
Obituaries July 27, 2023
RICHARD M. BALDWIN
Richard M. Baldwin, 67, passed away July 11.
Beloved husband and the love of his life of the late Theresa Baldwin; loving father of Michael Kresch (Cynthia Kresch), Kenneth Kresch, Crystal Nelson and Denise Baldwin; dear grandfather of Samantha Peters (Corey Peters), Dennis Nelson, Devorie Nelson, Korin Leeth, Kayla Nelson, Kaylee Nelson, Addison Amistani, Kyle Kresch, Sydney Kresch, Travis Spagnola, Jonathan Kresch and Matthew Kresch. Dearest great-grandfather of several great-grandchildren.
Funeral services held privately.
MAHANDRA R. BHATT
Mahandra R. Bhatt, 84, passed away July 12.
Loving father of Bina (Rich) Hopkins, Linda (Fernando) Prieto, Julie (Rick) Clark and Cynthia Bhatt. He was preceded in death by his parents the late Ansuya and the late Ratilal J. Bhatt. He was a loving stepfather, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend to many.
Visitation was held July 17 until time of Puja service, at Damar-Kaminski Funeral Home and Crematorium, 7861 S. 88th Avenue, Justice. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Hindu Temple of Greater Chicago (htgc.org) or Brookfield Zoo, Brookfield.
MARIA ANNA FALTYN
Maria Anna Faltyn, 66, passed away July 10.
Cherished daughter of the late Aniela (nee Skalany) and the late Antoni Faltyn; dearest sister of Magdalena (the late Julian) Kalicki, Elzbieta (Stanley) Kowalczyk and Wanda (the late Miroslaw) Przedpelski. Dear aunt of numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. Also survived by relatives and friends.
Visitation was held July 13 at Damar-Kaminski Funeral Home & Crematorium, 7861 S. 88th Avenue, Justice. Funeral was held July 14 from the funeral home to Saint Faustina Kowalska Church, 5255 S. McVicker Avenue, Chicago for Mass. Interment, Resurrection Cemetery, Justice.
WILLIAM W. GROTH III
William W. Groth III, 57, of Chicago’s Garfield Ridge community, passed away July 13.
He was the loving partner of Barbara Johnson; much loved father of William W. Groth IV, Keegan Groth, Barbara Johnson, Armando Vega Jr. and Selia (Kevin) Taylor; dearest grandfather of Kennedy, Caleb, Liliana, Isabella, Nicole, Xavier, Jaden and Logan. Preceded in death by his two sisters, Rosemary and Maryann. Fond uncle of Scott (Rachel) Davila and Amanda (Matthew) Nop.
Visitation was held July 22 at Foran Funeral Home, 7300 W. Archer Ave. in Summit, with a service in celebration of William’s life followed. Condolences may be sent to William’s family on his personal tribute website at www.foranfuneralhome.com.
JANINA GRZYMALA
Janina Grzymala (nee Machnik), 73, passed away July 5.
Loving mother of Aldona (Robert) Stech; dearest grandmother of Grzegorz “Greg” Stech, Sylvia Stech and Sandra Stech; cherished daughter of the late Jozefa (nee Nowak) and the late Zdzislaw Machnik; dear sister of Halina Machnik (the late Jan Siwy). Also survived by nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
Visitation was held July 11 at Damar-Kaminski Funeral Home & Crematorium, 7861 S. 88th Avenue, Justice. Funeral was held July 12 from the funeral home to Saint Faustina Kowalska Church, 5255 S. McVicker Avenue, Chicago for Mass. Interment, Resurrection Cemetery, Justice.
CELIA IÑIGUEZ
Celia Iñiguez, 70, of Chicago’s Garfield Ridge community, passed away July 15, with her loving family at her side.
Preceded in death by the love of her life, her beloved husband Agustin. Cherished mother of Agustin Yñiguez, Jose (Claudia) Yñiguez, Celia (Brandon) Martinez, Gloria Zuniga Yñiguez (Rolando) Zuniga; most loving grandmother of Benicio, Bernardo, Rosalia and soon to be baby Yñiguez. Loving daughter of the late Jose and Maria Dolores Ochoa; dear sister of Carmen, Olivia, Alicia, Mariquita, Lolita and the late Aurelio, Jose, Jorge, Samuel, Pedro, Amelia and Gloria; dear aunt of many nieces and nephews.
Visitation was held July 21 at Foran Funeral Home, 7300 W. Archer Ave. in Summit. Visitation was held at the funeral home July 22 until time of Prayers. Procession from the funeral home to Immaculate Conception Church for Mass. Per her request, Celia will be cremated. Family and friends met at Resurrection Cemetery on July 24. Procession to the interment chapel and after prayers, Celia was entombed next to her dear husband in the Garden Mausoleum. Condolences may be sent to Celia’s family on her personal tribute website at www.foranfuneralhome.com
MARLENE C. JURCZYKOWSKI
Marlene C. Jurczykowski (nee Bauer), 84, passed away July 12.
Beloved wife of Frank Jurczykowski; loving mother of Linda (Steve) Mazur, Frank Jurczykowski, Nancy (Nicholas) Palmsiano and Michael (Marta) Jurczykowski; dear grandmother of Jessica, Steven, Frankie, Kristin, Michael and Mikayla; dearest great-grandmother of Brianna; cherished daughter of the late Josephine (nee Rzepka) and the late Frank Bauer; fond sister of Corinne, the late Lorraine and Patricia. Also survived by nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
Funeral services and interment are held privately.
REVEREND SAMUEL T. LYNCH JR.
Reverend Samuel T. Lynch Jr.- Samuel T., 83.
Preceded in death by his parent Samuel Sr. and Louise Brown Lynch; husband of his childhood sweetheart, Doris Purchas; father of Darlene Michelle and Monica Dale. Sam graduated from Argo High School in 1958, worked for 40 years before retiring from Corn Products. He was a Summit police officer from 1963-1975. He was a member of the Lions Club since 1995.
His life will be celebrated on Saturday, July 29, at Antioch Baptist Church, 7513 W. 64th Street, Summit-Argo. Visitation/Wake at 10 a.m., funeral at 11a.m.
