Funeral2

Obituaries November 16, 2023

Spread the love

DerdakANNIE DERDAK

Annie Derdak (nee Casey), beloved wife of the late Peter Derdak, passed away peacefully November 8.

Visitation was held November 10 at Foran Funeral Home, 7300 W. Archer Ave. (55th street just west of Harlem) until time of Prayers. Procession from the funeral home to St. Fabian Church for Mass. Annie will be laid to rest at Resurrection Cemetery next to her husband.

DiorioANTHONY J. “TONY” DIORIO

Anthony J. “Tony” Diorio, age 62, passed away November 1 after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer.

Beloved husband of 13 years to Brenda; dear stepfather of Keith Cole; dear brother of Darylyn (Robert) Mohr, Nicholas Diorio and Michele (Timothy) Novak; loving brother-in-law of Diane (John) Simon, Dawn Pavela and Barbara (Tom) Gotski; devoted son of the late Michael J. and the late Henrietta H. (nee Heft) Diorio;  beloved son in law of Kenneth (late Barbara) Kukla; adored uncle of Michael (Leah), Christopher, Anthony (Gina), Marisa (Shawn), Nicholas, Michael, Alyssa, Timothy, Mina, the late Tina Marie and the late Sarah; great uncle to Marisa, Nicole, Jack Aidan, Shawn Michael, Anthony, Joseph, Jackson, Zeke and Julia.

Tony was a Member of Chicagoland Toys for Tots Motorcycle Parade and an employee of American Airlines for many years.

Visitation was held November 5 at the Richard Midway Funeral Home, 5749 Archer Ave. (Corner of Lorel). Funeral was held November 6 at the funeral home, processing to St. Bruno Church for mass. Interment Good Shepard Cemetery. For more information, please call 773-767-1840.

Garcia 1CARMEN LUZ GARCIA

Carmen Luz Garcia passed away peacefully October 31, with her loving son, Santo Antonetti at her side.

She was the beloved wife of the late Richard Garcia; cherished daughter of Concepion and Lucia Hernandez; dear sister of Edwin and Gladys Hernandez and Edgar and Cynthia Hernandez. Carmen will be missed by her nephews and nieces.

Visitation was held November 3 until time of Prayers at Foran Funeral Home, 7300 West Archer Ave. (55th street just west of Harlem). Procession from the funeral home to Our Lady of Snows Church for a Mass of Christian Burial. When Richard passed away on March 10, 2020, he was cremated and Carmen kept his cremains with her so that both of them would be buried together at Queen of Heaven Cemetery when she died. Thus, we celebrate Carmen and Richard’s life together in eternity. May they both rest in eternal peace in the arms of our Heavenly Father.

LandonOLGA LANDON

Olga Landon (nee Jokubonis) graced this earth for 101 years, passed away early morning of November 7.

She was the beloved wife for 49 years to the late Stanley Landon; loving mother of John “Jack” (Marianne) Landon, Robert (Annet) Landon and Carol (Raymond) Jaster; much loved grandmother of Kimberly (Ryan) Ellis, Deborah “Debbie” (Bart) Vernhout, Carriann Jaster and Theresa Jaster; great grandmother of Penelope “Penny” Landon Ellis, Levi and Juda Vernhout; fond sister of Lillian Gedwill. Olga was a proud member of the Chicago Lithuanian Womens Club, Balzekas Museum of the Lithuanian Culture, Balzekas Womens Guild, the Beverly Hills Embroiderers’ Guild and 463rd Bomb Group.

Visitation was held November 10 at Foran Funeral Home, 7300 W. Archer Ave. (55th street just west of Harlem). Visitation at the funeral home November 11 until time of Service in Celebration of Olga’s life. Procession from the funeral home to Lithuanian National Cemetery where Olga was laid to rest next to her parents.

MitchellMITCHELL R. LEJMAN JR.

Mitchell R. Lejman Jr. passed away peacefully November 1 beside his wife, Joan the love of his life for 59 years.

Mitchell will be lovingly missed by his family members, Dennis Droba and the late Diane (Raymond) Maas, Shannon Muren, Megan Maas and Haylei, Camden, Madden and Chase; he was the dear brother of Rose (Russell) Ropke, Katie (Richard) Hosack, Paul Lejman and the late Tom Lejman. Uncle of many nieces and nephews.

Family and friends met November 4 at Resurrection Cemetery for a procession to the Community Mausoleum for Mitchell’s committal service and Military Honors in the chapel.

