DOROTHY “DOTTIE” GIERACH 

Dorothy A. “Dottie” Gierach (nee Bonner), 101, passed away on Friday, September 15, 2023.

She was the beloved wife of the late Honorable Will Gierach (1999). Loving mother of Sharon (Ed) Schussler, James (Melissa) Gierach, Beverly (Tim) Siemers, Marilyn Gierach and Marcia Gierach. Cherished grandmother of Brian and Debbie; Julie, Laura and Billy; Tim and Jennifer; Heather and Jason; Tracy, Tiffany, Angela and Ashley. Dearest great-grandmother of many. Fond sister of the late Otho Bonner, loving daughter of Earl Bonner and loving granddaughter of Silvia Rebecca Bonner.

Dottie was not only family-blessed, she was also a gifted pianist, a skilled artist and sewer, a genealogy researcher extraordinaire, a philatelist and coin collector.

Dottie generously dedicated her time and heart as a volunteer at Christ Hospital in Oak Lawn. Friday nights were special at Smith Crossing, as Dottie would grace the piano with her tunes. Her love of life and people brought joy to all who knew her. She was a proud member of the Eastern Star and also enjoyed the Red Hat Society and Night Crawlers, further exemplifying her vibrant social spirit.

Her memory will forever be cherished by her family, friends, and all those whose lives she touched.

A memorial service to celebrate Dottie’s life will take place at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 7800 McCarthy Road, Palos Heights, on Saturday, October 7, at 11 a.m. Interment to take place at Christ Lutheran Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital are appreciated.

Express your thoughts and condolences at colonialchapel.com or by calling 708-532-5400.

BRUNO “BRONISLAW” LIGAS

Bruno “Bronislaw” Ligas, age 85, passed away September 14.

Beloved husband of Maria Ligas (nee Kwak); loving father of Andrew (Nataliya) Ligas and Theresa (Bill) Simantirakis; dearest grandfather of Isabella Tylka and Aiden Ligas; cherished son of the late Bronislawa (nee Mateja) and the late Jan Ligas; dear brother of the late Ludwina (the late Jozef) Kos, the late Jan (Bronislawa) Ligas, Krystyna Kwak and the late Wladyslaw (Maria) Ligas. Also survived by nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

Visitation was held September 17 at Damar-Kaminski Funeral Home & Crematorium, 7861 S. 88th Avenue, Justice. Funeral was held September 18, 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.

CONSTANCE SYLVIA MARS

Constance Sylvia Mars, age 91, of Homer Glen, passed away peacefully September 16.

She was born in Cold Spring, Minnesota on May 17, 1932, to the late Nicholas and Henrietta (Zielnick) Oster. Constance was married to the late Hubert Mars until his passing in 2001. Her loving companion Ron Milles preceded her in death in January 2023. Connie lived at Marian Village retirement community, with former residences in Willow Springs and Chicago. She was preceded in death by her son Mitchell Mars, daughter Debra Berkos and brother Raymond Oster.

She is survived by her son Jeffrey Mars (Nancy), grandsons James Mars and Stuart Berkos (Vanessa) and great-grandson Max Berkos, daughter-in-law Jennifer Mars, son-in-law Rick Wisby, former daughter-in-law Lesley Morgan, and several nieces and nephews. Contributions in Constance’s memory can be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Funeral was held September 25, Commital service was held at Resurrection Cemetery, 7201 S. Archer Ave., Justice. Arrangements entrusted to care of Damar-Kaminski Funeral Home & Crematorium, 7861 S. 88th Avenue, Justice, Illinois. 708-496-0200 or www.kaminskifamilyfuneralhomes.com.

ANTHONY S. “TONY” MARUSZAK

Anthony S. “Tony” Maruszak, age 94. U.S. Army veteran of the Korean War.

Beloved husband of the late Helen “Lou” (nee Gatto); loving father of Barbara (Jerry) Vegas and Michael J. Maruszak; dear grandfather of the late John W. “Jack” Maruszak.

Tony was named V.F.W. “Man of the Year 2013-2014, he was the Past Commander of the V.F.W. – 3rd District, Past National and State V.F.W. Parade Marshall, Past Commander of the Rhine V.F.W. Post # 2729.  Member of the James J. Zientek American Legion Post #0419.  Tony was also a parishioner, Usher and God Squad member of the former St. Camillus Church.

Funeral Chapel Service was held September 27 at the Richard-Midway Funeral Home, 5749 Archer Ave. (corner of Lorel). Interment with Military Honors at the Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery. Visitation was held September 26. For more information please call 773-767-1840 or www.richardmidwayfh.com.