ROBERT “BOB” WAYNE PORAK
Robert “Bob” Wayne Porak, 75, passed away July 17.
Preceded in death by his parents Vivian Kandlik and Adolf Porak; survived by his sister Marlene (Randy), brother Wesley (Pat), and nephews Brett, Brandon, Eric, Christopher, and Dustin.
Services private. Arrangements entrusted to Hitzeman Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 9445 W. 31st Street, Brookfield. Family asks that any donations be made to the National Alliance of the Mentally Ill, 4301 Wilson Blvd., Suite 300 Arlington, VA 22203 in Robert’s name. Information 708-485-2000 or www.HitzemanFuneral.com.
BALTAZAR ‘ROMAN’ ROMERO
Baltazar ‘Roman’ Romero, 63, passed away July 11.
Beloved husband of Dianne Romero (nee Dwyer); loving dad of Amanda (Frank) Smith, Ricardo Romero, Felicia (Wojciech) Rus and Marc Romero; dearest grandpa of Monika Romero, Stephanie Smith, Marcin Rus, Sean Smith and Syrus Smith; cherished son of the late Maria Terrazas and the late Juan Romero; dear brother of Amelia Terrazas, Gloria Romero, the late Bernardo Romero, the late Raul Romero, the late Jose ‘Pepe’ Romero, the late Juan Romero and the late Manuel ‘Well’ Romero. Fond uncle of many nieces and nephews. Also survived by relatives and friends.
Memorial donations to the family are much appreciated. Visitation was held July 22 at Damar-Kaminski Funeral Home & Crematorium, 7861 S. 88th Avenue, Justice followed by a Service and Time of Remembrance held at the funeral home. Cremation rites to be accorded. For more information, 708-496-0200 or www.kaminskifamilyfuneralhomes.com.
EDWARD J. SCHULTZ
Edward J. Schultz, 76, passed away July 1.
He was an Army veteran.
Loving husband of Bernadine (nee Olszewski); fond father of Nicole (Scott) Rehak and Carrie (Fiancé Noel Leon); best friend of Bandit; beloved son of the late John and the late Frances (nee Wawrzyniak); fond brother of John J. (Late Marilyn), late Joseph (late Margaret “Peg” and late Wanda), late Rosemary “Sis” (Late John “Pencil”) Pinkowski, late James (late Agnes), late Patricia, late Dolores (late Bill) Kurnat, and the late Robert (Judith). Fond uncle of many nieces and nephews.
Interment with military honors took place at the Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery located in Elwood on July 20.
BERNICE STOPKA
Bernice Stopka, 71, passed away March 24.
Visitation and Celebration of Life were held July 15 at Damar-Kaminski Funeral Home & Crematorium, 7861 S. 88th Avenue, Justice.
ANDRZEJ STUPAK
Andrzej Stupak, 55, passed away July 4.
Beloved husband of Ewa (nee Polakowska) Stupak; loving father of Diana Stupak and David Stupak; cherished son of Antonina (nee Mojzuk) and Stanislaw Stupak; dear brother of Ewa Kulhawik. Also survived by nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
Visitation was held July 9 at Shedlon-Goglin-Kaminski Funeral Home, 5935 W. Belmont Avenue, Chicago. Funeral was held July 10 from the funeral home to Saint Ferdinand Church, 3101 N. Mason Avenue, Chicago for Mass. Interment, All Saints Cemetery, Des Plaines.
RICHARD “DICK” WALEN
Richard “Dick” Walen, 83, of Palos Hills, died peacefully at his home surrounded by family on July 22.
Born October 18, 1939, in Summit, to the late Joe and Katie Walen, Richard was an Army veteran who served in Germany.
He was a long-distance truck driver who loved country music and John Wayne.
He was a dedicated member of the Summit Volunteer Fire Department, a past member of the Dominoes, and a volunteer for the PADS program at Sacred Heart Church.
In his spare time, he was an avid golfer who believed it never rained on the golf course. When not on the golf course, he faithfully followed the Blackhawks through all their ups and downs.
He was a sports enthusiast from his earliest years playing hockey on the canal and football at Argo High School. His daughters fondly remember him playing hockey, softball, golf, and umpiring.
He leaves behind his loving wife of 64 years, Geraldine, four daughters; Catherine (Nick), Karen (Lonny), Denise (Dianne), and Darlene (Will), and was the proud grandfather of Ian, Lauren, and Lindsy. He was preceded in death by his brothers Bobby and Edward and is survived by Russell and (Wild) Bill. He will be greatly missed by his extended family members and friends.
The family would like to thank the many caregivers from NW Hospice and the local Veterans Association for all their care and compassion.
Family will receive friends at Palos-Gaidas Funeral Home, 11028 Southwest Hwy. in Palos Hills, on Wednesday, July 26, starting at 9 a.m., followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:30 a.m. at Sacred Heart Church, 8245 W 111th St. in Palos Hills. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations to the American Cancer Society would be appreciated.
KRZYSZTOF WROBEL
Krzysztof Wrobel, 50, passed away July 17.
Beloved husband of Danuta (nee Piwowonska) Wrobel; loving dad to Cristina Wrobel and Kacper Wrobel; cherished son of Janina (nee Strychalska) and Stanislaw Wrobel; dearest brother of Jolanta (Jarek) Krzynowek and Michal Wrobel; dear brother-in-law to Katarzyna (Mateusz) Wilk and Ania (Irek) Debosz. Also survived by relatives and friends.
Visitation was held July 21 at Damar-Kaminski Funeral Home & Crematorium, 7861 S. 88th Avenue, Justice. Funeral was held July 22 from the funeral home to Sacred Heart Church, 8425 W. 111th St, Palos Hills for Mass. Cremation rites to be accorded. For more information, 708-496-0200 or www.kaminskifamilyfuneralhomes.com.
Local News

