Obituaries December 29, 2022
FREDERICK PRICE BOULAIS
Frederick Price Boulais, 97, formerly of Orland Park, passed away December 7.
He was the husband of the late Phyllis M. Boulais and Leokadya Connelly Boulais; father of Frederick J. “Rick” (Carole) Boulais, Gail (Ray) Ekberg, and the late Kevin (Virginia) Boulais; grandfather of Paige (Adam) Jedrzejak, Brooke Boulais, Alannah Eckberg, Neve Eckberg, Phillip (Shannon) Boulais, Barbara (Chris) Cannon, and Thomas Boulais; great grandfather of 7; step father of Edward (Laura), John (Suzanne), David (Nicolle), and Grace Connelly; step grandfather of 12.
Frederick was a retired industrial engineer in the steel industry with many years of dedicated service.
He was an Army veteran of World War II and the Korean War.
A Memorial Visitation will be held at Thornridge Funeral Home on Wednesday, January 4.
Inurnment Cedar Park Cemetery.
JAMES CAINKAR
James Louis Cainkar, 70, of Burr Ridge, passed away on December 19 after a brief battle with pancreatic cancer.
Jim was born on December 31, 1951, to Louis F. and Ruth Cainkar in Evergreen Park. After graduating from Brother Rice High School in 1968, he graduated with a degree in Civil Engineering from Purdue University in 1973. He earned his Master’s in Business Administration from Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management in 1996. He achieved his professional designations as a Professional Engineer and an Illinois Land Surveyor’s designation.
After graduating college, Jim joined Novotny Engineering in Willowbrook in 1973 where he worked until his passing. His career of 50 years as a civil engineer included company roles as president and serving as village engineer to the towns of Lemont, McCook, Hodgkins, Lyons, and Summit.
In his free time, Jim had a great desire to learn about the history, food, and customs of different cultures. He travelled the world with his family, visiting 43 different countries. Jim was a private and polite man, earning the nickname “Gentleman Jim.” He read many newspapers daily, resulting in the added nickname of “Mr. Current Events.” He also enjoyed attending the performing arts.
Jim was preceded in death by his mother Ruth (Hendershot) Cainkar, his father Louis F. Cainkar, and his brother, Joseph Cainkar. Survivors include his wife, Donna, his children Paul and Craig, his siblings Vincent (Cathy) Cainkar, Louise Cainkar (Hassan Mushrah), and Michael (Toni) Cainkar, and several nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be held at Adolf Funeral Home, 7000 S. Madison Street, Willowbrook, on Friday, December 30, from 2-8 p.m.
Family and friends will gather for 10 a.m. Mass at Saint Isaac Jogues Church in Hinsdale on December 31. His body will be laid to rest in peace in Solvang, Calif.
In lieu of flowers, memorials to The Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation would be appreciated.
SERAFEIM “MIKE” CAMPAS
Serafeim “Mike” Campas, age 76, passed away December 9.
Beloved husband of Georgia Campas; loving father of John Campas, Mike (Maria) Campas, Nicole Campas and Coralia (Vaggeli) Karagiannidis; proud pappou of Christina, Serafeim, Sophia and Julliana; devoted son to the late Ioannis and Kleoniki; dear brother to Mary and the late Eleni (Nitsa) and Dean.
Visitation was held December 16 at Sts. Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church, 11025 S. Roberts Road, Palos Hills with a Service. Interment, Bethania Cemetery, Justice. Arrangements entrusted to care of Damar-Kaminski Funeral Home & Crematorium, 7861 S. 88th Avenue, Justice, Illinois. 708-496-0200 or www.kaminskifamilyfuneralhomes.com.
GUMERCINDA FLORES
Gumercinda Flores, age 76, of Chicago, Garfield Ridge community passed away December 15.
She was the much-loved mother of Jorge Flores, Melissa Flores and Leonard Flores; dear grandmother of James Flores; beloved daughter of the late Eulalio and late Epifania Flores; cherished sister of Carmen Flores, late Guadalupe Flores and the late Rosario Flores.
