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
Area Sports Roundup | New coaches named at Richards and Stagg
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…
Memorial service honors longtime Independence art teacher
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.…
Oak Lawn Chamber to sponsor Restaurant Week
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…
One-in-a-million blue-eyed cicada found in Orland Park
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 looks to replace aging pedestrian bridge
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…
Flagg Creek golfers will pay more for greens fees
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 fire hydrants to be sandblasted and painted
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.…
Woman sentenced in 2003 murders of newborn twins
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…
McCook approves ‘preventive’ rodent control program
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, property owners discuss apartment inspections
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
Niego Real Estate salutes America again
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…
Lyons Mental Health Commission pulls LeaderShop funding
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…
Mount Carmel, Marist and Oak Lawn among 84 teams at Riverside-Brookfield shootout
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…
Dog lovers to celebrate ‘Fur of July’
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…
Fourth of July not happy for everyone
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…
St. Rita’s transformation is worth a look
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…
Loss to Courage brings Red Stars’ winless streak to five games
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…
Summer League Basketball | Illinois powers compete at Riverside-Brookfield Shootout
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 and Ryan Murphy heading to Paris Summer Games
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…
Hope Church feeds the hungry at Marquette Park
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…