Obituaries August 11, 2022
GRACIELA AGUILAR
Graciela Aguilar, age 90, of Chicago, Gage Park community, passed away July 24.
She was the loving mother of Guillermo (Isabel) Aguilar Vega, Adrian Aguilar Vega, Albert Aguilar Vega, and Javier Aguilar Vega; cherished grandmother of Veronica (Ronald Anrade) Aguilar, Eric Toress, Ronny Andrade, David Aguilar, Luis Aguilar, Van Aguilar and Tatiana Aguilar; dear great grandmother of Ronnie Anrade; fond sister of Avel Vega, Gloria Vega, Jesus Vega, Cha Cha Vega, Algandro Vega, Javier Vega, Marcella Vega, Hilda Vega and Ubertino Vega. Graciela will be dearly missed by her many nieces and nephews.
Visitation was held August 2 at Foran Funeral Home, 7300 W. Archer Ave. (55th st. just west of Harlem) until time of Celebration of Life Service. Interment Resurrection Cemetery. Condolences may be sent to Graciela’s family on her personal tribute website at www.foranfuneralhome.com.
CLEOPATRA AQUINO
Cleopatra Aquino, age 44, of Chicago, Brighton Park community, passed away peacefully July 23, with her loving family at her side.
She was the loving mother of Angelo and Jonathan; cherished daughter of Guillermo and Milady Aquino; dear sister of Johanna Aquino, Jenniffel (Luis) Ramirez and Willy Aquino. Cleopatra will be dearly missed by her nieces and nephews, Nicole, Christopher, Briana, Raphael, Isiah and Kaleb.
Visitation was held July 29 until time of Celebration of Life Service at Foran Funeral Home, 7300 W. Archer Ave. (55th St. just west of Harlem). Procession from the funeral home to Queen of Heaven Cemetery where Cleopatra was laid to rest. Condolences may be sent to Cleopatra’s family on her personal tribute website at www.foranfuneralhome.com.
LUKASZ DARLAK
Lukasz Darlak, age 37, passed away July 9.
Loving dad of Liliana Darlak; cherished son of Urszula (nee Strzok) and the late Alfred Darlak; dear brother of Zbigniew Darlak, Monika (Grzegorz) Dybalski, Pawel (Joanna) Darlak, Michal (Diana) Darlak and Marcin Darlak; treasured grandson of Balbina and the late Bronislaw Darlak and Natalia and the late late Piotr Strzok. Also survived by nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, relatives and friends.
Visitation was held July 15 at Damar-Kaminski Funeral Home & Crematorium, 7861 S. 88th Avenue, Justice. Funeral was held July 15, prayers and procession from the funeral home to Saint Fabian Church, 7450 W. 83rd Street, Bridgeview for Mass. Interment, Resurrection Cemetery, Justice. For more information, 708-496-0200 or www.kaminskifamilyfuneralhomes.com.
GERALD H. HARDEN
Gerald H. Harden, age 70, passed away July 19. Gerald proudly served in the United States Army from 1972-1974.
He was preceded in death by his daughter Rachel Harden and his father Howard; he is survived by his loving mother Adeline Harden (née Salazar); cherished sisters Joy (Gary) Stone, Jill (Richard) Russell and Jaqueline Harden; treasured granddaughter Aubree Meller; nieces Laura Reeb and Sarah Wunder.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions appreciated to the Fisher House Foundation https://fisherhouse.org Memorial visitation is Saturday, September 3, 2022 at Ridge Funeral Home from 10am to 2pm. Chapel service at the funeral home. Interment of ashes at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery, Elwood, IL. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions appreciated to the Fisher House Foundation. Info 773-586-7900 or www.ridgefh.com
LEO JAMES KAPUT
Leo James “Cups” Kaput, age 99, passed away July 11. WW2 US Army Air Forces veteran.
