Obituaries September 14, 2023
MARIA FRAGOSO
Maria Fragoso (nee Esparza) age 97, of Chicago, Clearing community, passed away peacefully August 28, surrounded by her family.
She was the beloved wife of the late Sebastian Fragoso; loving mother of Juan (Carmen) Fragoso, Rosa (Leopoldo) Ramirez, Michael (Miroslava) Fragoso and the late Bertha (late Leo) Villarreal; dearest grandmother of Leo, Bertha, Leo, David, Michael, Robert, Melissa, Sam and Maya and many great-grandchildren. Maria is also survived by her many brothers and sisters.
Visitation was held September 5 at Foran Funeral Home, 7300 W. Archer Ave. (55th street just west of Harlem). Visitation at the funeral home September 6 until time of Prayers. Procession from the funeral home to Our Lady of Tepeyac for a Mass of Christian burial. Interment Resurrection Cemetery. Condolences may be sent to Maria’s family on her personal tribute website at www.foranfuneralhome.com.
BRUCE J. “IKE” IVKOVICH
Bruce J. “Ike” Ivkovich passed away September 6.
He was married for 38 years to the love of his life, his wife, Susan, who he adored. Loving father of Jon Bryce (Izabela) Ivkovich, Richard (Dana Bertucci) Alghini and Lisa Alghini; cherished grandfather of Aria, Valor, Dominic, Richie and Mariano; dear brother of Gail (Frank) Aljinovic and brother-in-law of Kenneth (Linda) Moranz. Ike will be missed by his nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends. Ike was a man of great patience, kindness and understanding. He loved his hot rods and a good cigar. He leaves behind a wealth of treasured memories and a model of realizing a full and loving life.
Visitation was held September 9 at Foran Funeral Home, 7300 W. Archer Ave. (55th street just west of Harlem). A Service in Celebration of Ike’s life was held at the funeral home.
DONALD A KRATZ
Donald A Kratz, age 76, passed away August 28.
Loving husband of Caryl (nee Stortz) for 54 years, beloved father of Brad (Rose) and Todd; cherished grandfather of Jonathan, Jake and Ryan; brother of Pam (Robert) Splitt; brother-in-law of Paul Stortz, Mark (Judy) Stortz and Dave (Pam) Stortz. Uncle of many nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews. Don is preceded in death by his parents Arthur and Laverne and his brother Lyle.
After graduating from Luther High School South in 1965, Don was drafted into the US Army and served in Germany from 1966 to 1968. He was an avid Chicago Bears and Chicago White Sox fan, serving as the manager of parking operations at Comiskey Park from 1977 to 1984. In his spare time, he enjoyed fishing, bowling and playing softball.
Visitation was held September 5 at Damar-Kaminski Funeral Home & Crematorium, 7861 S. 88th Avenue, Justice, with a Service and Time of Remembrance held at the funeral home. Interment private at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery, Elwood, Illinois. For more information, 708-496-0200 or www.kaminskifamilyfuneralhomes.com.
HENRY LESAK
Henry Lesak, age 74, passed away August 30.
Loving father of Dorothy (David) Korbel, Renee (Jeff) Spalding and Annette Lesak (Kellen Terrett); dearest dziadzia of Davis Korbel, Dennis Terrett, Oscar Terrett, Benjamin Spalding, Luke Spalding and Jacob Spalding; cherished son of Stanislawa (nee Gabryliszyn) and the late Jan Lesak; treasured brother of Janet (the late Casimir) Arciszewski and Jozef (Barbara) Lesak; fond uncle of Henry (Jennifer) Arciszewski, Monica (Jaime) Perez, the late Christopher Arciszewski, Michael (Coral) Arciszewski, Ewelina Lesak and Justyna Lesak. Also survived by relatives and many friends.
Henry was a longtime parishioner of Saint Fabian Catholic Church. He worked 35 years as a machinist and final assembly lead inspector for Northstar Aerospace (formerly Boeing and Litton Precision Gear). Memorial donations in honor of Henry may be made to Prostate Cancer Foundation.
