Obituaries April 6, 2023
WALTER J BRENDAL JR.
Walter J. Brendal Jr., age 78, passed away peacefully March 17. Police Officer for the Chicago Police Department 009th District for 32 years and part time Officer for Summit Police Department for over 20 years.
Son of the late Walter J. Brendal Sr and Lottie (nee Sudjak). Survived by his wife, Nancy (nee Rumas) of 53 years. Lovingly remembered by his children Brian (Christie) Brendal, Denise (John) Boksa; beloved brother to Christine Niemiec; cherished grandfather “Papa” of Madison, Kylie, Camryn, Hailey, Noley, Molly and Jacob. Uncle to many nieces and nephews.
Visitation was held March 24 at Ridge Funeral Home, (Edward A Tylka, Manager), 6620 West Archer Avenue, Chicago. Prayer service was held March 25 the funeral home, followed by Funeral Mass at St Rene Goupil Church, 6949 West 63rd Place, Chicago. Services to conclude at St Rene Goupil Church. For Info call 773-586-7900 or visit www.ridgefh.com. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.ridgefh.com for the Brendal family.
RIGOBERTO P. CAMPOS
Rigoberto Campos, age 90, of Tepic, Mexico formerly of Chicago, McKinley Park community, passed away March 15.
Beloved husband for 69 years of Soledad Campos; loving father of Lydia Ponce (Jose), Mario Campos (Blanca), Alberto Campos (Teresa), Carlos Campos (Julia), the late Jesus Campos and late David Campos; cherished grandfather of Jose Ponce (Mercedes), Daniel Ponce (Nina), Cristina Ponce, Mario Campos (Kayla), Marissa Campos, Natalie Perkins (James), Katherine Campos, Michelle Campos, Kevin Campos, Matthew Campos, Joel Campos and Analiese Campos; dear great-grandfather of Eva Ponce, Isabel Ponce, Maya Ponce and Sutton Perkins.
Visitation was held March 24 at Foran Funeral Home, 7300 W. Archer Ave. (55th street just west of Harlem). Visitation at the funeral home March 25 until time of Prayers. Procession from the funeral home to Blessed Sacrament Parish for a Mass of Christian Burial. Rigoberto was laid to rest at Mt. Carmel Cemetery. Condolences may be sent to Rigoberto’s family on his personal tribute website at www.foranfuneralhome.com.
ANTOINETTE ” TONI” D. CHAPMAN
Antoinette (Toni) Chapman (nee Mazanec), 94, of Palos Park, passed away on Saturday, March 25.
Toni was born on April 22, 1928, the second of Anton and Mary Mazanec’s six children, in Antigo Wis. She was the salutatorian of Antigo High School’s class, of 1946, only missing valedictorian because she didn’t get an “A” in her typing class! She went on to study nursing at St. Mary’s in Milwaukee, again graduating at the top of her class.
She worked at St. Mary’s as a registered nurse from 1949-1953, before moving to Chicago to continue her nursing career at University of Illinois hospital (1953-1969), pioneering an IV nursing program. Toni took a career-break to raise her family, before finishing her career at Rest Haven Central nursing home.
In 1968, Toni met and married her husband, Don. Over the next few years, they moved to Palos Park and had two children: Bill (Amber) and Carol Chapman. Many years later, her three grandchildren, Julia, Donny and Mary Chapman were born. As grandmother’s do, Toni adored and doted on her grandchildren.
After retiring in 1993, Toni held many volunteer jobs, including working at Lake Katherine Nature Center, visiting hospice patients, working at a women’s health clinic, visiting nursing homes and shut-ins as a eucharistminister, and volunteering at the hospital. She was active for decades in St. Al’s and Palos Heights senior groups, holding various offices in the organizations.
Toni always loved to travel. She traveled all over the US, including Hawaii and Alaska. Toni has also traveled to Australia, Asia, South America, Central America, The Middle East, Europe and the Caribbean. Toni has ridden a camel in the Holy Land, and an elephant through the jungles of Thailand.
Toni was preceded in death by her husband Donald, sisters Therese Chelbowski and Pat Jilek, brother Donald Mazanec, sister-in-law Doris Baker, brothers-in-law Bob Chelbowski, Jim Jilek, and Dave Canales. She is survived by her brother Joe Mazanec, sisters Mary Anne Canales and Beth Kondzela, sister-in-law Mary Mazanec. brothers-in-law Dan Baker and Jack Kondzela.