MARY LOU OPRONDEK

Mary Lou Oprondek, 75, late of Orland Park, passed away on November 6, 2023.

Mrs. Oprondek (nee Koston) was the wife of Jerome S. Oprondek; mother of Jenifer (Kevin) Kunstman, Jill (Mike) Noonan, Jessica (Paul) Feldman, and Jerome M. (Jackie) Oprondek; grandmother of 13; sister-in-law of Michael F. (Cookie) Oprondek; aunt of many nieces and nephews.

A Memorial Service will be held at 7 p.m. on Saturday, November 18, at Thornridge Funeral Home, 14318 S. La Grange Road, Orland Park. Memorial visitation will be from 4-8 p.m.

ReversROBERT W. REVERS

Flag FuneralRobert W. Revers, age 86, passed away October 29. U. S. Army Veteran of the Korean War.

Beloved husband of the late Madeline A. (nee Krizka); loving father of Mark (Christine), Marybeth (Tim) Burns, Robert J. (Maureen) and Ryan (Angela) Revers; devoted grandfather of Jacob (Marissa), Madeline, Nellie, Joseph, Dody, Rebecca, Nicholas, Christian and Ava; fond uncle of many.

Visitation was held November 2 at the Richard Midway Funeral Home, 5749 Archer Ave. (Corner of Lorel).  Funeral Chapel Service was held November 3 at the funeral home. Interment Resurrection Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations to the American Cancer Society would be appreciated. For more information, please call 773-767-1840.

WENDY ROCHOWICZ

Wendy Rochowicz, 56, of Chicago, passed away suddenly on November 4, 2023.

She was the daughter of Elizabeth (nee Fleck) Rochowicz and the late Richard Sr. Rochowicz; mother of Alyssa and Luke (Danaher); sister to Richard and Kerri Rochowicz; loving aunt of Kate, Kara, Jack, Lainey and Malley.

Wendy served 26 years as a City of Chicago Police Communications Operator II until her retirement in 2022.

Visitation and funeral services were held November 13 at Palos-Gaidas Funeral Home, 11028 Southwest Hwy., Palos Hills. Interment private.

For information or to express your condolences, visit www.palosgaidasfh.com or call 708-974-4410.

Sliwski 1EMILY J. SLIWSKI

Emily J. Sliwski (nee Smrz), age 90, passed away November 6.

Beloved wife of the late Stanley T. Sliwski; loving mother of Michael (Sue), Cathy Rakowiecki, Wayne (Marlene), Pam Gorman and Shirley (Dave) Ludes; devoted grandmother/“nana” of Michael (Christine) Sliwski, Jill Rakowiecki, David (Emily) Rakowiecki, Rebecca (Christopher) Bencsik, Kaitlyn (Nick) Sliwski, Peter (Hannah) Gorman, Christopher (Sarah) Ludes, Wayne (Lauren) Sliwski and the late Matthew Ludes; great grandmother of Taylor Sliwski, Emersyn and Ellington Bencsik and Grace Rakowiecki; dear sister of the late Ann Shirley Smrz, the late John (Faye) Smrz and the late Larry Smrz. Fond aunt and cousin to many.

Visitation was held November 9 at the Richard Midway Funeral Home, 5749 Archer Ave. (Corner of Lorel). Funeral was held November 10 at the funeral home, processing to St. Daniel the Prophet Church for mass. Interment Resurrection Cemetery. For more information, please call 773-767-1840.

ARTHUR R. THIELE

Arthur R. Thiele, 80, of Palos Heights, passed away Tuesday, November 7, 2023.

Mr. Thiele was born on January 19, 1943, in Chicago.

He was retired from Local 134 Electricians where he was a 62-year member.

Art was preceded in death by Nancy, his beloved wife of over 55 years. He is survived by his loving family. Ellen his sister, Eric (Josephine) his son, Lynn his daughter, three grandchildren Michael (Jennifer), Simran and Sanchan, and two great-grandchildren, Maximus and Freya.

Visitation will be Sunday, November 19, from 1-6 p.m. at the Becvar & Son Funeral Home, 5539 W. 127th Street, Crestwood. Lying-In-State on Monday, November 20, from 9 a.m. until time of service at 10 a.m. at Evangelical Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd, 7800 W. McCarthy Road, Palos Heights. Entombment Holy Sepulchre in Alsip.

