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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.

BhattMAHANDRA 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.

FaltynMARIA 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.

GrothWILLIAM 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.

Grzymala 1JANINA 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.

IniguezCELIA 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

JurczykowskiMARLENE 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.

Rev LynchREVEREND 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.

PorakROBERT “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.

RomeroBALTAZAR ‘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.

SchultzEDWARD J. SCHULTZ

images REPORTER EXTRA ART Am Flag copyEdward 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.

StopkaBERNICE 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.

StupakANDRZEJ 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

images REPORTER EXTRA ART Am Flag copyRichard “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

Students and staff at Argo Community High School are mourning the death of Jaydin Bahena, a 16-year-old junior who was killed in an act of violence over the weekend. (Photo posted on GoFundMe.)

Community grieves after 16-year-old Argo High student fatally shot

Students and staff at Argo Community High School are mourning the death of Jaydin Bahena, a 16-year-old junior who was killed in an act of violence over the weekend. Bahena, remembered for his vibrant personality and kind heart, was fatally shot in Summit on Nov. 1, leaving the school and community grieving his sudden loss.…

Carmen Casillas, 18, a Reavis High School student, had a painting on display Friday night at the Acorn to Oak Studios in Oak Lawn. An open house and art sale was held at the studio. (Photos by Joe Boyle)

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The organizers of Acorn to Oak Studios in Oak Lawn aim to celebrate all things art. The studio was founded in November 2022, with an initial information event held in the north wing of Pilgrim Faith Church, 9411 S. 51st Ave. The first official session took place on Feb. 5, 2023. Andrea Zumhagen, a co-founder…

Owners Holli and George Gaitan hold the ribbon while their children, Kai and Quinn, cut it during the grand opening on Oct. 31 for the Ancestral Oven and Sourdough Bakery and Cafe in Oak Lawn. Just behind George and to his right is Mayor Terry Vorderer and Trustee Ralph Soch (6th). (Photos by Joe Boyle)

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Sierra Nelson, Kendra Scott Foundation, Katie Morlan, Kendra Scott Foundation, Crystal Skoczylas, Indian Springs District 109 Superintendent,
Dr. Christine Baldwin, Director of Curriculum & Instruction, Kelly Hernandez, Lyle Instructional Support Services. (Photos by Carol McGowan)

Lyle School Library Wins Prestigious Kendra Scott Award

Lyle School in Bridgeview received a transformative boost on Oct. 30, with a $2,000 gift certificate from First Book to enhance its collection of multicultural and diverse books, and an additional $1,000 for literacy enrichment from the Kendra Scott Foundation. The initiative, part of the Little Yellow Library program, aims to support Title 1 schools…

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IHSA football playoff scoreboard

With records and seedings in parentheses Note: Classes 8A and 7A are seeded 1-32. All other classes are seeded as two 1-16 brackets. First round Class 8A Glenbard East 49, Curie 0 Stevenson 31, Sandburg 14 Marist 42, Glenbrook South 14 Lyons 38, Joliet West 0 Class 7A Fenwick 12, Brother Rice 7 Quincy 49,…

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One of the robbers holds an assault rifle during the July 13, 2023,  robbery of the Jawahir Jewelry  store in Bridgeview. (Photos courtesy of FBI)

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Mother McAuley girls volleyball coach Jen DeJarld has helped keep the Mighty Macs' regional championship alive at 44 straight. Photo by Jeff Vorva

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The streak is up to 44. Mother McAuley won another regional championship in girls volleyball on Oct. 31 and that brings its total up to 44 straight regional or district championships after a 25-12, 25-14 victory over Stagg to win the Class 4A Stagg Regional in Palos Hills. Excluding the 2020 COVID-19 season, the Mighty…

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Two-way star Myles Mitchell helps Richards advance

With Richards trailing late against visiting Dunlap in a Class 6A opener on Nov. 1, Bulldogs coach Tony Sheehan knew what time it was. Myles Mitchell time. “I’m not going to lie,” Sheehan said. “I went up to him in the fourth quarter and told him that we were going to put it all on…

Neighbors

Students and staff at Argo Community High School are mourning the death of Jaydin Bahena, a 16-year-old junior who was killed in an act of violence over the weekend. (Photo posted on GoFundMe.)