Loving father of Robert (late Loretta), James (Jacqueline Pontes Monteiro), Thomas (Carol Ann Page), Susan (Michael) McCormick, and William; brother of his cherished sister Helen (late Herbert) Spuck; proud grandpa of Greggory (Stephanie) Kaput, Valerie (Ron) Martin, Stephanie (Steven) Lawrence, Molly Kaput (Amanda Ciampolillo), Kate Kaput, and Andrew Kaput (Lauren Gibbons); treasured great grandpa of Tyler, Makenzie, Madison, Ronald the Third, Breanna, and Grayson; cherished uncle to Michael Baran (Antonette Kyin). Preceded in death by his parents Rose and Stanley Kaput; his wife Mary Louise Baran Kaput; his partner Dolores Lewandowski; sisters Bernice (Nunzio) Radogno and Julia (Francis) Polloway; and his brothers Joseph (Frances), Henry (Genevieve), Walter (Mary), Matthew (Marion), and Florian. Fond uncle and friend to many.
In lieu of flowers donations to the Fr. George Riley Fund for Augustinian Healthcare, https://www.augustinianfund.org/donate are much appreciated. Visitation was held July 17 at Damar-Kaminski Funeral Home & Crematorium, 7861 S. 88th Avenue, Justice. Funeral was held July 18, 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.
CRAIG G. KUELTZO
Craig G. Kueltzo, R.P.H., passed away at his Palos Heights residence on Thursday, August 4, at the age of 76 years.
Beloved husband of Kay, nee Grogan. Cherished father of Lisa Kueltzo (Andy Popovic) and Amanda (Chris) Black. Loving grandfather of Emily and Joey. Dear brother of Gary (Pat) Kueltzo and Jeff (Danealle) Kueltzo. Loving uncle and great-uncle of many nieces and nephews.
He was the retired owner of Lombard Pharmacy in Lombard, Illinois.
Visitation was August 8 and the funeral service was August 9 from the Becvar & Son Funeral Home, 5539 W. 127th Street, Crestwood, to St. Julie Billiart Catholic Church, 7399 W. 159th Street, Tinley Park. Entombment Good Shepherd Cemetery in Orland Park.
LUISA MARTINEZ
Luisa Martinez, age 69, of Chicago, Archer Heights community; passed away July 29.
Beloved wife of the late Arturo Garcia; loving mother of Antonio and MariaLouisa; dear grandmother of Valentino and Jayden; fond sister of Jose, Rafael, LaLa, Adelita, Christina, Yolanda, Alma and Victor Marinez, Maria De Jesus, Silvia, Berta Alicia, Maria Teresa, Norma, Alma, Sandra, Sonia, Carlos, Liliana and Jorge Canales Lara and the late Arturo and the late Mary Villarreal; aunt of many nieces and nephews.
Visitation was held August 4 at Zarzycki Manor Chapels, Ltd. 5088 South Archer Avenue. Funeral was held August 5 from the funeral home to the Church of St. Gall for Mass. Interment St. Mary Cemetery. 708-839-8999 or www.ZarzyckiManorChapels.com.
ANA MELARA
Ana Melara (nee Amaya), age 52, of Summit, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her loving family July 27.
Beloved wife of Miguel Melara; loving mother of Brenda Melara, Jennifer Melara and Adilene Melara; cherished daughter of Jose Oscar and Gloria Dina Mejia; fond sister of Mirna Mejia, the late Rene Mejia, Jose Oscar Mejia Jr. and Hugo Mejia; dear aunt of Dina Calderon and Marvin Calderon.
Visitation was held July 29 at Foran Funeral Home, 7300 W. Archer Ave. (55th street just west of Harlem). Visitation was held July 30 at the funeral home until time of Prayers. Interment Bethania Cemetery. Condolences may be sent to Ana’s family on her personal tribute website at www.foranfuneralhome.com.
STEPHEN MENGER
Stephen Menger, age 39, of Aurora, passed away suddenly July 24.
He is survived by his loving parents, Brent Menger and Veronica Kenar; beloved sister Kristin Menger. He will be truly missed by Katherine Peters, who was the love of his life. Stephen will also be missed by his loving stepmother, Nancy Menger and several loving aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.
