Obituaries December 28, 2023
GLORIA J. BURKE
Gloria J. Burke, age 79, passed away December 13.
Beloved wife of James “Jim” Burke; loving mom of Jim (Bridget) Burke; dearest grandma of Ava Burke; dear sister of Sylvia (the late James) Donaldson. Also survived by relatives and friends.
Funeral was held December 16, family and friends gathered directly at Saint Daniel the Prophet Church, 5358 S. Nashville Avenue, Chicago for Mass. Interment, Resurrection Cemetery, Justice. Arrangements entrusted to care of Damar-Kaminski Funeral Home & Crematorium, 7861 S. 88th Avenue, Justice. 708-496-0200 or www.kaminskifamilyfuneralhomes.com.
HARRY F. GEDZIUS
Harry F. Gedzius, age 76, passed away December 1, in Bridgeview.
He was born on September 7, 1947 in Chicago, Illinois. Harry was a loving father and devoted grandfather. Harry is survived by his children: Harry (Laura), Gregory (Angela), Brittany (his only girl and Babydoll) and Ryan (Samantha). His beloved grandchildren: Michael (Tiffany), Matthew (Lyndsey), Gregory, Joseph (Emma), Destiny, Jack, Gianna, Nicholas, Arielle and Joycie. His cherished great-grandchildren: Lynnux, Kaden, Ethan and Lylah. Also survived by relatives and friends.
Funeral services were private and entrusted to care of Damar-Kaminski Funeral Home & Crematorium, 7861 S. 88th Avenue, Justice. 708-496-0200 or www.kaminskifamilyfuneralhomes.com.
WLADYSLAW MALECKI
Wladyslaw Malecki, age 90, passed away December 12.
Beloved husband of Zofia Malecka (nee Chowaniec); loving father of Krzysztof (Urszula) Malecki, Barbara (Wojciech) Kosela and Henryk (Beata) Malecki; dear grandfather of Adam (Rachel) Kosela, Sebastian Kosela, Sara Kosela, David Kosela, Monika Malecki, Mateusz Malecki, Michal (Paige) Malecki, Patrick Malecki and Jessica Malecki; dearest great-grandfather of Apollo Kosela; fond brother of Ludwina Czubiak and Maria Liptak. Also survived by nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
Visitation was held December 15 at Damar-Kaminski Funeral Home & Crematorium, 7861 S. 88th Avenue, Justice. Funeral was held December 16, Prayers and procession from the funeral home to Sacred Heart Church, 8245 W. 111th Street, Palos Hills for Mass. Interment, Resurrection Cemetery, Justice. For more information, 708-496-0200 or www.kaminskifamilyfuneralhomes.com.
GLENN J. OSKVAREK
Glenn J. Oskvarek, age 59, passed away unexpectedly December 11.
Our family was not expecting for Glenn’s life to be cut so short, so soon. We are all devastated by this immense loss, and he will be forever missed. He was born with a naturally sweet and kind soul, a heart of gold, and a big smile for everyone he met. He was always a joy to be around.
Being born in Chicago, he loved the city and its history. He graduated from St. Rita of Cascia High School in 1982 and obtained his bachelor’s degree in history from Ashford University with Honors in 2015. He always had a fun fact to share and would often say, “I know a lot about useless information.”
Glenn was a Chicago Police Officer for 25 years specializing in H.B.T. and SWAT. His family always felt completely safe and secure with him and proud that he protected the city he loved.
He recreated himself as a professional musician which gave him the biggest joy. He appreciated a wide range of genres, but his ultimate passion was sharing his gift with his adoring fans. He wanted every fan to feel special. However, his favorite escapade was going out into the crowd to perform his iconic solo of Baker Street. He was the saxophonist in The Ron Burgundy’s, Just the 80’s, and Legato. He was also one of the producers and founders of Hot Sax.
Glenn ventured into the business world and partnered with his youngest son, Alex to create their successful company Auto Enhancement Pros, Inc. He was prideful in supporting his son’s passion.
He frequently enjoyed a fresh glass of Maker’s Mark bourbon and a fine cigar (perhaps too much). Fun fact, he was also a Kentucky Colonel.