Visitation was held September 4 at Damar-Kaminski Funeral Home & Crematorium, 7861 S. 88th Avenue, Justice, with a Prayer Service and Time of Remembrance. Funeral was held September 5, Prayers and procession from the funeral home to Saint Fabian Church, 7450 W. 83rd Street, Bridgeview, for Mass. Interment, Resurrection Cemetery, Justice. For more information, 708-496-0200 or www.kaminskifamilyfuneralhomes.com.
RODRIGO LOPEZ SR.
Rodrigo Lopez Sr. passed away September 1.
He was the beloved husband of Debra (nee Lachtara) Lopez; loving father to Paul (Tina), Doris (Rich) Pinto, Edward (Lisa), Rodrigo Jr. (Mary) and Sandra (Alex) Moreno; devoted grandfather to Ashlee (Keny) Pinto-Zurita, Ricardo, Richard, Justine (Ean) Conrad, Licia, Alyssa and McKinley. Great-grandfather to RJ, Corey, Aubriella, and Renzo; loving son of the late Lorenzo and Doris Lopez; dear brother of the late Eloy (late Nancy), late Dolores (Louis) Medina, Lorenzo Jr., late Alberta Castaneda, Alejos (Janice), late George (Jeannie), James, late Patricia Aguilar, Iris Craig, Antonio, Amada (Florencio) Trujillo, and the late Huemac Lopez. Fun-loving uncle to many nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.
Rodrigo was a longtime Southsider originally from the Back of the Yards neighborhood. He was a member of the Mary McDowell Settlement Association, where he was an avid softball player for the Settlers team. He also belonged to the Unicorns – S.A.C. Rod was a retired member of the Truckdrivers Teamsters Local 705. Proud Native American Elder of the Tunica Biloxi Tribe of Louisiana. He was a huge sports fan especially of his beloved Chicago Cubbies, Bears and Blackhawks.
Visitation was held September 8 at Foran Funeral Home, 7300 W. Archer Ave. (55th street just west of Harlem). Visitation at the funeral home September 9 until time of Celebration of Life Service. Procession from the funeral home to Resurrection Cemetery where Rodrigo was laid to rest.
GEORGE “MICKEY” MACK JR.
George “Mickey” Mack Jr., age 93, passed away August 29.
Beloved husband of 49 years Jeanne Helen (nee Jackson) Mack; loving father of David D. Mack, Tracy Jo (Michael) Fink, the late Shirley Jo, Victoria (Vincent) McDonough, late Robert (Rachel) O’Dowd and late Danny O’Dowd; cherished son of the late Susie (nee Frisco) and late George Mack Sr.; dearest grandpa to Matthew, Elizabeth, Robert, Frank, David, Stacy, Courtney and Brianna; loved great grandpa to 8. Dear brother to the late James (late Phyllis) and late Samuel (late Lorraine). Also survived by nieces, nephews, relative and friends.
George grew up in Summit. Graduated from Argo High School, worked for Corn Products and UOP LLC. He moved to Justice to raise his family where he was a member of the Sportsmen Club and past Fire Chief of the Justice Volunteer Fire Department. In his later years he spent many months each year in Pinellas Park, Florida with his wife, where they lived their retirement life and he did a lot of fishing.
Visitation was held September 1 at Damar-Kaminski Funeral Home & Crematorium, 7861 S. 88th Avenue, Justice. Funeral was held September 2, Service and Time of Remembrance were held at the funeral home. Interment, Bethania Cemetery, Justice. For more information, 708-496-0200 or www.kaminskifamilyfuneralhomes.com.
KAREN ROSE LEONCHIK-MUZYKA
Karen Rose Leonchik-Muzyka, age 68, passed away peacefully August 28 at Illinois Masonic Hospital, where she worked for her entire 50-year career as an operation room technician.
Beloved wife of Vitaly Muzyka; loving sister of Sandra (the late Dan) Alex; special aunt and godmother of Brent (Caryn) Alex. Preceded in death by her parents, Walter and Natalie Leonchik and her brother, Tom Leonchik. Karen is survived by many extended family and dear friends. Memorials may be made to Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation or American Cancer Society.
Visitation was held September 5 at Damar-Kaminski Funeral Home & Crematorium, 7861 S. 88th Avenue, Justice. Funeral was held September 5, Procession from the funeral home to St. Peter & St. Paul Orthodox Church, 6980 County Line Road, Burr Ridge for Service. Interment, Elmwood Cemetery, River Grove. For more information, 708-496-0200 or www.kaminskifamilyfuneralhomes.com.