For more information, call 708-824-9000 or visit www.becvarfuneralhome.com

Local News

Marist's Nathen Toth (3) was named the boys volleyball state finals MVP by the Illiniois Volleyball Coaches Association. File photo

Boys Volleyball | Marist’s Nathen Toth named state finals MVP

Spread the love

Spread the loveBy Jeff Vorva Correspondent   With the IHSA boys volleyball state semifinals and finals championships held on the same day, the round of four tends to get overshadowed once the smoke clears. But Marist’s 28-26, 26-24 semifinal win over Glenbard West in a battle of two of the top five teams in the…

York's Ben Brown, shown getting ready to serve against Marist in the state championship on June 1, is the son of Chris Brown, who helped Oak Lawn finish fourth in the state in 1993. Photo by Jeff Vorva

Brown family legacy continues in world of Illinois boys volleyball

Spread the love

Spread the loveBy Jeff Vorva Correspondent The Brown family’s legacy continues in the world of boys volleyball. Twins Chris and Eric Brown helped Oak Lawn finish fourth in the IHSA volleyball tournament in 1993, the second year the boys state tournament took place. Though the twins graduated that year, that season served as a springboard…

Two-time national wrestling champion Austin O'Connor, a St. Rita graduate, won his MMA debut on June 9 in Texas. North Carolina photo

Don’t sleep on grappling great | St. Rita grad Austin O’Connor starts MMA career with a win

Spread the love

Spread the loveBy Jeff Vorva Correspondent The “Irish Nightmare” was not about to be put to sleep. Austin O’Connor, a four-time IHSA state wrestling champion during his years at St. Rita, made his professional MMA debut on June 9; and despite some pre-match taunting from opponent Camden Fontenot — who claimed he would put O’Connor…

Lyons Township Assessor Patrick Hynes at his office in Countryside. (Photo by Carol McGowan)

Lyons Township Assessor saves taxpayers big money

Spread the love

Spread the loveBy Carol McGowan Property taxes. Just the mention of them can fire up a conversation quicker than you can start a nice one in a fire pit on a cool night. Many understand them, but some have no idea where their money is going. A lot of people think that the town, village…

reporter 2-2-24 oak lawn police logo

Oak Lawn police seize drugs, cash in raid on home

Spread the love

Spread the loveFrom staff reports Oak Lawn Police Department tactical detectives last week raided a home and recovered drugs and cash. At 8 a.m. on May 29, detectives executed a search warrant at 8825 S. Austin, assisted by the department’s Special Response Team. Detectives recovered more than 17 pounds of cannabis bagged for sale and…

Kathy Headley

Few cicadas to bug us in Chicago Lawn

Spread the love

Spread the love. Kathy Headley Your correspondent in Chicago Lawn and Marquette Manor 6610 S. Francisco • (773) 776-7778 . Well, it looks like we escaped the big cicada invasion in Chicago Lawn. I know enough folks in other areas that did not, and it was almost unbelievable to see them all on the trees…

GSWNH_BFEDMfinalshow_060724

Celebrating culture with smiles

Spread the love

Spread the love Four young dancers share smiles backstage at Hubbard High School last weekend, just before they performed onstage as part of the season-ending performance of Ballet Folklórico Estrella Del Mar. The West Lawn-based youth group celebrates traditional Mexican culture through song and dance. – Greater Southwest News-Herald photo by Kelly White

Mary Stanek

Today is a day to fly Old Glory

Spread the love

Spread the love. By Mary Stanek Your correspondent in Archer Heights and West Elsdon 3808 W. 57th Place •  (773) 517-7796 . Fly the American flag proudly on Flag Day—Friday, June 14. This holiday commemorates the adoption of the flag of the United States. Happy Father’s Day to all the men in the community on…

Peggy Zabicki

School’s out, but learning is still in

Spread the love

Spread the love. By Peggy Zabicki Your correspondent in West Lawn 3633 W. 60th Place •  (773) 504-9327 . School is out for the summer, but this does not mean that our youngsters have been idle. The Los Youth Organization will be unveiling their mural located at the West Lawn Branch Library, 4020 W. 63rd…

Hills Chamber of Commerce members, Art Golden and Phyllis Majka on opening day of the Hills Farmers Market in 2023. (File photo)

Hills Farmers Market to open at 8 a.m. Friday

Spread the love

Spread the loveBy Nuha Abdessalam The Hills Farmers Market is bringing more and offering unique experiences this year. The Hills Chamber of Commerce and the City of Hickory Hills have joined forces this year, pooling their resources and ideas to create an annual farmers market at 8653 W. 95th Street. The market will be held…

