Obituaries December 14, 2023
ROBERT E. CUMMINS
Robert E. Cummins, 92, of Frankfort has passed away.
He was a Navy veteran of the Korean War.
He was the beloved husband of the late Dolores “Dee” nee Pappas Cummins; devoted son of the late Edward and Rose nee Teresi Cummins; loving father of Alana (Rick) Cramer, Rob Jr. (Debbie), Bill (Tina) and Scott (Sabine) Cummins; cherished grandfather of 10, great-grandfather of 8; dearest brother of Maureen (the late Michael) Tully; kind uncle to many nieces and nephews.
Family and friends gathered for a visitation on December 10 at the Palos-Gaidas Funeral Home, 11028 Southwest Hwy., Palos Hills. Interment will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, December 13, at the Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery.
For information or to express your condolences, please visit www.palosgaidasfh.com or call 708-974-4410.
JUANITA M. DE LEON
Juanita M. De Leon, age 41, passed away November 16.
Loving mother of Raymond Anthony Mangan and Christian Miguel Mangan; cherished daughter of Angelina Aguirre and Sergio De Leon Sr; dearest sister of Anita De Leon (Adrian Quiroz), Sergio Jr. (Nancy) De Leon, Stephanie (Pedro) Roman, Christina (Abraham) Gonzalez and Joseph Paul De Leon; treasured aunt of Vanessa Quiroz, Sergio De Leon III, Donovan Jauregui, Lelia De Leon, Victoria Gonalez, Pedro Roman Jr., Valerie Gonalez, Santiago De Leon, Emma Gonzalez and Abraham Gonzalez; dear granddaughter of the late Carolina Aguirre and the late Aurora and the late Luis Meza. Also survived by numerous relatives and friends.
Visitation was held November 20 at Damar-Kaminski Funeral Home & Crematorium, 7861 S. 88th Avenue, Justice. Funeral was held November 21, Service and Time of Remembrance were held at the funeral home. Interment, Saint May Cemetery, Evergreen Park. For more information, 708-496-0200 or www.kaminskifamilyfuneralhomes.com.
THOMAS M. FITZGERALD
Thomas M. Fitzgerald, age 65 passed away suddenly November 15.
Beloved husband of Maureen (nee, Robinson); loving father of Sean, Caitlin, Brigid and Cameron (Kim); loving grandfather to Riley, Eliza, Logan, Blake, Baylin, Brooke and Finnley; fond brother of Pete (Kris), Danny (Susie), Margaret, Annie, Josie, James (Lori), Paul and Cathy (Eric). Also survived by nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association in memory of the late Annie T. Fitzgerald.
Visitation was held November 19 at Damar-Kaminski Funeral Home & Crematorium, 7861 S. 88th Avenue, Justice. Funeral was held November 20 at Saint Nicholas of Tolentine Church, 6200 S. Lawndale Avenue, Chicago with a Mass. Interment, Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, Alsip. For more information, 708-496-0200 or www.kaminskifamilyfuneralhomes.com.
VIRGINIA FREY
Virginia Frey, of Palos Hills, passed away peacefully on December 5, 2023.
She was the beloved daughter of the late Stephen and Stella nee Radzak Jankowski; loving mother of Charlene Martin and the late Darlene Selwood; cherished grandmother of Lorelei and David (Monica) Martin, Christine Selwood, and Robert (Kelly) Selwood; great grandmother of Brittany Martin, Brandon Martin, Karly Martin, Meghan Selwood, Aleksandr Selwood, Lucas Selwood, Holly Selwood, Emilie Selwood; dearest sister of Daniel (Carol) Jankowski.
Funeral services were held December 9 at Sacred Heart Church. Interment Resurrection Cemetery.
Arrangements Interested to Palos-Gaidas Funeral Home.
For information or to express your condolences please visit www.palosgaidasfh.com or call 708-974-4410.
DOROTHY ANNE GENDEMAN
Dorothy Anne Gendeman, age 94, formally of Justice, passed away November 24.
Dorothy was born May 15, 1929 to the late Harold and Violet Fandrey. She was the oldest of eight children, three of whom preceded her in death; Harold, Richard and baby girl Fandrey. Dorothy married the love of her life, the late George P. Gendeman Sr., on November 23, 1946. Dorothy was a lifetime member of Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church. She served as a Sunday School teacher, member of the Women’s Guild, Altar Guild, and Choir. She devoted her life to her family, friends and church. Dorothy was a proud member of the Willow Springs Lioness Club, where she was recognized as a lifetime member. Dorothy loved to read the Bible and pray for others. In her younger years, she enjoyed traveling, gardening, nature and simply having a good time! She was a loving and caring person, devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and great-great-grandmother.
