Obituaries November 17, 2022
ANNE BORIK
Anne Borik (nee Labno), 94, of Plainfield, formerly of Bridgeview Gardens, passed away peacefully November 4.
She was the beloved wife of the late Edward Borik; loving mother of Cynthia (Michael) Rago; dear grandmother of Jennifer (Robert) Mase, Michelle (Dominic) Gallaga and Anthony Rago; proud great grandmother of Vincent Mase, Nicholas Mase and Ava Gallaga.
A visitation in celebration of Anne was held November 12 at Foran Funeral Home, 7300 W. Archer Ave. in Summit.
In lieu of flowers, Memorials to your favorite charity in honor of Anne would be greatly appreciated.
LAWRENCE T. CRITES SR.,
Lawrence T. Crites, Sr., 83, passed away peacefully at his home October 15.
He was a Marine Corps veteran.
He was born on July 5, 1939, to the late Clyde Crites and the late Malvina Allard Austgen.
Beloved husband and best friend for 63 years to Marilyn (nee Marasovich) Crites; loving father of Larry Jr (Ruthie) Crites, Jeff (Renee) Crites and Lisa (Jimmy) Sowder; loving grandpa (pa) of David (Rachel), Larry III, Nikki Graczyk and Riley Sowder; loving great-grandpa of Piper Booe and Savannah Montelpasse. Also loving step grandpa of many. Loving brother of the late Ernest Crites. Loving brother-in-law and friend to all that knew him.
Active member of the Marine Corp league, American Legion Post 991, former usher at St Rene Church, former leader for the St. Rene Boys Scout troop for many years. Semper Fi.
Visitation was held October 20 at Damar-Kaminski Funeral Home & Crematorium, 7861 S. 88th Avenue, Justice. Funeral was held October 21. Interment at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery, Elwood. For more information, 708-496-0200 or www.kaminskifamilyfuneralhomes.com.
STEPHANIE J. GERLACH
Stephanie J. Gerlach, 33, passed away October 10.
Beloved wife and best friend of Sam D. Covey Jr.; dear daughter of Denise (Ken) Frecke and the late Philip Somkovic; loving sister of Kristina Frecke and Erika Frecke; cherished daughter-in-law of Francine and the late Sam Covey Sr. Also survived by aunts, uncles, cousins, relatives and friends.
Visitation was held October 16 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.
DOLORES M GRIGGS
Dolores M Griggs, 76, passed away October 25.
Will be forever missed by her beloved family and friends.
Visitation and chapel service were held at Szykowny Funeral Home, 4901 S. Archer Ave., Chicago. Final resting place Mt. Carmel Cemetery, Hillside. To leave any tributes, please visit funeral home website at www.SzykownyFuneralHomeIL.com.
ELIZABETH “BETTY” HOGAN
Elizabeth “Betty” Hogan, 94, longtime resident of Burbank, passed away peacefully October 7, at Mother Theresa Home in Lemont.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Thomas Hogan, as well as all their children, Thomas Hogan, Patricia Hanik, Cathy Clark-Haase, Terri Orsi, MaryJo King, and Michael Hogan; Betty was a caring mother-in-law to Mary Hogan, Andrew Hanik, Hal (Karen) King, and Diane Hogan-Parker; loving aunt to Susan (Vin) Rys and Peggy Biggs. Her greatest joys in life came from her roles as a grandmother and great-grandmother. A sincere thank you to lifelong family friend, Debbie Marek and the staff at Mother Theresa Home in Lemont, for the loving care and compassion they so graciously gave Betty.
A memorial mass, celebrating Betty’s life, was held on October 15 at St. Albert the Great Church, 8029 S. Central, Burbank. Cremation rites have been accorded. Arrangements entrusted to care of Damar-Kaminski Funeral Home & Crematorium, 7861 S. 88th Avenue, Justice.
JAMES “JIM” JUTZI
James “Jim” Jutzi, 65, passed away October 13.
Cherished son of Alfreda (nee Sokolski) and the late Norman Jutzi; loving brother of William (Mary Beth) Jutzi, the late Fred Jutzi and Shirley Despain; also survived by nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. Beloved companion of his German Shephard, Rocco.
All services are private. Arrangements entrusted to care of Damar-Kaminski Funeral Home & Crematorium, 7861 S. 88th Avenue, Justice.
MALGORZATA KUCHARSKI
Malgorzata Kucharski (nee Zajac), of Worth, formerly of Chicago.
Devoted daughter of Maria (nee Smialek) and Kazimierz Zajac; loving sister of Pawel (Jolanta) Smialek, Tomasz (Agnieszka) Zajac and Lukasz Zajac; cherished aunt of Dominik, Karolina, Wojtek, Weronika and Jan Smialek, Michal, Kacper, Adrian and Jozef Zajac; wife of Andrzej Kucharski; dearly loved by many aunts, uncles, cousin and friends.