ARLENE NOWORUL
Arlene Noworul, age 91, resident of Berwyn for 70 years and just recently of Joliet, passed away August 28, surrounded by her loving family.
Arlene was married for 59 years to the love of her life, her husband, Richard, who passed away in 2010. Devoted mother of Cheryl Burns (William) Gran and the late Richard (Kim) Noworul; loving grandmother of Jennifer (late Michael) Bardachowski, Kimberly (Don) Pisano, Alec Noworul, Annie Noworul and Hollie (Ryan) Litke; dear great grandmother of Matthew, Jacob, Grace, Joshua, Sydney, Maverick, Maxley, Madison and Mason. Arlene lived a joyful life. All who knew her will remember her spirited personality, and style. She will be dearly missed by her many friends and neighbors.
Visitation was held September 1 at St. Pius X Church, 4300 S. Oak Park Ave. Stickney followed by Mass. Procession from the church to Mt. Auburn Cemetery where Arlene was laid to rest beside her dear husband.
EMILIJA PRETKELIS
Emilija Pretkelis (nee Schmidt), 97, passed away at home on September 4, 2023.
She is survived by her son, Algird (ex-wife, Carol); grandchildren, Walter (Barbara), Geoffrey (Jane), Elizabeth Pretkelis-Heaton (David), James (Lesley), and Margaret Rush (Brett); great-grandchildren Neil, Alexa, Ren, Ben, Mallory, Brooklyn, Lucas, Lacey, Navaeh, and Nicholas; sister, Lydia; dear friend, Irene Wozniak; many nieces and nephews; and her devoted pooch, Happy.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 68 years, Augustas; beloved son, Walter; daughter-in-law, Ann; brothers Albert and Richard; her parents, Ardèlè and Gustav; and many brothers and sisters-in-law.
She immigrated to Chicago from Lithuania after World War II, where she loved and sacrificed for her family, became a citizen, worked hard, smiled often, became fluent in five languages, made the world’s best kugelis, knitted, sewed, and gardened. She overcame many struggles and tragedies in her long life but saw each day as a blessing. She is deeply missed.
Visitation was September 11 and funeral services were held September 12 from Becvar & Son Funeral Home, 5539 W. 127th Street, Crestwood, to Incarnation Catholic Church, 5757 W. 127th Street, Crestwood. Interment St. Casimir Cemetery.
For more info, visit www.becvarfuneralhome.com or call 708-824-9000.
DOLORES “DEE” ROBINSON
Dolores “Dee” Robinson (nee Mugica), 68, passed away peacefully on Friday, September 8, 2023.
She was the beloved daughter of Anita Gunthrie and the late Alfred (Margo) Mugica; Loving mother of Megan (Chris) Henderson-Merlin; Proud grandmother of Jace Merlin; Dearest sister of Katy (Sonny) Shiffer, Bill (Katie) McMahen, and Phil (Balinda) Mugica; Cherished aunt and great-aunt to many nieces and nephews; Dee was also a kind, caring friend to many.
Family and friends will gather for a Memorial Visitation on Sunday, September 17, at the Palos-Gaidas Funeral Home, 11028 Southwest Hwy., Palos Hills, from 3-7 p.m., Interment private.
For Information or to express your condolences, visit www.palosgaidasfh.com or call 708-974-4410.
THOMAS J. SHEEHAN
Thomas J. Sheehan passed away unexpectedly September 8. U.S. Army Veteran of Viet Nam War, proud Chicago Policeman, just one day short of 40 years until his retirement in 2009.
Loving father of Thomas C.F.D. (Kimberly) Sheehan and Kristin (Bruce) DiGrazia and the late Ryan Kennedy; proud grandfather of Haley, Jayden, Milania, Kaden and Gia. Tom will be missed by his former wife and friend, Belinda. Fond Brother-in-law of Sandra Sheehan. He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Pauline and brother Patrick Sheehan. Dear uncle of many nieces and nephews.
Visitation was held September 11 at Foran Funeral Home, 7300 W. Archer Ave. (55th street just west of Harlem). Visitation at the funeral home September 12 until time of Celebration of Life Service. Procession from the funeral home to Mt. Auburn Cemetery where Tom was laid to rest.