Community grieves after 16-year-old Argo High student fatally shot

Students and staff at Argo Community High School are mourning the death of Jaydin Bahena, a 16-year-old junior who was killed in an act of violence over the weekend. Bahena, remembered for his vibrant personality and kind heart, was fatally shot in Summit on Nov. 1, leaving the school and community grieving his sudden loss.…

Carmen Casillas, 18, a Reavis High School student, had a painting on display Friday night at the Acorn to Oak Studios in Oak Lawn. An open house and art sale was held at the studio. (Photos by Joe Boyle)

Acorn to Oak studios highlight young artistic talent in Oak Lawn

The organizers of Acorn to Oak Studios in Oak Lawn aim to celebrate all things art. The studio was founded in November 2022, with an initial information event held in the north wing of Pilgrim Faith Church, 9411 S. 51st Ave. The first official session took place on Feb. 5, 2023. Andrea Zumhagen, a co-founder…

Owners Holli and George Gaitan hold the ribbon while their children, Kai and Quinn, cut it during the grand opening on Oct. 31 for the Ancestral Oven and Sourdough Bakery and Cafe in Oak Lawn. Just behind George and to his right is Mayor Terry Vorderer and Trustee Ralph Soch (6th). (Photos by Joe Boyle)

Loaf at first sight: Oak Lawn gets its first sourdough spot

The Village of Oak Lawn welcomed its first sourdough bread bakery and cafe last week, and judging by the reception, it couldn’t have come a moment too soon. The grand opening of Ancestral Oven Sourdough Bakery and Cafe, located at 4616 W. 103rd St., took place the morning of Oct. 31. The owners are the…

Fate Richey (from left), Kendra Scott Foundation, Nuray Kavustuk, Lyle School Principal, Rea Culafi, Lyle School Librarian,
Allan Woodrow, children’s author,
Sierra Nelson, Kendra Scott Foundation, Katie Morlan, Kendra Scott Foundation, Crystal Skoczylas, Indian Springs District 109 Superintendent,
Dr. Christine Baldwin, Director of Curriculum & Instruction, Kelly Hernandez, Lyle Instructional Support Services. (Photos by Carol McGowan)

Lyle School Library Wins Prestigious Kendra Scott Award

Lyle School in Bridgeview received a transformative boost on Oct. 30, with a $2,000 gift certificate from First Book to enhance its collection of multicultural and diverse books, and an additional $1,000 for literacy enrichment from the Kendra Scott Foundation. The initiative, part of the Little Yellow Library program, aims to support Title 1 schools…

football-stock

IHSA football playoff scoreboard

With records and seedings in parentheses Note: Classes 8A and 7A are seeded 1-32. All other classes are seeded as two 1-16 brackets. First round Class 8A Glenbard East 49, Curie 0 Stevenson 31, Sandburg 14 Marist 42, Glenbrook South 14 Lyons 38, Joliet West 0 Class 7A Fenwick 12, Brother Rice 7 Quincy 49,…

Red Star Mallory Swanson (9) moves the ball against Kansas City on Nov 3 at SeatGeek Stadium. Photo by Jeff Vorva

Area sports roundup: Red Stars fall to eighth seed, will face Orlando

The Chicago Red Stars are heading into the NWSL playoffs with a three-game losing streak and will face the regular season’s best team. The eighth-seeded Red Stars visit top-seeded Orlando at 7 p.m. Friday in the quarterfinals. The Red Stars had a 1-1 draw at Orland on March 29 and lost 1-0 in Bridgeview on…

One of the robbers holds an assault rifle during the July 13, 2023,  robbery of the Jawahir Jewelry  store in Bridgeview. (Photos courtesy of FBI)

Bridgeview jewelry heist suspects still at large, FBI offers $15,000 reward

Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul and the FBI are seeking the public’s help in apprehending masked men involved in four jewelry store robberies across three states, including two incidents in Bridgeview. Last week, the FBI released surveillance footage from the robberies in Bridgeview and Dearborn, Michigan. A reward of up to $15,000 is being offered…

Mother McAuley girls volleyball coach Jen DeJarld has helped keep the Mighty Macs' regional championship alive at 44 straight. Photo by Jeff Vorva

Postseason roundup: McAuley wins 44th straight volleyball regional

The streak is up to 44. Mother McAuley won another regional championship in girls volleyball on Oct. 31 and that brings its total up to 44 straight regional or district championships after a 25-12, 25-14 victory over Stagg to win the Class 4A Stagg Regional in Palos Hills. Excluding the 2020 COVID-19 season, the Mighty…

mount carmel logo

Jack Elliott, Mount Carmel cruise in Class 7A opener

Before a Class 7A opener in Machesney Park on Nov. 1, Mount Carmel and Harlem had never played each other. The Huskies are likely fine with not seeing the Caravan again anytime soon, as the Caravan rolled to a 56-14 victory. Playing only in the first half, Mount Carmel quarterback Jack Elliott completed 11 of…

Logo-Richards

Two-way star Myles Mitchell helps Richards advance

With Richards trailing late against visiting Dunlap in a Class 6A opener on Nov. 1, Bulldogs coach Tony Sheehan knew what time it was. Myles Mitchell time. “I’m not going to lie,” Sheehan said. “I went up to him in the fourth quarter and told him that we were going to put it all on…