Visitation was held November 7 at Zarzycki Manor Chapels Ltd., 8999 S. Archer Avenue, Willow Springs. Funeral was held November 8 from the funeral home to the Church of St. Fabian for Mass. Interment Rabka, Poland. www.ZarzyckiManorChapels.com.
BEATA MALOCHLEB
Beata Malochleb (nee Lis), 51, passed away October 14.
Beloved wife of Adam Malochleb; loving mother of Patryk (Justa) Malochleb, Dawid Malochleb, Hubert Malochleb and Malwina Malochleb; dear grandmother of Halina and Addalynn; cherished daughter of the late Halina (nee Nazaruk) and the late Janusz Lis; dearest sister of Monika (Grzegorz) Sypek. Also survived by relatives and friends.
Visitation was held October 22 at Damar-Kaminski Funeral Home & Crematorium, 7861 S. 88th Avenue, Justice. Cremation rites to be accorded with interment in Poland.
MARY P. MAYERHOFER
Mary P. Mayerhofer (nee Srsha), 92, passed away October 14.
Beloved wife of the late Willard Mayerhofer; loving mom of Julie (Edward) Padilla, the late Janice (Jeremy) Lane and the late Sharon Rice-Peck; dear grandma of April (Jeff) Lenz, Eric Lane, Nickolas Padilla and Timothy Padilla; dearest great-grandmother of Lukas and Alex; cherished daughter of the late Mary (nee Hoblaj) and the late Steven Srsha; fond sister of Helen (the late George) Wilson, the late John Srsha and the late Thomas (Norma) Srsha. Also survived by nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
In lieu of flowers, donations to Rosary Hill Home, 9000 W. 81st Street, Justice, are much appreciated.
Visitation was held October 18 at Rosary Hill Home, 9000 W. 81st Street, Justice with Mass. Interment, Mount Carmel Cemetery, Hillside. Arrangements entrusted to care of Damar-Kaminski Funeral Home & Crematorium, 7861 S. 88th Avenue, Justice.
ADRIAN “SKIP” RUHNKE
Adrian “Skip” Ruhnke, 82, passed away October 16.
Beloved husband of the late Arlene (nee Pavelek) Ruhnke; loving dad of Jeff Ruhnke, Mark (Liz) Ruhnke and Al Ruhnke; cherished son of the late Stephanie (nee Mielnicki) and the late Leon Ruhnke; dear brother of the late Don (Sue) Ruhnke and the late Paulette (the late Frank) Pagano; fond uncle of Kim Neverouski, Laura Pavelek and Justin Ruhnke. Also survived by relatives and friends.
Visitation was held October 23 at Damar-Kaminski Funeral Home & Crematorium, 7861 S. 88th Avenue, Justice. Funeral was held October 24 at the funeral home. Interment, Resurrection Cemetery, Justice.
CYNTHIA ROSE SHUMSKY
Cynthia Rose Shumsky, 54, passed away on November 13.
She was the devoted daughter of the late George and Patricia nee Jedzinek Shumsky; loving sister of Patricia (Michael) McCann, Mary (Thomas) Walsh, George (Itzel) Shumsky, and the late Gregory (the late Mary) Shumsky; dearest aunt of Kathleen McCann, Mary Pat McCann, Alex (Samantha) Shumsky, Luke, Urlic and Priscilla Shumsky; cherished great-aunt of Riley June Shumsky.
Family and friends will gather for a memorial mass on Saturday, November 19, at 10 a.m. at St. Alexander Church,7025 W. 126th St. Palos Hills. Interment Private.
Arrangements entrusted to Palos-Gaidas Funeral Home, 11028 Southwest Hwy., Palos Hills.
For information or to express your condolences, visit www.palosgaidasfh.com or call 708-974-4410.
VALERIE B. SOUTHARD
Valerie B. Southard (nee Grant) passed away October 7.
Loving mother of Mark Busch, Scott Busch and Glenn Busch; dear grandmother of Caitlin McCaliano, Lauren Gatza and Connor Busch; dearest great-grandmother of Ellie McCalino, Lilly Gatza, Audrey Gatza and Charlotte Gatza. Also survived by relatives and friends.
Visitation was held October 22 at Damar-Kaminski Funeral Home & Crematorium, 7861 S. 88th Avenue, Justice. Cremation rites have been accorded.
VERNA ALICE VEGA
Verna Alice Vega (nee Wright), 100, passed away October 1.
Verna is survived by her three sons, Richard Lapinski (retired CPD), Stephen (Julian) Lapinski and Mark Lapinski (retired CFD), her daughters-in-law Rae Lapinski (retired CPD) and Kimberly Lapinski, and grandchildren Tanya, Katherine, Jack and Grant Lapinski.