Famous for her “Aunt-Toni nails” she was a beloved aunt to many nieces and nephews.
Family and friends gathered for a Visitation on March 22 at Palos-Gaidas Funeral Home, 11028 Southwest Hwy., Palos Hills, followed by a Funeral Mass at St. Alexander Church. Interment private.
ANIELA CIKOWSKA
Aniela Cikowska (nee Klimowska), age 90, passed away February 6.
Beloved wife of the late Teofil Cikowski; loving mother of Tadeusz (Grazyna) Cikowski, Joe (Ann) Cikowski, the late Stanislaw (Krystyna) Cikowski, Maria (Andrzej) Bryja, John (the late Janina) Cikowski, Frances (Mark) Gil and Casey (Angely) Cikowski; dear grandmother of Agnieszka, Mirek, Chris, Luke, Daniel, Alicia, Emily, David, Matthew, Kathy, Michael, Peter, Izabella, Natalie and Jessica; dearest great-grandmother of 12; cherished daughter of the late Maria (nee Babel) and the late Stanislaw Klimowski; fond sister of Maria Jakubczak, the late Jan Juchas, the late Stanislaw Klimowski, the late Franciszka Szaflarska and the late Aleksandra Budziaszek. Also survived by nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
Visitation was held February 13 at Damar-Kaminski Funeral Home & Crematorium, 7861 S. 88th Avenue, Justice. Funeral was held February 14, Prayers and procession from the funeral home to Sacred Heart Church, 8245 W. 111th Street, Palos Hills, for Mass. Interment, Resurrection Cemetery, Justice. For more information, 708-496-0200 or www.kaminskifamilyfuneralhomes.com.
LAWRENCE C. FADERER
Lawrence C. Faderer, age 82, passed away February 14.
Cherished son of the late Ruth (nee Pilcher) and the late Fred Faderer; dear brother of Ada, Ella and Victor. Also survived by relatives and friends.
Visitation was held February 19 at Damar-Kaminski Funeral Home & Crematorium, 7861 S. 88th Avenue, Justice. Interment, Oakridge Cemetery, Effingham. For more information, 708-496-0200 or www.kaminskifamilyfuneralhomes.com.
HALINA GIL
Halina Gil (nee Matras), age 75, passed away February 4.
Beloved wife of the late Jozef Gil; loving mother of Mark (Frances) Gil, Paul Gil, Robert (Carlie) Gil and Natalie (Adam) Wright; dear grandmother of Priscilla, Izabella, Nicolai, Zander, Lucas, Zachary and Genevieve; cherished daughter of the late Stanislawa (nee Skladanowska) and the late Jozef Matras. Also survived by nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
Visitation was held February 10 at Damar-Kaminski Funeral Home & Crematorium, 7861 S. 88th Avenue, Justice. Funeral was held February 11, Prayers and procession from the funeral home to Our Lady Mother of the Church Polish Mission, 116 Hilton Street, Willow Springs, for Mass. Interment, Resurrection Cemetery, Justice. For more information, 708-496-0200 or www.kaminskifamilyfuneralhomes.com.
MARGARITA GONZALEZ
Margarita Gonzalez, age 83, passed away March 10.
Arrangements were made at Szykowny Funeral Home, 4901 S Archer Ave, Chicago, Jonathan F Siedlecki, Owner/Director. Cremation Private. To leave any tributes, please visit the funeral home website at www.SzykownyFuneralIL.com.
CHESTER A. JANECZKO
Chester A. Janeczko, age 96, of Justice, passed away peacefully March 20. Army veteran.
Family and friends met March 23 at St. Joseph Church, 7240 West 57th street, Summit for a Mass of Christian Burial. Chester was entombed at Resurrection Cemetery next to his beloved wife. Condolences may be sent to his family on his personal tribute website at www.foranfuneralhome.com.
LUDWIKA “LOUISE” KIETA
Ludwika “Louise” Kieta (nee Stasiak), age 87, passed away February 1.
Beloved wife of the late Jan Kieta; loving mother of Angeline (Keith) Noworyta and Christine (Walter) Kwak; dear grandmother of Derek Dorsz, Veronika Dorsz, Eric (Ingrid) Kwak and Jesse (Anastasia) Kwak; dearest great-grandma of Liam Morgan; cherished daughter of the late Jozefa (nee Bala) Kowalkowska and the late Jozef Stasiak; fond sister of the late Stefania (the late Franciszek) Gal, Jan (Aleksandra) Stasiak and the late Jozef (Aniela) Kowalkowski. Also survived by nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. Member of Kolo #23 ZPPA Odrowaz Podhalanski and Polish Club of Lemont at SS. Cyril & Methodius Church.