She is survived by her three children, Janet (Ronald Sr.) Zoll, George P. Gendeman Jr. (Susan), and Mary (Michael) Cherven; grandchildren, Ronald Zoll Jr., Terry (Robert) Nothof, Jaclyn Gendeman, Karl (Elizabeth) Gendeman, Daniel (Elizabeth) Gendeman, Amy (Eric) Darling and Nicolette (Anastasios) Giannopoulos. Her fourteen great-grandchildren and four great-great-grandchildren. Her brothers, William (Kathy), Donald (the late Nancy), Louis (Diane) and sister Joyce (Robert) Dunn. She will be dearly missed by her nieces, nephews, God Children and friends. The family would like to thank the nursing and hospice staff who took care of Dorothy as she prepared to enter heaven’s gates. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church of Willow Springs, ALS Association or Ascension Alexian Brothers Hospice.
Visitation was held November 29 at Damar-Kaminski Funeral Home and Crematorium, 7861 S. 88th Avenue, Justice. Funeral was held November 30, the family received condolences followed by a funeral service at Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church 212 S. Nolton Avenue Willow Springs. For more information, 708-496-0200 or www.kaminskifamilyfuneralhomes.com.
ALFREDA M. JUTZI
Alfreda M. Jutzi (nee Sokolski), age 95, passed away November 16.
Beloved wife of the late Norman Jutzi; loving mother of Bill (Mary Beth) Jutzi, the late Fred Jutzi, Shirley Despain and the late Jim Jutzi; dear grandmother of Korin Presta, Jeff Jutzi, Matt (Rosa) Jutzi, Kristine (Derek) Fuhrman, Stacy (John) Mulhern and Natalie (Michael) Tejada; dearest great-grandmother of David Presta, Andrew Presta, Jack Jutzi, Adam Jutzi, Ellie Fuhrman and Lucas Fuhrman. Also survived by relatives and friends.
Visitation was held November 20 at Damar-Kaminski Funeral Home & Crematorium, 7861 S. 88th Avenue, Justice, with 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.
JOSEPH “MARV” KASPER
Joseph “Marv” Kasper, age 88, passed away November 22. US Army Korean War Veteran.
Beloved husband of the late Helene Kasper (nee Michalski); loving dad of Anthony J. (Laura L.) Kasper, Mike (Diane) Kasper and Mary Fran (Glenn) Oskvarek; dear grandpa of Elyse (Seamus) Stephens, Matthew (Jennifer) Kasper, Glenn Oskvarek, Joseph Kasper and Alex Oskvarek; dearest great-grandpa of Kaleb Kasper; cherished son of the late Margaret (nee Svacik) and the late Joseph Kasper; fond brother of the late Roger Kasper, Marjorie Hermann, Ronald Kasper and the late Robert Kasper. Also survived by nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. Dedicated employee of 47 years of service at Chicago Park District and a bartender at Miami Bowl for numerous years. In lieu of flowers, donations to VA Hines Healthcare System are much appreciated.
Visitation was held November 30 at Damar-Kaminski Funeral Home & Crematorium, 7861 S. 88th Avenue, Justice. Funeral was held December 1, Service and Time of Remembrance were held at the funeral home. Private Interment, Resurrection Cemetery, Justice. For more information, 708-496-0200 or www.kaminskifamilyfuneralhomes.com.
BRANDON MICHAEL KISALA
Brandon Michael Kisala, age 37, of Lake Station, IN, formerly of Bridgeview, passed away suddenly December 1. Proud veteran of the United States Marine Corps, Lance Corporal, and served three tours of duty in the Iraq War.
He was born July 16, 1986 and was the beloved son of Susan Martino and the late Norbert Kisala, Jr.; dear brother of Christopher, and grandson of Eleanor Kisala-White. Preceded in death by grandparents Norbert Kisala, Sr. and Ronald and Marion Martino; cherished nephew to many aunts and uncles and also had many cousins.
Visitation was held December 12 at Foran Funeral Home 7300 W Archer Ave. (55th St. just West of Harlem). Visitation at the funeral home December 13 until time of Service in Celebration of Brandon’s life. Procession from the funeral home to Holy Sepulchre Cemetery where Brandon was laid to rest with Military Honors in the Veteran section of the cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please consider honoring Brandon with a donation to the Disabled American Veterans, help.dav.org.