Visitation was held October 23 at Damar-Kaminski Funeral Home & Crematorium, 7861 S. 88th Avenue, Justice. Cremation rites have been accorded.
JOHN F. WEINBERGER JR.
John F. Weinberger Jr., 90, of Evergreen Park, passed away.
He was the devoted husband of the late Deloris “Dodee” nee Beranek; dear father of John F. III, and Karla Lee (Lynn Price) Vosburg; loving grandfather of David, and Jennifer (fiancé Anthony Gutierrez) Vosburg; fond brother of Richard Weinberger, and Elaine (Harold) Burns.
John was an Army veteran who served in the Korean War. John was also a past commander of American Legion Post 854 of Evergreen Park, and membership chairman for more than 20 years.
He worked at Ozinga Brothers for 35 years, was a member of the Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium, Adler Planetarium, Museum of Science & Industry, Brookfield Zoo, and Lincoln Park Zoo. Starting member of Crown Space Center. Member of the Arthritis Foundation, and past president of McDonald Linn SC Kangaroo SC & Dank.
In lieu of flowers, memorials appreciated to the Arthritis Foundation of Chicago.
Visitation will be Friday, November 18, from 3-8 p.m. at Kosary Funeral Home, 9837 S. Kedzie, Evergreen Park. Interment private at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery.
For information, call 708-499-3223 or visit www.kosaryfuneralhome.com.
EDWARD L. WILBUR
Edward L. Wilbur, 92, of Palos Heights, passed away.
Beloved husband of 67 years to the late Rosemary (nee Benson). Devoted father of Lauren (Jack) McGreehin, Michael (Jean) Wilbur (C.F.D.), Martin Wilbur, Karen (Steve) Curran, and Janet Strnad. Cherished grandfather of eight, great-grandfather of three. Loving brother of Carol Ann “Connie” Arenburg and the late Donald (the late Lorraine) Wilbur (retired C.F.D.). Fond uncle of many nieces and nephews.
He was a Navy veteran, and retired Chicago firefighter.
Ed and Rosemary split their time between the homes and neighbors they loved dearly in Palos Heights and on Paw Paw Lake in Michigan.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the Manteno Veterans Home, 1 Veterans Drive, Manteno IL 60950 would be appreciated.
Visitation will be Wednesday, November 16, from 3-9 p.m. at Becvar & Son Funeral Home, 5539 W. 127th St., Crestwood. Funeral will be Thursday, November 17, at 10:30 a.m. from the funeral home to Incarnation Catholic Church for an 11 a.m. Mass. Interment Holy Sepulchre Cemetery in Alsip.
Local News
Pickleball courts coming to Palos Park
Spread the loveBy Jeff Vorva There will finally be outdoor pickleball in Palos Park. In a process that went longer than anticipated, the Palos Park Village Council was able give the green light to get a pickleball project started on the Village Green. The council voted April 8 to award the contract to U.S. Tennis…
First Secure Bank to host American Eagle gold coin sale
Spread the loveFrom staff reports First Secure Bank & Trust of Palos Hills announced its annual May sale of 1-ounce and ¼-ounce American Eagle Gold Coins, produced by the U.S. Mint, will take place from 10 a.m.to noon on Saturdays, May 4, May 11, May 18 and May 25. The sale will take place at…
Donate teddy bears to our local police
Spread the love. Peggy Zabicki Your correspondent in West Lawn 3633 W. 60th Place • (773) 504-9327 . Have you ever seen the 1955 movie The Night of the Hunter? The children in this movie show such bravery and acceptance in what life has thrown at them. They have to deal with unimaginable events and sadness. …
Boy Scouts collecting tattered flags for disposal
Spread the love. By Mary Stanek Your correspondent in Archer Heights and West Elsdon 3808 W. 57th Place • (773) 517-7796 . Goodbye April, hello May. Our American Flag, the symbol of our country, should always be treated with respect. But after bearing Chicago’s brutal winters and hot blazing summers along with being in the…
Solarbration: Chicago Ridge celebrates fun in the sun
Spread the loveBy Kelly White The sun is shining and after a long winter, Chicago Ridge residents ready for it. In honor of National Solar Appreciation Day, the Chicago Ridge Park District offered residents the opportunity to come out and celebrate with a Solarbration, the free event was held outside of Freedom Activity Center, 6252…
Oak Lawn trustee says village needs state grocery tax
Spread the loveBy Joe Boyle An Oak Lawn trustee said that Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s proposal to eliminate the state’s grocery tax will be costly for the village. Trustee William “Bud” Stalker (5th), accompanied by Mayor Terry Vorderer, recently returned from a fact-finding trip to Springfield where they learned more about the governor’s proposal to eliminate…
Palos Heights recognizes volunteers
Spread the loveBy Nuha Abdessalam Palos Heights handed out awards last week recognizing the services provided by volunteers through the years. The proclamations, which were read aloud during the city council meeting April 16, were a testament to the city’s volunteers and were handed out as part of Volunteer Recognition Week. Volunteers were cited for…