Visitation was held February 12 at Damar-Kaminski Funeral Home & Crematorium, 7861 S. 88th Avenue, Justice. Funeral was held February 13, Prayers and procession from the funeral home to SS. Cyril and Methodius Church, 608 Sobieski Street, Lemont, for Mass. Interment, Resurrection Cemetery, Justice. For more information, 708-496-0200 or www.kaminskifamilyfuneralhomes.com.
LARRY J. KLOSAK
Larry J. Klosak, age 68, of Crest Hill, passed away March 24.
Devoted son of the late Eugene and the late Jennie (nee Wantola) Klosak; dear brother of Robert (Darlene) Klosak; dear uncle and godfather to Robert E. (Yingying Zhang), and uncle to Lauren, Brittney Klosak and the late Mark Klosak.
Visitation was held March 30 at Zarzycki Manor Chapels, 8899 S. Archer Ave., Willow Springs. Interment Resurrection Cemetery. 708-839-8999.
SILVIA MARTINEZ
Silvia Martinez (nee Gayton) age 68, of Brookfield, passed away March 23.
Beloved and devoted wife for 49 years of Roque Martinez; adored mother of Ana (David) Ryszkowski, Cristina (Otoniel) Chavez and the late Daniel Martinez; cherished grandmother of Jared Ryszkowski, Janine Ryszkowski, Isela Guerrero and Nathan Martinez; dearest sister of Patty (Jose) Vega and the late Maria (Jesus) Alba. Loving aunt of many nieces and nephews.
Visitation was held March 27 at Foran Funeral Home, 7300 W. Archer Ave. 55th street just west of Harlem). Visitation March 28 at the funeral home until time of Prayers. Procession from the funeral home to St. Turibius Church for Mass. Per her request, Silvia will be cremated and buried at a later date next to her son, Daniel at Queen of Heaven Cemetery. Condolences may be sent to Silvia’s family on her personal tribute website at www.foranfuneralhome.com.
DONNA L. MILCAREK
Donna L. Milcarek, age 76, passed away February 6.
Beloved wife of the late Stanley Milcarek; lovingly survived by her nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
Funeral services and Interment held privately. For more information, 708-496-0200 or www.kaminskifamilyfuneralhomes.com.
PENG MINGMONGKOL
Peng Mingmongkol, age 47, passed away February 15.
Beloved life-partner and soulmate of Alicia Dvorak; adored dad of Savannah May Mingmongkol; cherished son of Boonlue and the late Chirapong (nee Sungnetra) Mingmongkol; dear brother of Alisa (Mike) Prachasitthisak and Paul (Susi) Mingmongkol; treasured uncle of Derek Mingmongkol and Poppy Prachasitthisak. Dearly missed by his faithful dog, Cooper. Also survived by aunts, uncles, cousins, relatives and numerous friends.
Please omit flowers, donations to the family are much appreciated. Visitation was held February 21, at Damar-Kaminski Funeral Home & Crematorium, 7861 S. 88th Avenue, Justice. Cremation rites to be accorded. For more information, 708-496-0200 or www.kaminskifamilyfuneralhomes.com.
ANNA SMIECH
Anna Smiech (nee Kas), age 56, passed away February 12.
Beloved wife of Bogdan Smiech; loving mother of Damian Smiech and Patrick Smiech; cherished daughter of Joanna (nee Zubrzycka) and the late Stanislaw Kas; dear sister of Janusz (Halina) Kas, Danuta (Andrzej) Szymusiak, Maria (Marian) Lenart, Zofia Kas (Lucciano), Krystyna Kas (Giudo) and Andrzej (Maria) Kas. Also survived by nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
Visitation was held February 15 at Damar-Kaminski Funeral Home & Crematorium, 7861 S. 88th Avenue, Justice. Funeral was held February 16, Prayers and procession from the funeral home to Saint Fabian Church, 7450 W. 83rd Street, Bridgeview for Mass. Cremation rites to be accorded with a future interment at Resurrection Cemetery, Justice. For more information, 708-496-0200 or www.kaminskifamilyfuneralhomes.com.
STANISLAW STOCH
Stanislaw Stoch, age 74, passed away February 10.