Area Sports Report | Stagg flag football coach invited to Super Bowl
Spread the loveBy Jeff Vorva Staff Writer Saja Alnajjar said she became a football fan growing up, and one of the first games she watched was Super Bowl XLI between the Chicago Bears and Indianapolis Colts in February 2007. Little did she know then that she would someday be a football coach. And little did…

College Report | SXU beats Trinity in battle of interim coaches
Spread the loveBy Jeff Vorva Staff writer It was a battle featuring two interim coaches on the sidelines. Both Saint Xavier and Trinity Christian College had to find women’s basketball coaches roughly a month before the start of practice this season, and the athletic departments went to work. SXU hired assistant coach Sidney Lovitsch as…

Girls Hoops Wrap | Oak Lawn sees a lot in first 10 games
Spread the loveBy Jeff Vorva Staff Writer Oak Lawn’s girls basketball team beat Lindblom 64-14 on Dec. 9. The Spartans also lost a game 52-18 against Wheaton North on Nov. 24. They have just about seen it all while compiling a 6-4 record to open the season. Close games. Blowouts. But they entered this week…

Unbeaten Oak Lawn edges Evergreen Park on late free throws
Spread the loveBy Xavier Sanchez Correspondent Oak Lawn forward Henry Martinez has long thought about playing for the Spartans. Martinez is not only playing for them, but he is also becoming a key contributor for an Oak Lawn team that entered this week unbeaten. His 20-point performance and some clutch free-throws were instrumental in maintaining…

Justice lights village Christmas trees
Spread the loveBy Carol McGowan Justice village officials spent a few minutes before their board meeting last week to celebrate the holiday season by lighting the village Christmas tree and other decorated trees in front of the village hall. Mayor Kris Wasowicz lit the tree and wished everyone a wonderful holiday season. After the tree…

