Funeral-Flowers.4 logo

Obituaries October 20, 2022

Spread the love

BielPAWEL BIEL

Pawel Biel, 44, passed away September 12.

Cherished son of Jadwiga (nee Korona) and Stefan Biel; beloved boyfriend and companion of Agnieszka Ochmanek; dearest brother of Andrzej (Malgorzata) Biel and Stanislaw (Malgorzata) Biel. Also survived by nieces, nephews, relatives and numerous friends. Devoted member of the Sokol Riders Motorcycle Association and active in charitable work at church and other organizations.

Visitation was held September 22 at Damar-Kaminski Funeral Home & Crematorium, 7861 S. 88th Avenue, Justice. Funeral was held September 24 at Our Lady Mother of the Church Polish Mission, 116 Hilton Street, Willow Springs. Interment, Cmentarz Komunalny, Stary Sacz, Poland. 

BielakKRYSTYNA BIELAK

Krystyna Bielak (nee Hanula).

Beloved wife of Wieslaw Bielak; loving mother of Jakub (Ewona) Bielak and Katarzyna (Marek) Wojtasow; dearest grandmother of Gabriela, Mateusz and Thomas; dear sister of Tadeusz (Hela) Hanula; also survived by nieces, nephews and extended family in Poland.

Funeral Mass was held October 12 at Sacred Heart Church, Palos Hills. Arrangements by Zarzycki Manor Chapels Ltd.

BraskiLINDA A. BRASKI

Linda A. Braski (nee Fisher).

Beloved wife of Bruce W. Braski; loving mother of Mandy (Daniel) Judd, Samantha, and Megan Braski; dear grandmother of Alissa, Alexis, Austin and Aralyn; fond sister of Salvatore (late Ann), Mark (Carol), Dave (Lisa), Dawn Wall (Tom), and Deborah Fisher (Lisa Becker). Dear aunt of many nieces and nephews.

Visitation was held October 2 at the Richard-Midway Funeral Home, 5749 Archer Ave., Chicago. Cremation Private. 

JOAN DACKO

Joan Dacko, nee Russin, 82, of Palos Hills, passed away peacefully on October 12.

She was the beloved wife of Paul S. Dacko; loving mother of Ronald, David (Betty) and Brian Eskra (Gina); loving grandmother of Jill (Adam) Eskra, D.J. Eskra, Veronica (Lawrence) Bright, Steffane and Elizabeth Eskra; cherished great-grandmother of Amelia Eskra, Lucas Bright, and Adaline Ramsay-Eskra; dearest sister of Theresa (the late Ronald) Bentle.

Services and Interment are private.

Arrangements entrusted to Palos-Gaidas Funeral Home, Palos Hills.

HaberlandVIOLA L. “VI” HABERLAND

Viola L. “Vi” Haberland (nee Compton), 72.

Beloved wife of the late Rick Haberland; loving mother of Robert (Jennifer) and Richard A. Haberland; dear grandmother of Gracie Ann and Tessa Rose Haberland; dear sister of Edward (Alice), Raymond (Donna), Irene (Tony) Pretnik, Russell (Peggy), late Gloria McPeak, late Sharon Payne, late Linda Walker and the late Christine Burrows. Dearest aunt of many. Special mom to Shaune Costigan and Michael Whalen.

Funeral Chapel Service was held October 15 at the Richard-Midway Funeral Home, 5749 Archer Ave., Chicago. Private Cremation. Visitation was held October 15. 

KopczykKRYSTYNA U. KOPCZYK

Krystyna U. Kopczyk (nee Stanek), 75, of Carol Stream.

She is the beloved wife of Krzysztof Kopczyk; loving mother of Jack Reczynski with friend Kristyn; devoted daughter of the late Maria (nee Karcz) and late Jan Stanek; dear sister-in-law of Andrzej (Beata) Kopczyk and Przemyslaw (Agnieszka) Kopczyk.

Visitation was held October 11 at Zarzycki Manor Chapels Ltd., 8999 S. Archer Avenue, Willow Springs.  Funeral Services followed. Entombment Resurrection Garden Mausoleum. 