Beloved husband of the late Teresa Stoch; loving father of Roman (Tania) Stoch, Therese Stoch and Kathy Stoch; dear grandpa of Matthew Stoch and Cecelia “Celinka” Stoch; fond brother of Jan Stoch. Also survived by relatives and friends.
Visitation was held February 15 at Damar-Kaminski Funeral Home & Crematorium, 7861 S. 88th Avenue, Justice. Funeral was held February 16, Prayers and procession from the funeral home to Saint Patricia Church, 9040 S. 86th Avenue, Hickory Hills for Mass. Interment, Resurrection Cemetery, Justice. For more information, 708-496-0200 or www.kaminskifamilyfuneralhomes.com.
ELEANOR UMHOFER
Eleanor Umhofer (nee Covelli), age 90, passed away February 11, with her family at her side.
Daughter of the late Joseph and Helen (Ciardullo) Covelli. She is reunited with her beloved husband, the late Francis James Umhofer. Loving mother of William (Donna), Laura (the late Jeff) Miller, and Debra; cherished grandmother of Brian Zielinski, Matt, Josh (Veronica), Aubry Zielinski and Jacob Miller; dearest great-grandmother of Kenzey Zielinski, Kamden Stuff, Cooper and Chase; fond sister of the late Maria (the late Leonard) Zgonina, the late Norma (the late William) Rumsfeld, Joe, (the late Rose-Marie), Dave (Joanne), Eddy, the late Bobby and the late Billy; dear sister-in-law to the late William Joseph. Also survived by nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the Lyric Opera of Chicago are much appreciated. Please see the link at the bottom of the obituary page under Memorial Contributions. Visitation was held February 14 at Damar-Kaminski Funeral Home & Crematorium, 7861 S. 88th Avenue, Justice. Funeral was held February 15, Service and Time of Remembrance were held at the funeral home. Interment, Saint Mary Cemetery, Evergreen Park. For more information, 708-496-0200 or www.kaminskifamilyfuneralhomes.com.
Local News
Area Sports Roundup: Marist leads way with 11 wrestlers heading to state
Spread the loveBy Jeff Vorva Staff writer An army of area wrestlers is headed to the state tournament, with 49 set to hit the mat in Champaign. During sectional action on Feb. 12, area wrestlers feasted on opponents. Marist will send 11 to the tournament, which begins Thursday at State Farm Center on the University…
Paczki Day ahead, not behind
Spread the loveBy Peggy Zabicki Your correspondent in West Lawn 3633 W. 60th Place • (773) 504-9327 If you read my column online last week, you might remember my reference to Paczki Day. I thought it took place on Feb. 9. I was shopping at a Jewel outside our neighborhood around that date, and I asked…
Man charged in string of armed robberies in Palos Heights, Palos Hills, Hickory Hills
Spread the loveBy Bob Bong A Chicago man has been charged in a string of armed robberies that took place in Palos Heights, Palos Hills, Hickory Hills and other communities. He was charged February 2 for the December 28 robbery of the Shell station at 12121 S. Ridgeland Ave. in Palos Heights. Palos Heights police…
Campaign 2020: Civil Rights attorney ShawnTe Raines-Welch to seek judgeship
Spread the loveBy Ray Hanania Civil Rights attorney ShawnTe Raines-Welch has announced her candidacy for one of two vacancies for judge in Cook County’s 4th Subcircuit in the June 28 primary election. Raines-Welch specializes in legal work for municipal governments, including cities, school districts, park districts and other local taxpayer-funded public bodies at an established…
Campaign 2020: 11 elected officials endorse Newman in primary
Spread the loveBy Bob Bong Marie Newman’s bid to win the Democratic nomination in the new 6th Congressional District picked up steam Tuesday when 11 elected officials in Cook and DuPage counties announced they were endorsing her in the June primary over fellow incumbent Sean Casten. “Congresswoman Marie Newman has been a very strong and effective…
Owner dispels rumors of Royalberry closing
Spread the loveBy Bob Bong Frank Salman, owner of Royalberry Waffle House and Restaurant in Palos Heights, has a simple message: “We’re not closed!” Salman said rumors have been rampant in the area that his restaurant of 17 years suddenly closed at the corner of 127th Street and Ridgeland Avenue. “We are not closed. We are…
Things were poppin’ at Valentine’s event
Spread the loveBy Kathy Headley Your correspondent in Chicago Lawn and Marquette Manor 6610 S. Francisco • (773) 776-7778 Last Saturday I stopped in at the Valentine Small Business Pop-Up at Monarca, on the northwest corner of 63rd and Spaulding. I really enjoy these events. I always walk out spending more than I planned, this…