He married the love of his life, Mary Fran (Kasper) Oskvarek in May 1987, and they built their love story for the remainder of his life. They had three amazing children whom he adored: Elyse (Seamus) Stephens, Glenn Oskvarek, and Alex Oskvarek.
He was born to Cecilia and Chuck Oskvarek on January 22, 1964. He was loved by his six brothers and sisters: Ceil (Mike) Arduino, the late Chuck (Carol) Oskvarek, Jack (Ellen) Oskvarek, Joe (Juanita) Oskvarek, Ann (Mark) Johnson, and Victor (Kathleen) Oskvarek. He was beloved by his many nieces and nephews and was revered by many, many friends.
He will forever be our “Sax Hero” and the “Renaissance Man”, but most importantly the very best husband, father, brother, uncle, and friend.
Visitation was held December 17 at Damar-Kaminski Funeral Home & Crematorium, 7861 S. 88th Avenue, Justice. Celebration of Life was held December 18 at the 115 Bourbon Street, 3359 W. 115th Street, Merrionette Park. Cremation rites accorded. For more information, 708-496-0200 or www.kaminskifamilyfuneralhomes.com.
GRACE D. PLUHAR
Grace D. Pluhar (nee Schultes), 92, a longtime resident of Oak Lawn, passed away peacefully at her home on December 18, 2023.
She was the beloved wife of the late Russell A. Pluhar. Loving mother of David (Joyce) Pluhar, Liz (Michael) Antolik, Richard (Helen Schaeffer) Pluhar, and James (Pati) Pluhar. Cherished grandmother of six and great-grandmother of 2. Dear sister of John Peter Schultes and the late Claire Rivoire. Fond aunt, cousin, and friend of many.
Grace was a public school teacher.
Visitation and services were held December 21 at Pilgrim Faith United Church of Christ, 9411 S. 51st Avenue, Oak Lawn. Interment private.
In lieu of flowers, donations to Pilgrim Faith United Church of Christ would be appreciated.
Arrangements entrusted to the Becvar & Son Funeral Home, 5539 W. 127th Street, Crestwood.
EILEEN S. SHEEDY
Eileen S. Sheedy, nee Dadas, age 87, of Chicago, Garfield Ridge community, passed away on December 17.
She was the beloved wife of the late Harold J. Sheedy; loving mother of Michael Sheedy, John (Noreen) Sheedy, Mark (Karen) Sheedy, Brian (Sharon) Sheedy and Mary Kay (Jeff) Jestadt; cherished grandmother of 12 and great-grandmother of 7; fond sister to Emil Dadas (Betty), Maryann Nosal (Ted), and the late Robert Dadas. Aunt of many nieces and nephews.
Visitation was held December 21 at Foran Funeral Home, 7300 W. Archer Ave. (55th street just west of Harlem). Visitation was held December 22 at the funeral home until time of Prayers. Procession from the funeral home to St. Blasé Church for a Mass of Christian Burial. Eileen will be laid to rest at Queen of Heaven Cemetery (Our Lady of Sorrows Cemetery). Condolences may be sent to Eileen’s family on her personal tribute website at www.foranfuneralhome.com.
JOAN I. VANDERPLOW
Joan I. Vanderplow, graced this earth for 92 years, passed away peacefully at home with her loving family at her side.
She was the cherished mother of Patricia (William) Spisak, Maureen Vanderplow and Eileen (Dennis) Jenkins; proud grandmother of Christie Spisak (Jeffrey Bucklin), Scott (Linsey) Jenkins, Jacqueline (Frank) Scalise and the late Ryan Jenkins; dear great grandmother of Haley Jenkins, Siena Scalise, Livia Scalise, Sofia Scalise and Odin Jenkins; fond sister of William (Ava) Egan and the late Patricia (late Carmen) Pignatiello and their families.
Visitation was held December 18 at Foran Funeral Home, 7300 W. Archer Ave. (55th street just west of Harlem). Visitation was held December 19 at the funeral home until time of Prayers. Procession from the funeral home to Two Holy Martyrs Church, St. Symphorosa Church for a Mass of Christian Burial. Joan will be laid to rest at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery.
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