LaatzJACQUELINE A. LAATZ

Jacqueline A. Laatz “Jackie” (nee Volski), 80, lifelong resident of Willow Springs, passed away October 9.

Beloved wife of Jon Laatz; loving mother of Barbara Sizemore, Tammie (Jeff) Peters and Danielle (Steve) Radtke; cherished grandmother of Jeff Sizemore, Krysta and Jeffrey (Stephanie) Peters, Madison, Mason and Brock Radtke; devoted daughter of the late Henrietta (nee Mroch) and late James Volski; dear sister of James (Peggy), Geri (Tim) Otto, Penny Plunkett, Debbie (Doug) Hebding, late Patricia (Lane) Buck; fond aunt of many nieces and nephews.

Private family services. Arrangements by Zarzycki Manor Chapels Ltd.

MadiganSTEVEN ANDREW MADIGAN

Steven Andrew Madigan, 38, died suddenly October 10.

Steve is survived by his beloved mother Patricia Madigan, dearest brother, Michael and cherished baby sister Katherine. Adored grandson of Rufus Wujcik, Jr. and preceded in death by maternal grandmother, Carol Wujcik and paternal grandparents, Thomas and Betty Madigan. Steve will be lovingly remembered by all of his aunts and uncles; Darlene Wujcik, JoAnn (Terry) Meadows, Cathy (Randy) Rowe, Barbara (Jim) Starr and Michelle (John) McGuire, the late paternal aunt Mary (late Jim) Fahey and many cousins and friends.

Funeral Chapel Service was held October 14, at the Richard-Midway Funeral Home, 5749 Archer Ave., Chicago. Private Cremation. Visitation was held October 14.

In memory of Steve, please take a moment to pay a kind act forward.

MaurellaTHERESA LOUISE MAURELLA

Theresa Louise Maurella,  73.

Beloved daughter of the late Carmen and the late Virginia Maurella; dear sister of Mary (Tom) Morrill and Carmen (Lynn) Maurella; loving aunt “Tree” of Tom Jr. (Dona), Dan (Kristine), Mark (Audrey), Julie (Eric) Cox, Carmen (Christy), Jason (Jamie), Tony (Linda) and Adam (Kristina). Great aunt and godmother to many. Dear friend of many. The love of her life was her dog Penny.

Funeral was held October 7 from the Richard-Midway Funeral Home, 5749 Archer Ave., Chicago, to St. Faustina Kowalska Church for mass. Private interment St. Mary Cemetery. 

MeekJOAN M. MEEK

Joan M. Meek (nee Halpin), formerly of Canaryville, late of Garfield Ridge community, passed away peacefully October 6.

She was the beloved wife of William Meek; loving mother of Jennie (late Edward) O’Donnell, Willian John (Cindy) Meek and Elizabeth Meek; much loved grandmother of Morgan O’Donnell and great grandmother to Joshua; dear sister to William T. (Joan) Halpin, Patrick (Terri) Halpin, the late Michael (Patricia) Halpin and Tim (Rose) Halpin; fond aunt of many nieces and nephews and Joan always had a special place in her heart for her favorite, Jimmy Halpin.

Joan was a clerk for the Cook County Board of Elections for 27 years. She was the past member and officer of St. Gabriel’s Women’s Club, a proud member of St. Gabriel’s Kitchen Band and Midway Garden Society.

Visitation was held October 11 at Foran Funeral Home, 7300 W. Archer Ave. in Summit. Procession from the funeral home to St. Daniel the Prophet Church for a Mass of Resurrection. Entombment Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, Mausoleum of the Archangels.

RamirezJORGE RAMIREZ

Jorge Ramirez, 79, of Cicero, passed away peacefully at home the evening of October 11.

He was loved dearly by Alicia Marino for 61 years; cherished father of Martha Ramirez, Edwin Ramirez and German Ramirez; much loved grandfather of Vivian, Julian, Guadalupe (Jair), Melanie, and Andrea (Jorge); great grandfather of Julian, Nathan, Jair and Aaron; dear brother of Beatriz, Mercedes, Carlos, Bernardo, Hernando and Clara. Jorge was preceded in death by his other siblings, Hector, Elsy, Gaby and Luis. He will be remembered fondly by his many nieces and nephews.