Boys Volleyball | Richards weathering struggles after run of success
Spread the loveBy Xavier Sanchez Correspondent After a tough weekend at the Smack Attack tournament, Richards got back into the win column with a two-set victory over Eisenhower in a South Suburban Red match. The Bulldogs made quick work of the Cardinals, winning 25-16, 25-15 on April 23 in Oak Lawn to snap a five-match…
SD218 puts on annual Arts Extravaganza
Spread the loveBy Kelly White The arts have become a major portion of the curriculum Community High School District 218. Showcasing those many talents, the Friends of CHSD 218’s Education Foundation proudly hosted its 15th annual Arts Extravaganza on April 5 at Eisenhower High School in Blue Island. “The Arts Extravaganza is a great event…
Gaming licenses to be tougher to get in Orland Park
Spread the loveBy Jeff Vorva It’s going to take longer to receive gaming licenses in Orland Park. The village board passed an ordinance April 15 that would allow table service businesses open at least 36 consecutive months to apply rather than the previous 18 months, and extended the probationary period to 18 months instead of…
Neighbors
Baseball | Marist claws way back to .500
Spread the loveBy Xavier Sanchez Correspondent This season has thus far not been what Marist had expected, but the RedHawks came into this week at .500. Marist was 2-8 after 10 games this season, with three of those first eight losses coming via shutout. But the RedHawks turned things around with a stretch of eight…
Red Stars fall to Spirit for third loss in past four matches
Spread the loveBy Jeff Vorva Correspondent After enjoying one of their best starts in franchise history, the Chicago Red Stars have slid to the middle of the NWSL standings, with the latest setback being a 4-2 loss to Washington at SeatGeek Stadium. The Stars (3-3-1) entered this week having dropped three of their past four…
Red Stars take aim at NWSL attendance record with Wrigley game
Spread the loveBy Jeff Vorva Correspondent The Chicago Red Stars are thinking big when it comes to their upcoming game at Wrigley Field. The team is taking aim at the NWSL record for single-game attendance when it hosts Bay FC at the historic home of the Chicago Cubs on June 8. The record is held…
IHSA announces boys volleyball postseason assignments
Spread the loveBy Jeff Vorva Correspondent Last year, the area sent a pair of boys volleyball teams to state as Lyons finished runner-up to champion Glenbard South and Brother Rice lost in the quarterfinals. This year, both could face each other in the sectional finals. The Lions picked up the second seed and the Crusaders…
Badminton players from Reavis and Lyons going to state
Spread the loveBy Jeff Vorva Correspondent Reavis singles player Dania Amjad finished third in the Bolingbrook Sectional on May 2 to qualify for the IHSA state tournament. The Lyons doubles team of Simone Brown and Mia Graziano finished fourth in the York Sectional to qualify for state. The state finals are May 10-11 at DeKalb…
Brother Rice, Sandburg sending boats to bash fishing state tourney
Spread the loveBy Jeff Vorva Correspondent Brother Rice is sending two boats to the IHSA state bass fishing tournament. The Crusaders had first- and third-place finishes at the Des Plaines River Big Basin Marina Sectional on May 2. Sandwiched in between the Brother Rice boats was a group from Sandburg in second place. The Crusaders’…
Lions Club District 1A Helen Keller race draws big field
Spread the loveBy Kelly White The damp weather from overnight rain did not deter more than 100 people on Sunday morning from getting some exercise. The 14th annual District 1A Helen Keller 5k Fun Run/Walk proudly took place along at Harold L. Richard’s High School, 10601 Central Ave., Oak Lawn. “This is a really great…
EPCHS students collect shoes for Christmas Without Cancer Sneaker Drive
Spread the loveFrom staff reports Students in Evergreen Park Community High School’s junior physical education leadership class teamed up with the non-profit organization Christmas Without Cancer to help local families battling the devastation of cancer. The class – taught by EPCHS physical education teacher Ree McDonald – helped gather donations for Christmas Without Cancer’s second…
Swallow Cliff Chapter, NSDAR, honors JROTC cadets
Spread the loveFrom staff reports Swallow Cliff Chapter, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution, participated in recent JROTC awards ceremonies held at Shepard High School in Palos Heights and Richards High School in Oak Lawn. The DAR JROTC award, consisting of a medal and certificate, was presented to Navy Cadet Emily Schrode at Richards…
Man charged with child abduction in Stickney Township
Spread the loveFrom staff reports A Chicago man was charged last week with child abduction and luring of a minor after Cook County Sheriff’s Police detectives found he attempted to lure a minor into his vehicle, said Cook County Sheriff Thomas J. Dart. According to police, about 4:43 p.m. on Monday, April 22, officers responded…