Consultant backs Willow Springs on zoning of LTHS parcel
Spread the loveBy Steve Metsch All for one and one for all was the theme of last week’s community meeting held at the Willow Springs Village Hall. Concerned residents, politicians from the village and surrounding communities joined in their opposition to any industrial development of a parcel of land in the village owned by the…

2 men charged in shooting of Bedford Park cop
Spread the loveBy Bob Bong A Blue Island man was charged last week with attempted murder in the shooting of a Bedford Park police officer in the early morning hours of November 26. Raul Perez, 24, of Blue Island, was charged with one count of attempted first degree murder of a police officer, one count…

Cool Kids see Santa
Spread the love. Several dozen special-needs boys and girls were let in early at the Midway Chamber of Commerce’s annual Snack With Santa, held earlier this month at Mayfield Banquets. The special time was the brainchild of the Midway Cool Kids Club, a social club founded earlier this year by Geno Randazzo of All Exterior…

Palos 118 school board member honored for continued learning
Spread the lovePam Paris, a member of the Palos School District 118 Board of Education, has been recognized by the Illinois Association of School Boards for her participation in a number of professional development and leadership activities during her service as a school board member. IASB recognizes school board members who show a dedication and desire to learn more about local school governance, adding to their leadership skills, knowledge of state and national educational issues, and commitment to serving in trust of their community and their students. Paris acquired 40 credits to earn IASB’s Board Leader Recognition status. Because of Paris’ ongoing…
Neighbors

Area Sports Report | Stagg flag football coach invited to Super Bowl
Spread the loveBy Jeff Vorva Staff Writer Saja Alnajjar said she became a football fan growing up, and one of the first games she watched was Super Bowl XLI between the Chicago Bears and Indianapolis Colts in February 2007. Little did she know then that she would someday be a football coach. And little did…

College Report | SXU beats Trinity in battle of interim coaches
Spread the loveBy Jeff Vorva Staff writer It was a battle featuring two interim coaches on the sidelines. Both Saint Xavier and Trinity Christian College had to find women’s basketball coaches roughly a month before the start of practice this season, and the athletic departments went to work. SXU hired assistant coach Sidney Lovitsch as…

Girls Hoops Wrap | Oak Lawn sees a lot in first 10 games
Spread the loveBy Jeff Vorva Staff Writer Oak Lawn’s girls basketball team beat Lindblom 64-14 on Dec. 9. The Spartans also lost a game 52-18 against Wheaton North on Nov. 24. They have just about seen it all while compiling a 6-4 record to open the season. Close games. Blowouts. But they entered this week…

Unbeaten Oak Lawn edges Evergreen Park on late free throws
Spread the loveBy Xavier Sanchez Correspondent Oak Lawn forward Henry Martinez has long thought about playing for the Spartans. Martinez is not only playing for them, but he is also becoming a key contributor for an Oak Lawn team that entered this week unbeaten. His 20-point performance and some clutch free-throws were instrumental in maintaining…

Justice lights village Christmas trees
Spread the loveBy Carol McGowan Justice village officials spent a few minutes before their board meeting last week to celebrate the holiday season by lighting the village Christmas tree and other decorated trees in front of the village hall. Mayor Kris Wasowicz lit the tree and wished everyone a wonderful holiday season. After the tree…

Consultant backs Willow Springs on zoning of LTHS parcel
Spread the loveBy Steve Metsch All for one and one for all was the theme of last week’s community meeting held at the Willow Springs Village Hall. Concerned residents, politicians from the village and surrounding communities joined in their opposition to any industrial development of a parcel of land in the village owned by the…

2 men charged in shooting of Bedford Park cop
Spread the loveBy Bob Bong A Blue Island man was charged last week with attempted murder in the shooting of a Bedford Park police officer in the early morning hours of November 26. Raul Perez, 24, of Blue Island, was charged with one count of attempted first degree murder of a police officer, one count…

Cool Kids see Santa
Spread the love. Several dozen special-needs boys and girls were let in early at the Midway Chamber of Commerce’s annual Snack With Santa, held earlier this month at Mayfield Banquets. The special time was the brainchild of the Midway Cool Kids Club, a social club founded earlier this year by Geno Randazzo of All Exterior…

Palos 118 school board member honored for continued learning
Spread the lovePam Paris, a member of the Palos School District 118 Board of Education, has been recognized by the Illinois Association of School Boards for her participation in a number of professional development and leadership activities during her service as a school board member. IASB recognizes school board members who show a dedication and desire to learn more about local school governance, adding to their leadership skills, knowledge of state and national educational issues, and commitment to serving in trust of their community and their students. Paris acquired 40 credits to earn IASB’s Board Leader Recognition status. Because of Paris’ ongoing…