Orland Park has Cook’s County’s attention. The village’s decision to vote against enforcing Cook County COVID-19 mandates at a special meeting Dec. 28 has been a hot topic. The village’s position is that businesses need not require proof of vaccination for patrons to enter. Some businesses are taking the board…
‘These bruises won’t heal’
Spread the loveCPS kids back in school, but bitterness remains By Tim Hadac Teachers who walked off the job in the new year returned last week after the Chicago Teachers Union rank and file voted to accept Mayor Lori Lightfoot’s offer of increased safety measures at schools. But it was a divided vote, with just…
Neighbors
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…
Chicago Ridge Fire Chief Bonnar retires
Spread the loveStarted his 50-year career as Orland Park cadet By Dermot Connolly Chicago Ridge Fire Chief William Bonnar officially announced his retirement from a nearly 50-year career at the June 18 Village Board meeting. Mayor Jack Lind made the announcement “with great regret,” joking that “he doesn’t have the age to retire but he…
Stagg tabs Allee Hernandez to guide girls hoops
Spread the loveBy Randy Whalen Correspondent Allee Hernandez has accrued many years of basketball experience as a player and as an assistant coach. She will soon embark on a new experience as a head coach at Stagg, where she will be the Chargers first new head coach in 16 seasons. She succeeds Bill Turner, who…
Shepard’s yearbook wins national recognition
Spread the loveBy Kelly White Shepard High School students have worked tirelessly to create a yearbook for this academic year that was nationally recognized. The high school, 13049 S. Ridgeland Ave. in Palos Heights, was chosen as a Yearbook Excellence Contest recipient from Walsworth Publishing Company, a family-owned printing company based out of Marceline, Missouri.…
Hickory Hills man charged in grandfather’s murder
Spread the loveBy Nuha Abdessalam A 32-year-old Hickory Hills man has been charged with first-degree murder in the June 21 death of his 90-year-old grandfather. Dean J. Faulk was charged on June 22 with the June 21 murder of Dean L. Faulk. Police said they responded to a call at 9:45 a.m. June 21 at…
Orland Park Public Library kicks off summer
Spread the loveBy Kelly White Summer is nearly here and the Orland Park Public Library is ready for it. On June 8, the library, 14921 S. Ravinia Ave., hosted its second annual Summer Reading Challenge Kick-Off event themed, Read, Renew, Repeat. “There are multiple interpretations to this theme,” Jackie Boyd, Communications Manager at the Orland…
llinois VFW names Porfirio Senator of the Year
Spread the loveIllinois Veterans of Foreign Wars recently selected state Senator Mike Porfirio as the Senator of the Year. “I’m deeply honored to receive this prestigious award from the Illinois VFW,” said Porfirio (D-Lyons Township). “I am committed to ensuring our veterans receive the protections, care and dignity they deserve. This recognition is a testament…