Visitation was held December 20 at Foran Funeral Home, with a Service in Celebration of Gumercinda’s life. Gumercinda will be cremated per her request and buried in Mexico. Condolences may be sent to Gumercinda’s family on her personal tribute website at www.foranfuenralhome.com.
YVONNE HOJNACKI
Yvonne Hojnacki (nee Arger) passed away December 19.
Beloved wife of the late Donald J. Hojnacki; loving mother of Debra (David), Sandra (Matthew), Patricia (David), Thomas, Tamera (Michael), Andrea and the late Pamela; dear grandmother of nine, great grandmother of five.
Visitation was held December 26. Funeral and Entombment Services Private. For more information please call 773-767-1840.
EDWARD “UPPY” KAHMARK
Edward “Uppy” Kahmark, 79, has passed away.
He was the loving father of Jeffery Kahmark; dear son of the late Edmund and the late Rose Kahmark; fond brother of the late Rose Mancuso; proud uncle of Vince Mancuso, Nick Mancuso, and Lisa Craig; cherished friend of John and Laura Karlow; also survived by other relatives and many friends.
Uppy was raised in the Brighton Park neighborhood of Chicago. He attended Shields Grammar School, and Kelly High School.
He owned and ran a successful trucking business, Shippers Choice.
Uppy’s interests included high speed motorcycle and snow mobile racing. He had a one-track mind and that track had to be the fastest. Uppy was a generous and caring person who was always there for family and friends.
Visitation and funeral will be Thursday December 29, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Kosary Funeral Home, 9837 S. Kedzie, Evergreen Park. Funeral Service will be held at 1 p.m. Interment private.
THOMAS EDWARD KASNICKA
Thomas Edward Kasnicka, age 85, of Brookfield for 62 years, died peacefully at home December 19.
Tom was the son of Edward and Lillian Kasnicka, who preceded him in death. Tom was the husband of Carol (nee Brunke) for 63 years; the father of Kurt (Cindy) Kasnicka, Laura (Blair) Frieberg and Kym Geissler; the grandfather of Jennifer (Ryan) Ramshaw, Melissa (Benjamin) Brondos, Paige Geissler and Alexa Geissler; brother of Marion (Daniel) Motykie, Richard (Karla) Kasnicka, James Kasnicka and Jeffrey Kasnicka; brother-in-law of Anita Brunke and the late Raymond; uncle and great uncle of many nieces and nephews; and a friend to all. Tom was a member of the Carpenters Local Union 54 for 67 years. Tom was a member of St. Barbara Church where he was an usher for 60 years.
Visitation was held December 21; the Order of the Arrow held the Broken Arrow Ceremony. Visitation continued December 22 at Hitzeman Funeral Home Ltd., 9445 W. 31st Street, Brookfield. Funeral Service to St. Barbara Church, Brookfield for Mass. Interment Chapel Hill Gardens West, Oakbrook Terrace. Information 708-485-2000 or www.HitzemanFuneral.com. 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 Thomas Edward Kasnicka Family. We will gladly forward it on to the family.
SPENCER FIELD KOLMAN
Spencer Field Kolman, age 21, of Hickory Hills, passed away December 16.
He was the cherished son of Kenneth R. and the late Elizabeth (nee Abbott) Kolman and Elizabeth Miller Kolman; dearest brother of Zachary and Evangeline Kolman; loving grandson of Ronald and Pamela Kolman, Robert and the late Leslie Abbott and Dr. Stephen and Kimberley Miller; fond nephew of Kimberly (Adam) DuMoulin, Robert Abbott, Anne (Stuart) Randle and Jennifer Heyen; dear cousin of Sarah, Kathryn, Matt, Ben, Emily, Luke, Will, Lizzy, Ellis and Nathan; also dearly loved by his many friends and his favorite cats Nexus, Houston and Tony B.