LUCIA SCHUMACHER
Lucia Schumacher (nee Geosits), 88, former resident of Palos Park, passed away peacefully on Friday, September 8.
She was the beloved wife of the late Frank Schumacher; loving mother of Anna (Peter) Harvey, Christine Schumacher and Patricia (Mark) Musial; Cherished grandmother of Karen Schumacher, Frank Harvey, Andrew and Amanda Musial and the late Heather Schumacher; proud great-grandmother of Mason Schumacher; dearest sister of Elizabeth (the late Steven) Milisits, Gyorgy (Gabriella) Geosits, Rezso (Julia)Geosits; and Zsuzsanna (the late Ferenc) Geosits; kind aunt to many nieces and nephews.
Family and friends will gather for visitation on Friday, September 15, from 9-11 a.m. Funeral prayers at 11 a.m. at the Palos-Gaidas Funeral Home, 11028 Southwest Hwy., Palos Hills, to Sacred Heart Church, for Mass 11:30 a.m. Interment Holy Sepulchre Cemetery.
For Information or to express your condolences, please visit www.palosgaidasfh.com or call 708-974-4410.
ANDREW SCHUTT
Andrew Schutt, 94, passed away on September 4, 2023.
He was the beloved husband for 74 years to Marilyn “Mert” (nee) Ellerie. Loving father of Kenneth (Carol) Schutt, Gary (Joan) Schutt, Andy (Chris) Schutt, David (Laura) Schutt and the late Linda (late Raymond) Lewis and the late Judy Schutt. Cherished grandfather of 15. Dearest great-grandfather of 27. Preceded in death by his siblings Herman Schutt, Sue Smit, Nick Schutt, George Schutt, John Schutt, Jennie Boerema and Richard Schutt, Sr. Fond uncle of many nieces and nephews.
Andrew was the last surviving member of the Schutt family farm that was located in Worth.
He was a retired redi-mix driver for Ozinga Brothers with 38 years of service.
Andrew loved his family, traveling and nature.
Visitation was September 7 and funeral services were held September 8 at Colonial Chapel, 15525 S. 73rd Ave. (155th/Wheeler Drive and Harlem Avenue) Orland Park. A live-stream of the service will be available on Colonial Chapel’s website at colonialchapel.com. Interment Chapel Hill Gardens South, Oak Lawn.
In lieu of flowers, memorials to Southwest Chicago Christian Schools, 12001 S. Oak Park Ave., Palos Heights IL 60463 or Providence Life Services, 18601 North Creek Drive, Suite A, Tinley Park IL 60477 are appreciated.
Express your thoughts and condolences at colonialchapel.com 708-532-5400.
MICHAEL A. SUTKOWSKI
Michael A. Sutkowski, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by love. Attorney at Law.
He was a kind and loving husband of Barbara Fleming; devoted father of Joseph (Kayla) Sutkowski; bonus father of Sean (Jess) Fleming, Ian Fleming, Erin Fleming (Jake Usher); Papa Mike to Winnie Fleming; much loved brother of Debra Sutkowski, Sharon (Mike) Rak and Raymond G. (Lauren) Sutkowski. Uncle Agitator to David Rak, Catherine Rak and Ally Sutkowski. Mike will be deeply missed by his many friends, legal colleagues and baseball buddies. He played in organized leagues since he was 6 years old. We will miss his wisdom, his guidance, and his humor. Mike left a message to everyone, “Love you all and look forward to seeing you again”. In your kindness, please consider a donation in Mike’s memory to Gastric Cancer Foundation https://www.v.org/partners/gastric-cancer-foundation email: info@V.org 919-380-9505.
MARIANNE WYDRA
Marianne Wydra, age 79, of Chicago, West Elsdon community, passed away July 31.
Loving mother of the late Dennis Majewski, Jr. and Jennifer Majewski; cherished sister of the late Joseph Wydra, Jr., Richard Wydra and Robert Wydra. Also survived by nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
Cremation rites were accorded, and arrangements entrusted to the care of the Damar-Kaminski Funeral Home & Crematorium, 7861 S. 88th Avenue, Justice. 708-496-0200 or www.kaminskifamilyfuneralhomes.com.
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