Visitation was held October 15 at Foran Funeral Home, 7300 W. Archer Ave. in Summit. Procession from the funeral home to All Saints Cemetery where Jorge was laid to rest. Condolences may be sent to Jorge’s family on his personal tribute website at www.foranfuneralhome.com.

RampickLORRAINE H. RAMPICK

Lorraine H. Rampick (nee Mallak).

Beloved wife of the late Eugene C. Rampick; cherished mother of Kenneth E., Susanne M. and the late Debra A. Rampick; loving daughter of the late Leonard and the late Martha Mallak. Fond aunt, cousin and friend to many.

Funeral was held September 19, prayers at the funeral home preceding a Mass of Christian Burial at Two Holy Martyrs/St. Symphorosa Church. Interment Resurrection Cemetery. Visitation was held September 18 at the Richard-Midway Funeral Home 5749 Archer Ave., Chicago. 

RodakDARIUSZ RODAK

Dariusz Rodak, 49, passed away September 7.

Cherished son of Karolina (nee Putlak) and Stanislaw Rodak; loving brother of Renata Rodak. Also survived by aunts, uncles, cousins, relatives and friends.

Visitation was held September 14 at Damar-Kaminski Funeral Home & Crematorium, 7861 S. 88th Avenue, Justice. Funeral was held September 15 at Sacred Heart Church, 8245 W. 111th Street, Palos Hills for Mass. Interment, Resurrection Cemetery, Justice. 

WaliczekRICHARD B. WALICZEK SR.

images REPORTER EXTRA ART Am Flag copyRichard B. Waliczek Sr. passed away peacefully at home with his loving family at his side.

He was an Army veteran. 

He was the beloved husband of Nora C. (nee Klenck); loving father of Richard B. Jr. (Cindy) and Joel C. (Linda) Waliczek; cherished grandfather of Christian, Jacob, Caden and Cooper. He was preceded in death by his sister Shirley and brother Leroy; dear brother-in-law of Madeline and uncle to David Waliczek and Carolyn Desmet.

Visitation was held October 17 at Petkus Lemont Funeral Home, 12401 S. Archer Ave. Lemont. Funeral services were held October 18 at St. Bernard’s Church for a mass of Christian Burial. Rich was laid to rest at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery with Military Honors.

In lieu of flowers donations in Rich’s name to Disabled American Veterans Association would be greatly appreciated. Please offer your thoughts and condolences to Rich’s family on his personal website at: www.foranfuneralhome.com.

Local News

SRP-IMAGE-Logo

Setting the standard: Sandburg seniors show underclassmen how it’s done

Spread the love

Spread the loveBy Randy Whalen Correspondent Erin O’Connor has a nose for the ball. The determination of O’Connor was demonstrated on one play midway through the second quarter in Sandburg’s 46-45 win over Lockport on Jan. 27. The Eagles had just missed a shot and the ball looked to be going out of bounds. But…

SRP-IMAGE-Logo

A long time coming: Oak Lawn wins first conference title in 39 years

Spread the love

Spread the loveBy Steve Millar  Correspondent After a 39-year wait and some near-misses in recent seasons, Oak Lawn is finally bringing home a conference championship. The Spartans sealed their first South Suburban Red title, and first conference championship of any kind since winning the SICA West in 1982-83, by pulling out a dramatic 48-45 road…

Joan Hadac

Trying to see the sunny side of life

Spread the love

Spread the loveBy Joan Hadac Your correspondent in Clearing and Garfield Ridge (708) 496-0265 • joan.hadac@gmail.com Hi everyone. I hope you’re doing well. Coming up is one of my favorite months, and it’s not for the reason you think. Yes, Valentine’s Day is special, but I like the fact that I see more sun, more daylight…

CRRNH_NewmanStarbucksUnion_012622

Newman backs Starbucks unionization

Spread the love

Spread the love U.S. Rep Marie Newman (D-3rd) recently stood with those who support unionization of Starbucks workers, outside its shop in nearby La Grange. She called unionization “the moral, correct and right thing to do.” Workers are attempting to organize under the banner of Chicago and Midwest Joint Board, Workers United, an affiliate of the…