There are countless family, friends, medical teams, and organizations that have been a constant support in Spencer’s life, however none more so than St. Louis Children’s Hospital where Spencer’s family appreciate any gifts or memorial donations to be made to in his name. Visitation was held December 27 at Zarzycki Manor Chapels, Ltd., 8999 South Archer Avenue, Willow Springs. Funeral Services were held December 28 at the funeral home. Interment Resurrection Cemetery. 708-839-8999 or http://www.ZarzyckiManorChapels.com.
JOLANTA KOLODZIEJ and RYSZARD KOLODZIEJ
Jolanta Kolodziej, age 54 and Ryszard Kolodziej, age 56, passed away December 4.
Cherished parents of Iwona Chochorowski and Adrian Kolodziej. Also survived by relatives and friends.
Funeral was held December 16, family and friends gathered at Saint Fabian Church, 7450 W. 83rd Street, Bridgeview for Mass. Interment, Cmentarz Parafialny, Kalinowka, Poland. Arrangements entrusted to care of Damar-Kaminski Funeral Home & Crematorium, 7861 S. 88th Avenue, Justice. 708-496-0200 or www.kaminskifamilyfuneralhomes.com
ROBERT J. LEDWON
Robert J. Ledwon, age 70, of Lockport, passed away December 14. Army Veteran Vietnam.
Beloved husband of the late Helen A. Ledwon (nee Daniels); loving father of Rebecca (Alex) Puzas and Jennifer (Mark) Knizner; cherished grandfather of Brooklyn, Gunner and Ava; fond brother of Donna (Norb) Staszak, Gregory (Patricia) Ledwon, Thomas (Deborah) Ledwon and Joyce (John) Swidergal; brother-in-law of the late Edward (Cindy) Daniels. Also survived by many nieces and nephews. Robert was a Union carpenter for many years.
Memorial visitation was held December 20 at Foran Funeral Home, 7300 West Archer Ave. (55th street just west of Harlem) until time of Celebration of Life Service. Condolences may be sent to Robert’s family on his personal tribute website at www.foranfuneralhome.com.
JOHN “JACK” W. MARUSZAK
John “Jack” W. Maruszak, age 33, passed away suddenly after sustaining a gunshot wound to the head with family near him.
Loving son of Barbara Maruszak (Jerry Vegas); cherished grandson of Anthony (late Lou) Maruszak; loving nephew and Godson of Michael Maruszak and Colleen Jones; emotional support companion, Blackie; fond cousin to many. Life member of Rhine VFW AUX #2729, life member VFW National Home. Member of the Chicagoland Toys for Tots Motorcycle Parade.
Visitation was held December 21. Funeral chapel service was held December 22 at the Richard -Midway Funeral Home, 5749 Archer Avenue (corner Archer & Lorel). Interment Resurrection Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorials can be sent to VFW National Home, 3573 Waverley Road. Eaton Rapids, Michigan 48873 in Jack’s memory. For more information please call 773-767-1840 or www.richardmidwayfh.com.
MARY AGNES PONTICELLI
Mary Agnes Ponticelli, age 87, of Brookfield, passed away December 15, after a battle with lung cancer.
Mary was predeceased by her parents, Daniel and Mary Schweppe, her brother Daniel (Tiny) and sister Catherine (Mickey). She is survived by her devoted husband Nick, children, Clarice (Tony), Noreen (Cipriano), Michael, and Nickalette (Tom); grandchildren, Veronica (Andy), Daniel (Julia), Natalie, Jackie (Tony), Cassandra (Johnny), Conner and Caleb; great grandchildren, Aubree, Kadence, Sophia, Noah, Jackson and Lucas.
Visitation was held December 21 at Hitzeman Funeral Home, 9445 W. 31st Street, Brookfield. Funeral was held December 21 to St. Louise de Marillac Church for Mass. Interment Queen of Heaven Cemetery, Hillside. A celebration of life immediately followed. In lieu of flowers the family requests if you are able, please make a donation to Michael Ponticelli’s home, Aspire Chicago. Mary dedicated her life to ensure her son had the best resources available. https://aspirechicago.com. Information 708-485-2000 or www.HitzemanFuneral.com. 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 Mary Ponticelli Family. We will gladly forward it on to the family.