JOHN A. LABIAK
John A. Labiak, age 59, passed away November 22.
Loving father of Adam Labiak; cherished son of Sharon (nee Adaska) and Eugene Labiak; dear brother of Susan (Doug) McKinney; fond uncle of William, Samantha and Andrew. Also survived by aunts, uncles, cousins, relatives and friends.
Visitation was held November 29 directly at Two Holy Martyrs Parish-St. Symphorosa Church, 6135 S. Austin Avenue, Chicago a Mass followed. Interment, Queen of Heaven Cemetery, Hillside. Arrangements entrusted to care of Damar-Kaminski Funeral Home & Crematorium, 7861 S. 88th Avenue, Justice, Illinois. 708-496-0200 or www.kaminskifamilyfuneralhomes.com.
PATRICIA SUSAN MIKRUT
Patricia Susan Mikrut (nee Doyle), 86, of Palos Park, earned her wings on November 26, 2023.
Patricia was surrounded by her loving husband and children as she entered Heaven. She is preceded in death by her parents, Howard and Hyacinth Doyle and brother, Tom Doyle.
Patricia was born in 1937 in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin.
Patricia was a graduate of Leyden High School, then attended the Art Institute of Chicago and Rosary College. Patricia quickly became an accomplished artist and positive influencer of the art community in the south suburbs of Chicago.
In 1958, Patricia married the love of her life, Raymond Mikrut, and they enjoyed 65 years of marriage.
Patricia is survived by her husband, Raymond, seven children: Sue Harper, Bob Mikrut, Jim (Denise) Mikrut, Sharon Turner, Lori (John) Sheppard, Tom Mikrut and Peggy (Chad) Preston. Cherished grandma of 13 and great grandma of 13.
Memorial visitation will be Saturday, December 16, from 1 p.m. until time of chapel service at 5 p.m. at
the Kerry Funeral Home & Cremation Care Center, 7020 W. 127th Street, Palos Heights.
PHYLLIS M. MODLA
Phyllis M. Modla passed away on December 8, 2023 at the age of 82.
She was born and raised in Chicago’s Back of the Yards Neighborhood. Graduated from Saint Joseph High School. Worked at CNA Insurance in downtown Chicago.
After marriage, she became a full-time homemaker and loving mother to her three children. Once her grandchildren started being born, she became a full-time grandmother.
She is survived by her husband Edward and three children. Daughters Donna (John) Leslie and Lynn (Jim) Grana, and son Edward J. Modla. Cherished grandmother of Alexander, Allison and Paige Leslie. Many nieces and nephews. Phyllis was preceded in death by her parents Edmund and Angeline Uznanski and two brothers, Jerome and Robert (Joan Ann) Uznanski.
Family and friends will gather for a visitation on Wednesday, Dec. 13, from 3-8 p.m. Funeral will be Thursday, Dec. 14, at 8:30 a.m. until time of prayers at 9:15 a.m. from the Palos-Gaidas Funeral Home, 11028 Southwest Hwy., to Sacred Heart Church for Mass 10 a.m. Interment Resurrection Cemetery.
MAURICE EDWARD PHELAN
Maurice Edward Phelan, 85, of Palos Park, passed away on Tuesday, December 5, 2023.
He was the beloved husband of Dorothy nee Greskowiak; loving father of Suzanne, Janet, Maury (Jeanne), and Gerald (Bernadette) Phelan, and Barbara (James) Spahn; cherish grandfather of Joseph (Emily), Jason, Julia, Christopher, Brendan, and Ashley.
Family and friends gathered for a Memorial Mass on December 12 at Our Lady of The Woods Church, 10731 W. 131st St., Orland Park. Interment Holy Sepulchre Cemetery.
Arrangements and trusted to Palos Gaidas funeral home.
For information or to express your condolences please visit www.palosgaidasfh.com or call 708-974-4410.
ANIELA SENDECKI
Aniela Sendecki (nee Parzatka), age 86, passed away December 2.
Beloved wife of late Wladyslaw Sendecki; loving mother of Angela (Robert Wolny); dearest grandmother of Elizabeth Wolny and Kasia Wolny; cherished daughter of the late Aleksandra (nee Obrochta) and the late Franciszek Parzatka; dear sister of the late Anna Gal, the late Janina Zaskalska, the late Wladyslawa Miernicki and the late Tadeusz Parzatka. She was a loving aunt to many wonderful nieces and nephews and will be deeply missed by family and friends.