GEORGE L. MATSON

George L. Matson, age 98. U.S. Army Veteran.

Beloved husband of the late Audrey (nee Corey); loving father of Robert (Donna Reynolds), Donald (Debbie) and David Matson; devoted grandfather of Corinne (Daniel) Garcia, Jack (Meagan) Matson and Corey Matson; cherished great grandfather of Holden and Luke; dear brother of the late Dorothy Shelton and the late Marilyn Jackson; fond uncle of many nieces and nephews.

George was a Cub Scout Pack Leader, Charles J. Sahs School PTA member and volunteer. Member of the Masonic Lodge. George loved fishing and gardening, he was a Bears and Hawks fan and was a jack of all trades.  George enjoyed his 39 years of retirement after working for Western Electric as an Electrical Engineer.

Visitation was held September 19 at the Richard-Midway Funeral Home, 5749 Archer Ave. (corner of Lorel). Private Interment at Fairmount-Willow Hills Memorial Park. For more information please call 773-767-1840.

MARTHA ORTEGA

Martha Ortega passed away September 19, surrounded by her loving family.

She was the devoted and loving wife for 45 years to Jose F. Ortega; cherished mother of Francisco (Keisha) Ortega, Cesar (Nereida) Ortega and Alejandro Ortega; proud grandmother of Matthew, Nathaniel and Nereida “Lexi” Ortega; dear sister of the late Luis Torres, the late Benjamin (Carmen) Ortega,  Salvador (Maria) Torres, Roberto Torres, Gonzalo Torres, Manuel y  Leticia Zamudio, Jorge y Angeles Torres and Gerardo y Yolando Bustamante. Martha will be lovingly missed by her many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Martha enjoyed life to the fullest she loved to sing and dance and to get everyone to enjoy the music. She leaves a wonderful legacy of kindness, friendship, generosity and love, to all fortunate enough to know her.

Visitation was held September 22 at Foran Funeral Home, 7300 W. Archer Ave. (55th street just west of Harlem). Visitation was held September 23 at the funeral home from until time of Prayers. Procession from the funeral home to Our Lady of Snows Church for Mass. Per Martha’s request she will be cremated. May the songs of the angels welcome you, dear Martha, into heaven and into the arms of our Heavenly Father.

KRYSTYNA PIWOWARCZYK

Krystyna Piwowarczyk (nee Wachcinska), age 73.

Beloved wife of the late Wladyslaw Piwowarczyk; loving mother of Marzena (Arthur) Kohn, the late Mariusz Piwowarczyk, (Deanna Pitts), Aleksandra Piwowarczyk, and Leszek (Asia) Piwowarczyk; dear grandmother of Daniel, Kailee, Isabelle, Dalia, Maiya, Natalia, Nathan, Gabriel, and Michael; cherished daughter of the late Zofia (nee Janicka) and the late Tadeusz Wachcinski; dearest sister of Jerzy (Irena) Wachcinski, the late Stanislaw Wachcinski, Danuta (the late Jozef) Krawczyk and Theresa (Zdzislaw) Bondaruk. Also survived by many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

Visitation was held September 22 at Damar-Kaminski Funeral Home & Crematorium, 7861 S. 88th Avenue, Justice. Funeral was held September 23, Prayers and procession from the funeral home to Saint Blase Church (Blessed Martyrs of Chimbote Parish), 6101 S. 75th Avenue, Summit for Mass. Interment, Resurrection Cemetery, Justice. For more information, 708-496-0200 or www.kaminskifamilyfuneralhomes.com.

TADEUSZ SOBONKIEWICZ

Tadeusz Sobonkiewicz, age 70, of Hickory Hills, passed away September 16.

Beloved husband of Marta Sobonkiewicz (nee Slowik); loving father of Wladyslaw (Barbara) Sobonkiewicz; cherished grandfather of Mia, Olivia, Eleanor and Lucas whom he loved very much; dear son of the late Stanislawa (nee Treit) and the late Wladyslaw Sobonkiewicz. Also survived by relatives and friends.

Visitation was held September 19 at Damar-Kaminski Funeral Home & Crematorium, 7861 S. 88th Avenue, Justice. Funeral was held September 20, Prayers and procession from the funeral home to Our Lady of the Church Polish Mission, 116 Hilton St, Willow Springs for Mass. Interment, Resurrection Cemetery, Justice. For more information, 708-496-0200 or www.kaminskifamilyfuneralhomes.com.

GERALD F. “JERRY” SOUKAL

Gerald F. “Jerry” Soukal, age 77.