VERONICA RAMIREZ
Veronica Ramirez, age 54, passed away November 26. Arrangements were held by Szykowny Funeral Home, 4901 S Archer Ave, Chicago. Jonathan F Siedlecki, Director/Owner. Cremation Private. To leave any tributes, please visit funeral home website at www.SzykownyFuneralHomeIL.com.
ELIGIO V RUIZ
Eligio V Ruiz, age 85, passed away December 3.
Visitation was held at Szykowny Funeral Home, 4901 S Archer Ave, Chicago, Jonathan F Siedlecki, Owner/Director. Funeral Mass was held at Parroquia San Juan Bautista. Final resting place is St Casimir Cemetery. To leave any tributes, please visit funeral home website at www.SzykownyfuneralhomeIL.com.
HELEN S. SURDEJ
Helen S. Surdej (nee Kosciak), age 94, of Geneva, formerly of Chicago, Brighton Park community, passed away December 19.
Beloved wife of the late Henry “Hank”; dearest mother of Rita (Gary) Maslowski, Joan (Jack) Steffek, Roy (Barb) Surdej and Don (Terry) Surdej; loving Gram of Jeffrey (Marzena) Surdej, Melissa (Scott) Morton, Michele (Nate) Robinson, Michael Maslowski, Meghan (Brandon) Lee, David (Kendall) Maslowski and Mackenzie (fiancé Charlie) Surdej; loving great-gram of Lindsay, Emma, Matthew Morton, Madelyn and Micah Lee, Chloe and Caleb Robinson and Mateo Surdej; loving sister of Sue (late Chester) Swidergal and Dolores (late John) McNamara; Helen was preceded in death by her sisters and their spouses, Frances (Joseph) Krupa, Stella (Bill) Trzyna, Valeria (Matt) Swidergal, Sister Mary Rosetta C.S.S.F. and Mary (John) Swidergal; beloved daughter of the late Andrew and late Agatha Kosciak. Fond aunt of many nieces and nephews and dear friend of many.
Visitation was held December 21 at Foran Funeral Home, 7300 W. Archer Ave. (55th street just west of Harlem). Visitation at the funeral home December 22 until time of Prayers. Procession from the funeral home to St. Bruno Church for Mass. Interment Resurrection Cemetery. In lieu of flowers donations in Helen’s memory to Misericordia Heart of Mercy or Ronald McDonald House at Christ Hospital would be appreciated. Condolences may be sent to Helen’s family on her personal tribute website at www.foranfuneralhome.com.
LOTTIE J. “CHARLOTTE” ZADLO
Lottie J. “Charlotte” (nee Osowski) Zadlo, age 98, passed away December 15.
Beloved wife of the late Chester A. for 66 years; loving mother of Conrad (Christine) and Craig (Doris) Zadlo; dear grandmother of Conrad Jr., Corey (Megan Raymer), Cari, Melissa (Bill Wario) and the late Dawn (the late Kevin) Melendy, proud great grandmother of many; fond aunt of many nieces and nephews.
Funeral was held December 19 at the Richard-Midway Funeral Home, 5749 Archer Ave. (corner of Lorel) to St. Faustina Kowalska Church for mass. Entombment Resurrection Cemetery. Visitation was held December 18. For more information please call 773-767-1840.
REFUGIO ZIZUMBO
Refugio Zizumbo, age 68, passed away December 2.
Arrangements and visitation were held at Szykowny Funeral Home, 4901 S Archer Ave., Chicago. Jonathan F Siedlecki, Owner/Director. Funeral Mass was held at Immaculate Conception Church, Chicago. Final resting place is St Mary’s Cemetery, Evergreen Park. To leave any tributes, please visit Funeral Home Website at www.SzykownyFuneralHomeIl.com.
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