A memorial visitation in celebration of Stephen was held August 3 until time of Service. Procession from the funeral home to Resurrection Cemetery where Stephen was laid to rest. In lieu of flowers please make donations in Stephen’s memory to Guildhaus II, 2413 Canal St. Blue Island, Il. 60406, http://www.guildhaus.org/ would be appreciated. Condolences may be sent to Stephen’s family on his personal tribute website at www.foranfuneralhome.com
WOJCIECH OBYRTACZ
Wojciech Obyrtacz, age 43, passed away July 10.
Loving dad of Karolina Obyrtacz and Jan Obyrtacz; cherished son of Helena (nee Zalinska) and the late Jozef Obyrtacz; dearest brother of Halina Obyrtacz, Jadwiga Obyrtacz, Anna Obyrtacz, Helena Obyrtacz, Lucyna Bobak and Andrzej Obyrtacz. Also survived by nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, relatives and friends.
Visitation was held July 14 at Damar-Kaminski Funeral Home & Crematorium, 7861 S. 88th Avenue, Justice. Funeral was held July 14, prayers and procession from the funeral home to Saint Fabian Church, 7450 W. 83rd Street, Bridgeview for Mass. Interment, Cmentarz Parafialny, Zab, Poland. For more information, 708-496-0200 or www.kaminskifamilyfuneralhomes.com.
MARK PETERSON
Mark Charles Peterson, 61, of Twin Lakes, Wis., passed away July 28.
He was the loving father of Lauren (Jonas) Klink, Andrea (Philip) Gutsell, and Andrew H. Peterson; cherished grandfather of Juliette Ekeroth Klink, Emma Klink, Noah Klink and Andrew L. Peterson; beloved brother of Doug (Kathy) Peterson, Terese (Tracy) Naber, Gregory (Susan) Peterson and Denise (Timothy) May; fond uncle of many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents Harlen and Deanna Peterson.
Mark was an educator for 34 years, 27 of which were spent at Carl Sandburg High School in Orland Park. During his tenure there, he taught math, coached girls basketball, and was fondly known by many as “The Voice of Sandburg” for announcing various sporting events and leading the SuperfanZ Club. He was a dedicated teacher and friend and exemplified kindness, empathy, and a genuine concern for students and staff.
After he retired, he moved to Henderson, Nevada, where he joined the Sun City Pickleball Club and worked in the largest Las Vegas Sportsbook, at Circa Casino. While he only lived in the Vegas area for a short time, he made many new friends, enjoyed staying active, and loved listening to live music on Fremont Street.
Mark loved to travel and be with his family. He was always up for an adventure and always said “yes.” He has been described as the glue that kept his friends and family together by organizing outings and commissioning a family fantasy football league.
He was a big sports fan, and was especially devoted to the Chicago Cubs and Green Bay Packers. He spent 27 seasons working at Wrigley Field, making friends with all sports fans, regardless of their team. He loved his jobs so much, he would often say he’s never worked a day in his life.
Mark had a positive outlook about everything, smiled with his whole being, and found a silver lining in every situation. He had a great sense of humor as well, and is universally known for his puns and dad-jokes. He will be greatly missed.
Visitation will be Thursday, August 11, from 4 to 8 p.m. at N.H. Scott & Hanekamp Funeral Home at 1240 Waukegan Road, Glenview.
On Friday, August 12, a visitation will be held at 9:30 a.m., with Mass to follow at 10:30 a.m. at St. John the Evangelist Church, at 701 N. Lake Ave., Twin Lakes, Wis. Interment to follow at St. John the Evangelist Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Lung Association in memory of his mother, Deanna Peterson.
MARIE G. POLLAK
Marie G. Pollak (nee Librizzi), age 89, of Willow Springs, formerly of Bridgeview and Chicago, Clearning community, passed away August 2.
