Obituaries May 25, 2023
MICHAEL J. BARAN
Michael J. Baran, age 37, passed suddenly May 4.
Cherished son of Krystyna (nee Wieczorek) and the late Ireneusz “Eric” Baran; beloved brother of Kathy Baran, Christopher Baran and the late Mark Baran; dearest nephew of Ciocia Gienia. Dear cousin and friend to many.
Visitation was held May 15. Funeral was held May 16 from the Richard-Midway Funeral Home, 5749 Archer Ave. (corner of Lorel) to St. Faustina Kowalska Church for mass. Interment Resurrection Cemetery. For more information please call 773-767-1840 or www.richardmidwayfh@hotmail.com.
VICTORIA BARTLEMAN
Victoria Bartleman, age 62, passed away May 13.
Victoria is survived by her beloved children Michael, Karli, Nicole, Alyssa, Matthew and Max, and her grandchildren Jack, Evan, Declan and Riley.
Private cremation. For more information please call 773-767-1840 or www.richardmidwayfh@hotmail.com.
WILLIAM CHARLES BITAUTAS
William Charles Bitautas, age 76, of Chicago, Garfield Ridge community, passed away peacefully May 13. Proud Army Veteran Vietnam War.
Beloved husband for 55 years to the late Renata Galasinski; much loved father of Jennifer (Brian) McMillan, Charles (Heidi) Bitautas, Jonah (Kristy) Bitautas and Sarah Bitautas; proud grandfather of Michelle McMillan, Stella McMillan (Noah), and Ada and Mina Bitautas.
Visitation was held May 17 at Foran Funeral Home, 7300 W. Archer Ave. (55th street just west of Harlem). A Service in celebration of William’s life was held at the funeral home. Procession from the funeral home to Resurrection Cemetery where William was laid to rest next to his wife. Condolences may be sent to William’s family on his personal tribute website at www.foranfuenralhome.com.
JUAN FERNANDEZ
Juan Fernandez, age 47, passed away May 3.
Beloved husband to Adriana for 20 years; devoted father to Emily and Emma; cherished son of Emilia Fernandez; loving brother of Maria, Ana Hawking and the late Jose Antonio Fernandez; dear nephew of Esperanza Fernandez; dear uncle of Ralphy, Matthew and Diego. Fond cousin and friend to many.
Visitation was held May 21 followed by a Chapel Service at the Richard-Midway Funeral Home, 5749 Archer Ave. (Corner of Lorel). For more information please call 773-767-1840 or www.richardmidwayfh.com.
ROBERT L. GARBACZ
Robert L. Garbacz, age 91, of Chicago, Garfield Ridge community, passed away May 16.
Beloved husband of Joyce (nee Schoonveld) for 58 years; loving father of Kevin Garbacz and Kimberly Garbacz; cherished son of the late John and late Lottie (nee Wisniewski) Garbacz; dear brother of Thomas (Peggy), Richard (Ann) Garbacz, Norbert Garbacz and the late Armella (late Helmet) Domke the late John Garbacz; fond brother-in-law of Lois Schoonveld, Elise (Harold) VanDrie, late Shirley (Ben) Scholten and the late Robert Schoonveld. Uncle and great uncle to many.
In Lieu of flowers memorials to your favorite charity would be appreciated. Visitation was held May 21 at Foran Funeral Home, 7300 W. Archer Ave. (55th street just west of Harlem), Summit. Visitation was held May 22 at the funeral home until time of Celebration of Life Service. Interment Fairmount Willow Hills Memorial Park. Condolences may be sent to Robert’s family on his personal tribute website at www.foranfuneralhome.com.
JEROME E. GAUTHIER
Jerome E. Gauthier, age 87, of Brookfield, died peacefully surrounded by his family May 9. U.S Marine Corp Veteran.
He was the loving son of Hector L. Gauthier and Lyda M. LaFlamme, and most grateful step-son of James P. McGurn.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Sylvia (nee Wuensch) Gauthier; his loving children, Deborah (John) Parisi, Catherine (Steven) Gauthier-Nelson, and Jerome M. Gauthier; his cherished grandchildren, Ryan Parisi, Julia (Austin) Williamson, and Siena Nelson; and remembered fondly by his nephews and nieces. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers and sisters, Lorraine (Frederick) Young, Paul Gauthier, Jeanette (Francis) Paul, and Doris Gauthier, who died two years before he was born.
Visitation was held May 15 and May 16 at Hitzeman Funeral Home Ltd. 9445 W. 31st St., Brookfield. Funeral was held May 16 to St. Barbara’s Catholic Church, 4008 Prairie Avenue, Brookfield for Mass. Interment Queen of Heaven Cemetery, Hillside. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to St. Barbara Catholic Church. Information at 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 Jerome Gauthier Family. We will gladly forward it on to the family.
ELLEN J. KONDROT
Ellen J. Kondrot (nee Groves), 92, of Chicago, passed away peacefully on May 15 surrounded by her loving children.