The next correspondent could be you
Spread the loveBy Joan Hadac GSWNH Columnist At-Large This week, it’s my privilege and pleasure to write the Greater Southwest News-Herald’s column for Greater Ashburn (the Wrightwood, Ashburn, Parkview and Scottsdale neighborhoods). Greater Ashburn has not had a correspondent in this newspaper since Carolina Franco stepped away from writing this column back in late 2019. Anyway,…
$900,000 Lotto ticket sold at Palos Heights 7-Eleven
Spread the loveBy Bob Bong Local Lucky Day Lotto players best check their tickets for last Sunday’s mid-day drawing. A winning ticket worth $900,000 was sold at the Palos Heights 7-Eleven store. The winning ticket was sold at the store at 6350 W. 135th St., and matched all five numbers in Sunday mid-day’s drawing: 11-13-24-30-37.…
Bridgeview inks deal to promote village events, tourism
Spread the loveBy Steve Metsch Bridgeview is again partnering with the Chicago Southland Convention and Visitors Bureau to market and promote tourism in the village. The village board, by a 6-0 vote at its Jan. 19 meeting, approved the resolution. Per the resolution, the bureau will “help market and promote the region for conventions, meetings,…
Neighbors
Mother Mac unveils new lights and scoreboard
Spread the loveBy Kelly White Across the nation, women’s sports are on the rise in terms of viewership, enthusiasm, sponsorship and excitement. Mother McAuley is no stranger to the impact that women’s athletics has on the development of an individual, strengthening of a team and key skills and attributes developed along the way. South Side…
Cicadas in the park in Palos Park
Spread the loveBy Kelly White Cicadas are coming and the Village of Palos Park is ready. The village hosted its 31st annual Arbor Day Celebration on Sunday, May 5, themed, “The Wonder of Trees” at The Center in the Lodge, 12700 Southwest Highway, with featured speaker, Tricia Bethke of The Morton Arboretum who presented, “Cicadas…
Palos Heights SD 128 sees enrollment boom
Spread the loveBy Kelly White Over the past few years, Palos Heights School District 128 has experienced an explosive growth among incoming students. There has been a significant increase particularly at Indian Hill Early Learning Center, 12800 S. Austin Ave. Chippewa Elementary School, 12425 S. Austin Ave; Navajo Elementary School, 12401 S. Oak Park Ave;…
Comings & Goings: Orange’s Pancake House now open in Palos Heights
Spread the loveBy Kelly White Palos Heights is the home of a popular new breakfast café. Orange’s Pancake House, 11845 Southwest Highway, held a ribbon-cutting event on April 18. Owners, Elvia Briones, of Virgina, and Fernando Cruz, of Evergreen Park, said they were very excited to be in the heart of the Palos Heights community.…
Sisters make Chicago Lawn a world destination
Spread the love. Kathy Headley Your correspondent in Chicago Lawn and Marquette Manor 6610 S. Francisco • (773) 776-7778 . Earlier this month was the Fifth Lithuanian Documentary Film Festival, with distinguished guests from Lithuania and other parts of the United States visiting the neighborhood. They held a photo session in the editorial office of…
Happy Mother’s Day to everyone, everyone
Spread the love. By Mary Stanek Your correspondent in Archer Heights and West Elsdon 3808 W. 57th Place • (773) 517-7796 . Yet another Mother’s Day is upon us. I wish everyone a happy day. By everyone I do mean everyone. There are a lot of dads who do it alone, along with important mother…
Mother’s Day is truly a day to be celebrated
Spread the love. Peggy Zabicki Your correspondent in West Lawn 3633 W. 60th Place • (773) 504-9327 . Mother’s Day happens on Sunday, May 12. If this isn’t something to celebrate, I don’t know what is. Motherhood means new life, new beginnings, new possibilities. Even if you won’t be seeing your mom, you can still…
Saint Xavier men’s volleyball finishes historic season in nation’s top 4
Spread the loveBy Jeff Vorva Correspondent The Saint Xavier men’s volleyball team made history by advancing to the semifinals of the NAIA Men’s Volleyball National Championship. But the Cougars fell to eventual national champion Georgetown (Kentucky), 25-21, 25-23, 22-25, 21-25, 15-10, on May 3 at Alliant Energy PowerHouse in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Although there was…