Visitation was held December 10 at Damar-Kaminski Funeral Home & Crematorium, 7861 S. 88th Avenue, Justice. Funeral was held December 11, Prayers and Procession from the funeral home to Our Lady Mother of the Church Polish Mission, 116 Hilton Street, Willow Springs for Mass. Interment, Resurrection Cemetery, Justice. For more information, 708-496-0200 or www.kaminskifamilyfuneralhomes.com.
GERALD RAY SINKS
Gerald Ray Sinks, age 79, passed away December 3. US Navy Vietnam War Veteran.
Beloved husband of the late Gale Sinks (nee Contreras); loving father of Deanna (James) Gill, Scott Sinks, Wendy Uher and Mandy (Eric) Burchett; dear grandfather of Sean, Jeremy, Baley, Tyler, Lawsyn, Corey, Mystery, Cole and Dean; cherished son of the late Mabel (nee Kidd) and the late Everett Sinks; fond brother of James (Grace) Sinks, the late Robert Sinks, the late Howard Sinks, the late Walter Sinks, the late Evey Sinks, the late William Sinks, the late Arlene Sinks and the late Virginia Ehmpke. Also survived by nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
Visitation was held December 8 at Damar-Kaminski Funeral Home & Crematorium, 7861 S. 88th Avenue, Justice. Funeral was held December 9, Service and Time of Remembrance were held at the funeral home. Interment, Mount Auburn Cemetery, Stickney. For more information, 708-496-0200 or www.kaminskifamilyfuneralhomes.com.
WALTER J. “BUZZ” SURA
Walter J. ” Buzz” Sura, of Hickory Hills, passed away on Friday, December 1, 2023.
He was an Army veteran.
He was the beloved husband of Joyce nee Gornick Sura; loving father of Michael (Anna) Sura and Cynthia Dent; cherished grandfather James (Fanny) Sura; proud great-grandfather of Lily Sura; dearest brother of 10.
Family and friends gathered for visitation on December 7 and funeral services were December 8 at the Palos-Gaidas Funeral Home, 11028 Southwest Hwy., Palos Hills. Interment Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery.
PATRICIA ANN TRACY
Patricia Ann Tracy, age 76, passed away unexpectedly November 28.
She was the beloved daughter of the late Valentine and Chestera Tracy; dear sister of Sr. Mary Tracy M.M., and the late Raymond (late Janet) Tracy and the late Stella Tracy. Patricia Ann will be buried alongside her sister and parents at Resurrection Cemetery. Funeral services private.
RAUL VAZQUEZ
With sadness, we announce the passing of Raul Vazquez, age 46 who passed away December 1.
He was the beloved son of Marcelino and Isaura (nee Soto) Vazquez; cherished brother of David (Michelle) Vazquez; much loved Tio of Jocelynne, Vincent and Giovanni. He will be dearly missed by his many aunts, uncles and cousins.
Visitation was held December 6 at Foran Funeral Home, 7300 W. Archer Ave. (55th street just west of Harlem). Visitation at the funeral home December 7 until time of Prayers. Procession from the funeral home to St. Mary of Czestochowa Church for a Mass of Christian burial. Raul will be laid to rest alongside his grandfather at Resurrection Cemetery.
SISTER GRACE CAROL WASTAK
Sister Grace Carol Wastak, SSC, 95, beloved member of the Sisters of St. Casimir for 74 years, passed away December 5, 2023.
Sister Grace Carol taught in elementary and high schools in Illinois, Pennsylvania, Nebraska, and New Mexico. She worked as an Administrator at Holy Family Villa from 1977 to 1985, and at Holy Cross Hospital in Chicago 1986-1991.
Sister Grace Carol is survived by her nieces and nephews, Andrew Wastak III, Josephine Diedrich, Chester Klescewski Jr., as well as cousins, friends and members of the Sisters of St. Casimir.
Her parents, Andrew S. Wastak Sr., and Josephine (Bajorinas) Wastak, siblings Andrew (Cecelia)Wastak, Jr., and Catherine (Chester) Klescewski preceded Sister Grace Carol in death.
Visitation was held December 9 at Franciscan Village Chapel, 1270 Village Drive, Lemont. Interment at St. Casimir Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the SSC Retirement Fund, 2601 W. Marquette Road, Chicago, IL 60629.
Arrangements entrusted to Palos-Gaidas Funeral Home.
For information or to express your condolences, please visit www.palosgaidasfh.com or call 708-974-4410.
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