She was the beloved wife of the late Leonard V. Kondrot; loving mother of Vince (the late Linda), Michael, Robert and Keith (Elizabeth) Kondrot; cherished grandmother of 13, great-grandmother of 13 and great- great grandmother of 1.
Family and friends will gather for visitation on Thursday, May 25, from 3-8 p.m. at Palos-Gaidas Funeral Home, 11028 Southwest Hwy. in Palos Hills. Funeral services will be Friday, May 26, from the funeral home to Immaculate Conception Church for 10:30 a.m. Mass. Interment private.
Ellen was a member of Immaculate Conception Mothers Club. She also worked as a substitute teacher with the Archdiocese of Chicago Schools.
For information or to express your condolences, please visit www.palosgaidasfh.com or call 708-974-4410.
ZOFIA KUKUC
Zofia Kukuc (nee Gasienica-Fronek), age 84, passed away April 6.
Beloved wife of Boleslaw Kukuc; loving mother of Janusz (Malgorzata) Kukuc and Ryszard (Malgorzata) Kukuc; dear grandmother of Maria (Alexander) Munch, Dominika (Robert) Pilch and Marcin Kukuc; dearest great-grandmother of Seth, Morgan, Joseph, Monica and Amanda; cherished daughter of the late Maria (nee Stasik) and the late Jozef Gasienica-Fronek; fond sister of the late Andrzej (Mieczyslawa) Gasienica-Fronek. Also survived by nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
Visitation was held April 21 at Damar-Kaminski Funeral Home & Crematorium, 7861 S. 88th Avenue, Justice. Funeral was held April 22, Prayers and procession from the funeral home to Saint Faustina Kowalska Church, 5255 S. McVicker Avenue, Chicago for Mass. Interment, Cmentarz Parafialny, Zakopane, Poland. For more information, 708-496-0200 or www.kaminskifamilyfuneralhomes.com.
ELWOOD H. MICHEL
Elwood H. Michel passed away on May 18.
He was a proud Army veteran during the Korean War-era.
He was the beloved husband for 60 years to the late Rosemary L. Michel (nee Berndt). Loving father of Guy (Linda) Michel, Kimberly Michel and Jay (Tracy) Michel. Cherished grandfather of Ross, Tracy, Ryan, Sloane (Jimmy), Paige (Quinn), Shay (fiancé Sean) and Blase and adoring great grandfather of Charlotte Rose “Charlie.” Fond brother of Charlene (late Richard) Mantz and dear brother-in-law of the late Dolores (late Charles) Cali. He was a kind uncle and dear friend of many.
Visitation was May 21 at the Kerry Funeral Home & Cremation Care Center, 7020 W. 127th St. in Palos Heights. Funeral services were May 22 from the funeral home to Saint Alexander Church for 10 a.m. Mass. Entombment Holy Sepulchre Cemetery.
Contributions to the Guiding Eyes for the Blind (www.guidingeyes.org) would be appreciated.
CONSUELO PULIDO
Consuelo Pulido, age 87, long time resident of Summit, passed away peacefully May 16.
Beloved wife for 48 years of the late Francisco Pulido; cherished mother of Ricardo Aguilar, Antonio Aguilar, Consuelo (Miguel) Alicea, Benito (Maria) Aguilar, Sofia (Jorge) DeLeon, Luis (Veronica) Aguilar, Maria (Rene Roman) De Jesus and Francisco (Claudia) Pulido; much loved grandmother and great grandmother of many.
Visitation was held May 20 at Foran Funeral Home, 7300 West Archer Ave. (55th street just west of Harlem). Mass was celebrated at the funeral home. Per her wishes, Consuelo will be buried San Luis Potosi, Mexico. Condolences may be sent to Consuelo’s family on her personal tribute website at www.foranfuneralhome.com.
RICHARD R. ROSENBECK
Richard R. Rosenbeck, a resident of Bridgeview for 40 years, passed away on his 88th birthday on May 18.
He was the beloved husband of Paula (nee) Flentje; loving father of Sue (the late Greg) Grygiel, Robert Rosenbeck and Laura (Mark) Kovacevich; cherished grandpa of Michael Rosenbeck, Nick Grygiel, Alex Rosenbeck, Sara Grygiel and David Kovacevich; great-grandpa of Maddox, Finn, Morgan, Madelyn and Charlotte; fond brother of Dorothy Gardner.
Richard loved boating, hunting and fishing with his grandchildren.
Visitation will be Thursday, May 25, from 4-8 p.m. Funeral services will be Friday, May 26, at 9:15 a.m. from Modell Funeral Home, 7710 S. Cass Ave. in Darien, to Christ the Servant Church for 10 a.m. funeral Mass. Interment at Queen of Heaven Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations to Angels Grace Hospice would be appreciated.