Neighbors

Thanks to Niego Real Estate, block after block in Clearing and Garfield Ridge are decked out each year in red, white and blue. Residents are asked to volunteer to pick up flags and decorate their whole block—or even additional blocks. --Supplied photo

Niego Real Estate salutes America again

Spread the love

Spread the love. Popular flag program underway . By Tim Hadac Clearing and Garfield Ridge residents who want to decorate their blocks in red, white and blue this Independence Day are encouraged to contact Niego Real Estate and reserve a supply of U.S. flags at no charge. The popular program to promote patriotism and community…

Alan Morales

Lyons Mental Health Commission pulls LeaderShop funding

Spread the love

Spread the loveExecutive director accused of harassment From staff reports The local nonprofit service community was jolted when nearly $300,000 in mental health funds was withdrawn by a Lyons Township agency from the Western Springs LeaderShop, a social service agency that has provided youth programs for nearly 40 years. The Lyons Township Mental Health Commission…

SRP-IMAGE-Logo

Mount Carmel, Marist and Oak Lawn among 84 teams at Riverside-Brookfield shootout

Spread the love

Spread the loveBy Xavier Sanchez Correspondent   High school boys basketball does not stop in March and pick back up in late autumn. For many players, playing hoops is a year-round commitment. AAU ball is a big reason for, that there are summer camps, shootouts or other events at most schools during the summer. The…

Peggy Zabicki

Dog lovers to celebrate ‘Fur of July’

Spread the love

Spread the love. By Peggy Zabicki Your correspondent in West Lawn 3633 W. 60th Place •  (773) 504-9327 . I’m starting out with some fun news. The West Lawn Dog Park Advisory Council will be hosting a Fur of July Pet Parade on Saturday, June 29 from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at West Lawn…

Mary Stanek

Fourth of July not happy for everyone

Spread the love

Spread the love. By Mary Stanek Your correspondent in Archer Heights and West Elsdon 3808 W. 57th Place •  (773) 517-7796 . Happy Fourth of July. Cannot believe I am already saying that, time sure goes. Hope it is safe and quiet for everyone and especially all of our house pets. For us its shutting…

Kathy Headley

St. Rita’s transformation is worth a look

Spread the love

Spread the love. Kathy Headley Your correspondent in Chicago Lawn and Marquette Manor 6610 S. Francisco • (773) 776-7778 . St. Rita of Cascia Church, 63rd and Fairfield, continues to undergo its transformation from the sunflowery/harvest golds and browns of the 1960s and 1970s to the calming pastels of the 2000s. Since the basilica-style church…

Alyssa Naeher clears a ball at North Carolina on June 23 in a 3-1 Red Stars loss. IMAGN photo

Loss to Courage brings Red Stars’ winless streak to five games

Spread the love

Spread the loveBy Jeff Vorva Correspondent The Chicago Red Stars historic start to the season is all but forgotten. In the last five matches, the Red Stars have failed to win, with the latest setback being a 3-1 loss on the road to North Carolina on June 23 in an NWSL battle. The Red Stars…

SRP-IMAGE-Logo

Summer League Basketball | Illinois powers compete at Riverside-Brookfield Shootout

Spread the love

Spread the loveBy Xavier Sanchez Correspondent School’s out for the summer, but high school athletes across Illinois are remaining active during the summer sports season. This includes basketball players, who can be found at camps, open gyms, camps and even weekend tournaments. Among the more high profile hoops action in the area was the Riverside-Brookfield…

Dana Rettke, a graduate of Riverside-Brookfield High School, will play on the U.S. women's volleyball team at the upcoming Summer Olympic Games in Paris.

Dana Rettke and Ryan Murphy heading to Paris Summer Games

Spread the love

Spread the loveBy Jeff Vorva Correspondent Area fans of the Summer Olympics will have extra reasons to cheer athletes from the United States in the upcoming Paris Games. Dana Rettke of Riverside is a member of the U.S. women’s volleyball team and Palos Heights native Ryan Murphy will represent the country in swimming. Rettke, a…

Kathy Headley

Hope Church feeds the hungry at Marquette Park

Spread the love

Spread the love. Kathy Headley Your correspondent in Chicago Lawn and Marquette Manor 6610 S. Francisco • (773) 776-7778 . Last week on the way to our CAPS meeting at the Marquette Park Fieldhouse, I stopped in at the Tuesday Community Dinner hosted by Hope Church every week in the auditorium. Pastors Ben and Jordyn…