Peggy Zabicki

A new look for an old friend

Spread the love

Spread the loveBy Peggy Zabicki Your correspondent in West Lawn 3633 W. 60th Place •  (773) 504-9327 The West Lawn Branch Library, 4020 W. 63rd St., is finally open. I visited on their re-opening day. The library has a more open and airy feel. It is fresh and clean. The walls have been painted and there is new carpeting. The…

Karen Sala

So long, and see you around

Spread the love

Spread the loveBy Karen Sala Your correspondent in Gage Park (773) 471-1429 • karen.sala@hotmail.com Baby, it’s cold outside. It’s almost the end of January. I am so ready. I can’t wait for spring to get here. The only good thing about winter is when it’s over. However, I do like cooking and baking in the winter.…

Kathy Headley

It truly is a small world

Spread the love

Spread the loveBy Kathy Headley Your correspondent in Chicago Lawn and Marquette Manor 6610 S. Francisco • (773) 776-7778 I have been attending St Rita Church for many years now. In that time, I have come to know many people who are now or have been a part of the parish. Some I knew because…

Mary Stanek

Jobs opportunities abound

Spread the love

Spread the loveBy Mary Stanek Your correspondent in Archer Heights and West Elsdon 3808 W. 57th Place •  (773) 284-7394 “Heigh-ho, Heigh-ho, it’s off to work we go…it ain’t no trick to get rich quick,” as the dwarfs sang in Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. If you are looking for employment, there seems to…

Chicago Police Department

Clearing carjacker/kidnapper still at large

Spread the love

Spread the loveSenior citizen forced into her own car, loses $1,200  By Tim Hadac More than three weeks after an elderly woman was carjacked and kidnapped in Clearing, police have not made an arrest in the case. The crime occurred at about 4 p.m. on New Year’s Day. A 75-year-old Clearing woman was clearing snow…

Stephan Alheim wears a mask that helps him prepare for the high altitudes during his climb of Mount Kilimanjaro. (Photos by Steve Metsch)

Lyons man is climbing Mount Kilimanjaro

Spread the love

Spread the loveBy Steve Metsch While you’re reading this story, Lyons resident Stephan Alheim will be busy climbing the tallest mountain in Africa. Alheim is one of 10 adventurers who this week are climbing to the top of Mount Kilimanjaro, which is 19,341 feet tall. They started climbing Jan. 23 and are expected to reach…

Neighbors

Alan Morales

Lyons Mental Health Commission pulls LeaderShop funding

Spread the love

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…

SRP-IMAGE-Logo

Mount Carmel, Marist and Oak Lawn among 84 teams at Riverside-Brookfield shootout

Spread the love

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…

Peggy Zabicki

Dog lovers to celebrate ‘Fur of July’

Spread the love

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…

Mary Stanek

Fourth of July not happy for everyone

Spread the love

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…

Kathy Headley

St. Rita’s transformation is worth a look

Spread the love

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…

Alyssa Naeher clears a ball at North Carolina on June 23 in a 3-1 Red Stars loss. IMAGN photo

Loss to Courage brings Red Stars’ winless streak to five games

Spread the love

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…

SRP-IMAGE-Logo

Summer League Basketball | Illinois powers compete at Riverside-Brookfield Shootout

Spread the love

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, a graduate of Riverside-Brookfield High School, will play on the U.S. women's volleyball team at the upcoming Summer Olympic Games in Paris.

Dana Rettke and Ryan Murphy heading to Paris Summer Games

Spread the love

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…

Kathy Headley

Hope Church feeds the hungry at Marquette Park

Spread the love

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…

Hadi Isbaih

Palos Heights tax preparer convicted of Covid-relief fraud

Spread the love

Spread the loveFrom staff reports A Palos Heights tax preparer who operates a business in Bridgeview has been convicted on federal charges for fraudulently assisting customers in obtaining loans under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act. The jury in U.S. District Court in Chicago on June 10 convicted Hadi Isbaih, 42, on all…