RONALD D. STANKIEWICZ
Ronald D. Stankiewicz, age 84, long time resident of Chicago, Garfield Ridge community, passed away peacefully May 12. Lance Corporal Marine Corp.
Beloved husband of the late Donna; loving father of Ronald Stankiewicz Jr (late Tracey) and the late Linda Shute; dear grandfather of Daniel (Christina) Shute and Lindsey Shute.
Family and friends met at Concordia Cemetery May 25, where Ronald was laid to rest with Military Honors. Condolences may be sent to Ronald’s family on his personal tribute website at www.foranfuneralhome.com.
KAZIMIERZ SZCZYGIEL
Kazimierz Szczygiel, age 75, passed away April 20.
Beloved husband of Zofia (nee Kowal) Szczygiel; loving father of Mark (Halina) Szczygiel, Peter (Monika) Szczygiel and Sandy (Stanislaw) Szczygiel-Zeglin; dear grandfather of Angelica, Claudia, Michelle, Maja, Michal, Daniel, Damian, Stanislaw and Sebastian; cherished son of the late Rozalia (nee Tarka) and the late Stanislaw Szczygiel; dearest brother of the late Maria Koziol-Uzun. Also survived by relatives and friends.
Visitation was held April 23 at Damar-Kaminski Funeral Home & Crematorium, 7861 S. 88th Avenue, Justice. Funeral was held April 24, 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.
THOMAS EDWARD SZYSLAK
Thomas Edward Szyslak, age 71, passed away April 8, with his wife and daughter by his side.
Beloved husband of Janice (nee Nicely) Szyslak; loving father of Connie (Sal) and step-father of Dayna; dear grandfather of Lucas (Sal), Milani (Sal), TJ, Tonia and Tyler; cherished son of the late Genevieve “Jean” (nee Myslinski) and the late Walter “Wally” Szyslak. Also survived by his cousin Sue Kurtin and his lifelong best friend/brother in family Ed Smith. In memory of Thomas, donations to the American Heart Association or the National Kidney Foundation are much appreciated.
Cremation rites and services held privately with Arrangements entrusted to care of Damar-Kaminski Funeral Home & Crematorium, 7861 S. 88th Avenue, Justice. 708-496-0200 or www.kaminskifamilyfuneralhomes.com.
JAVIER R. VEGA
Javier R. Vega, age 73, of Summit, passed away at home May 6, with his loving family at his side.
Beloved husband of Imelda Andrade Vega; loving father of Arlene Vega, Thelma Vega and Luisa Vega; proud grandfather of Adan, Diego, Ava and Austin. Javier will be missed by his many brothers, sisters, nieces and nephews.
Per his request, Javier will be cremated and a Service in Celebration of his Life will be scheduled at a later date. In honor or Javier’s life please consider a memorial donation in Javier’s name to the American Cancer Society, www.cancer.org. Condolences may be sent to Javier’s family on his personal tribute website at www.foranfuneralhome.com.
CAMILLE A. VERTA
Camille A. Verta (nee Starzyk), age 77, passed away April 12.
Beloved daughter of the late Cecilia and the late Casimer Starzyk; loving wife of the late John Verta Sr.; dear mother of Jo Anne (William “Bill”) Jarosik, Raymond (Rhonda) Verta and John (Gina) Verta; dearest grandmother of Nicholas, John Robert, Alexander, Zachary, Adam and Isabella; mother to Fur-baby Chuy. Retired Chicago Police Dispatcher.
Visitation was held April 17 at Damar-Kaminski Funeral Home & Crematorium, 7861 S. 88th Avenue, Justice. Funeral was held April 18, Prayers and procession from the funeral home to Saint Daniel the Prophet Church, 5358 S. Nashville Avenue, Chicago for Mass. Interment, Saint Mary Cemetery, Evergreen Park. For more information, 708-496-0200 or www.kaminskifamilyfuneralhomes.com.
STANLEY ZAPOTOCZNY
Stanley Zapotoczny, age 97, longtime resident of Chicago, Central Stickney community passed away peacefully May 12.
Beloved husband of the late Paulina; loving father of Joseph Zapotoczny, Rosemary Queen (Glen Altman) and the late Ted Zapotoczny; cherished grandfather of Paul (Candace) Shimkus, Melissa Queen and Jonathan Queen; proud great grandfather of Leah and Carter Shimkus. Preceded in death by his parents Theodore and Antionella Zapotoczny and his brother Josef Zapotoczny. He was the dear Wujek of Adam Zapotoczny and Lucyna Nowak.
Visitation was held May 14 at Foran Funeral Home, 7300 W. Archer Ave. (55th street just west of Harlem). Visitation at the funeral home May 15 until time of Prayers. Procession from the funeral home to St. Faustina Kowalska Parish, 5252 South Austin Ave., for a Mass of Christian Burial. Interment Resurrection Cemetery. Condolences may be sent to Stanley’s family on his personal tribute website at www.foranfuneralhome.com.
Local News
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