Beloved and cherished husband to Patricia (nee Aftanas) for nearly 58 years; loving father of Jerry (Gina), Debbie (Rick) Farris and Glenn (the late Desirea) Soukal; dear papa of Carriann (Dan) Joyce, Samantha, Jerry, Sarah, Ricky, Maria and Emberlynn; great papa of Owen and Evan; dear brother of Joseph (Janece) and the late Frank Soukal. Fond uncle, cousin and friend to many.  He was “Papa” to many of the family dogs.

Jerry was the longtime proprietor of the Soukal Floral Company which has been in business since 1916.  He was also a past president of the Garfield Ridge Chamber of Commerce.

Visitation was held September 23 at the Richard-Midway Funeral Home, 5749 Archer Ave. (corner of Lorel).  Funeral was held September 25 at the funeral home, processing to St. Faustina Kowalska Church for mass. Interment Resurrection Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations to The American Cancer Society would be appreciated. For more information please call 773-767-1840.

WILLIAM “BILL” WETZIG

William “Bill” Wetzig was born August 4, 1956 in Chicago.

He grew up in Palos Hills, graduating from Stagg High School in 1975. In the same year, Bill joined the Army which gave him the ability to “see the world.

Overseas, he was stationed at Vincenza, Italy, and Garmisch, Germany. In the United States, he was stationed at Ft. Leonard Wood, Missouri, Ft. Jackson, SC, Ft. Lewis, Washington., Ft. Sam Houston, Texas, Ft. Bragg, NC, and finally retired from the military after 22 years at Ft. Knox, Kentucky.

During his military service, he rose to the rank of Sergeant First Class, was highly decorated with medals and badges, and was a member of the prestigious 82nd Airborne Division Association, Sergeant Audie Murphy Club, Sergeant Morales Club, to name a few.

He continued his federal service (37 years in all) by working at the Social Security Administration in Florida until his final retirement.

Bill will be remembered for his duty to family and friends, willingness to help others, thoughtfulness around life’s special occasions, and his strong sense of patriotism.

Bill passed away on July 21, 2023, at the age of 66 in Tampa, Florida. He is survived by his fiancé, Marilyn McPhail of Tampa; two daughters; Angela Thomas of Cumming, Georgia, and Adrienne Benham of Brandenburg, Kentucky; three grandsons, Ethan and Trystan Thomas, and Cooper Benham, brothers; John Wetzig of Palos Hills, Jim (Helen) Wetzig of Metropolis, sister; Kathy (Wetzig) Paliokaitis of Kankakee; twin brother’s widow Kim Wetzig of Romeoville; various cousins, nieces and nephews.

He joins his parents; Jaqueline (Rossbach) Wetzig and William (Bill) Wetzig, twin brother; Bob (Robert) Wetzig, and nephew; Robert Wetzig in eternal life.

Bill was laid to rest at the Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell, Florida.

A private Celebration of Life will be held in October.

Arrangements by Palos-Gaidas Funeral Home.

MARIA ZAGATA

Maria Zagata (nee Zarebczan), age 73, passed away September 22.

Beloved wife of Stanislaw Zagata; loving mother of Barbara Zagata and Pawel (Joanna) Zagata; dearest babcia of Anastazja and Juliana; cherished daughter of the late Bronislawa (nee Klimek) and the late Jozef Zarebczan; dear sister of Helena and Bronislaw. Also survived by nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

Visitation was held September 25 at Damar-Kaminski Funeral Home & Crematorium, 7861 S. 88th Avenue, Justice. Funeral was held September 26, 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.

BOLESLAW S. ZAREBCZAN

Boleslaw S. Zarebczan, age 69, passed away September 21.

Beloved husband of Anna Zarebczan (nee Zagata); loving father of Katarzyna (Christian) Denisienko, Krzysztof (Renata) Zarebczan, Tomasz (Maria) Zarebczan and Marta Zarebczan; dearest grandpa of Sebastian, Grzegorz, Bartek, Julia and Victoria; cherished son of the late Elzbieta (nee Bochnak) and the late Wladyslaw Zarebczan; dear brother of the late Maria Lopacinski, Anna (Stanislaw) Lojek and Jozefa (Tadeusz) Nowak; treasured son-in-law of Elzbieta and the late Bronislaw Zagata; fond brother-in-law of Jozefa (the late Jozef) Padlo, Helena (Michal) Zolnierczyk and Maria (Jozef) Stefaniak. Also survived by nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. Proud member of Kolo nr. 29 Gronkow of ZPPA.

Visitation was held September 24 at Damar-Kaminski Funeral Home & Crematorium, 7861 S. 88th Avenue, Justice. Funeral was held September 25, 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.