Loving mom of the late Richard (Celia), and James (Rita) Pollak, William, Linda (Stanley) Price, Nicholas, Carol (Randy) Reinitz, Juliana Teninty, Joan (Thomas) Jenkins; dear grandmother of Rick, Jr., Angela Dunn and Ronald (Trina) Pollak, Zachary and Joseph Pollak, Rebecca (Joe) Cross, Susan (Robert) Dilbeck, Michael, Sandra and Samuel Pollak, Davy Burchett, Lisa Vins, Eric (fiancée Mandy) and Greg (Amanda) Burchett, Amy Price, Jacqueline (Philip) Hon and James Price, Aubree (Rick) Turner, Dustin Jirka, Olivia and Levi Reinitz, Steven and the late Michelle Teninty, Jessica, Branden and Alec Jenkins; dearest great grandmother of 25; predeceased by her sisters Francesca and Margaret; fond aunt and great aunt of many nieces and nephews; dearly loved by here grand fur babies Callie, Jasper and Fiona. Marie was a former member of the St. Vincent de Paul Society and the choir at St. Fabian Parish.
Visitation was held August 7 at Zarzycki Manor Chapels, Ltd., 8999 S. Archer Ave., Willow Springs. Funeral was held August 8 from the funeral home to the Church of St. Fabian for Mass. Interment Holy Sepulchre Cemetery 708-839-8999.
ROBERT C. SOMMERFELD
Robert C. Sommerfeld, 91, late of Palos Park, passed away on July 16.
A Memorial Service was held on August 6 at Thornridge Funeral Home.
He was the husband of the late Charlotte I. Sommerfeld; father of Warren and Brian (Nicole) Sommerfeld; grandfather of Christina (Matt), Timothy, Austin, Brandon, Jason, and Maria; great-grandfather of Sadie and Adam; brother of Theodore, the late Lynwood and Dorothy Sommerfeld.
Robert was a retired banker with Continental Bank. He was active in his community, and served as president of Eagle Ridge Home Owners Association, as well as Peace Village. He served his country after World War II in Germany.
Arrangements entrusted to Thornridge Funeral Home (Janusz Family Funeral Service).
ROSEMARY P. WILBUR
Rosemary P. Wilbur, nee Benson, 91, passed away.
Born October 5, 1930 to Owen and Delia (nee Neylon) Benson, in Chicago. Beloved wife of 67 years to Edward L. (C.F.D., B.O.B.). Loving mother of Lauren (Jack) McGreehin, Michael (Jean) Wilbur (C.F.D.), Martin Wilbur, Karen (Steve) Curran, and Janet Strnad. Cherished grandmother of 8, great grandmother of 3. Preceded by five brothers and three sisters-in-law, the Rev. Gerard “Marty” Benson O.Carm, Owen (Marie) Benson, Joseph (Lois) Benson, Frank (Delores) Benson, and Raymond Benson. Fond aunt of many nieces and nephews.
Rosemary split her time between the homes she loved dearly in Palos Heights and on Paw Paw Lake in Michigan.
Visitation will be Thursday, August 11, from 3-9 p.m. at Becvar & Son Funeral Home, 5539 W. 127th St. in Crestwood. A funeral service will be Friday, August 12, at 9 a.m. from the funeral home to Incarnation Catholic Church, 5757 W. 127th Street, Crestwood, for a 9:30 a.m. Mass. Interment Holy Sepulchre Cemetery in Alsip.
FRANK ROBERT WURTZ
Frank Robert Wurtz, age 65, of Chicago, Clearing community, passed away unexpectedly July 25 at home.
He was the beloved son of Marie and the late Robert Wurtz; dear brother of Susan (late Wayne) Herkel and Tina (John) Zima; loving uncle to Frank (Sarah) Zima, Johnny Zima and Dominique (Miles) Wesolowski; great uncle to Vinny and Valerie Zima.
A memorial visitation was held August 6 at Two Holy Martyrs Parish, St. Symphorosa Church until time of Mass. Procession from the church to Queen of Heaven Cemetery where Frank was laid to rest with his father. Condolences may be sent to Frank’s family on his personal tribute website at www.foranfuneralhome.com.
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