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Obituaries February 22, 2024

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BakerDONNA J. BAKER

Donna J. Baker (nee Bjorklund), age 73, passed away January 28.

Loving mother of Nancy (Frank Brown) Baker, Julie Baker, William (Shelley) Baker Jr., and Anthony (Krista) Baker; dear grandmother of Brittany Stutts, Christopher Brown, David Weeks, Robert Weeks, Richard Weeks Jr., Danielle Weeks, Alexis Siara-Chareun, Kayla Baker; cherished daughter of the late Delores (McMillan) and the late Duane Bjorklund; fond sister of Carol Bjorklund, Gail Morales, Gary (Donna) Bjorklund, Don (Sheri) Bjorklund, late Gwen Diaz (Bjorklund), and late Bruce Bjorklund. She is also survived by many loved great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, friends and relatives. Cremation rights and services were private.

DeweraMARIA DEWERA

Maria Dewera (nee Noworolska), age 90, passed away January 26.

Beloved wife of the late Tadeusz Dewera; loving mother of Maria (the late Zbigniew) Scechura and Jozefa (the late Jan) Fit; cherished grandmother of Stanley (Magdalena) Fit, Mark (Barbara) Fit, Jacek (Anna) Scechura, Donna (Justin) Robb, Marcin (Monika) Scechura and Marta Scechura; treasured great-grandmother of Maciek, Michal, Melania, Lilly, Tessa, Vivian, Caroline, David, Alan, Simon and Filip; dearest daughter of the late Elzbieta (nee Vida) and the late Andrzej Noworolski. Loved and remembered by her nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

Visitation were held February 9 at Damar-Kaminski Funeral Home & Crematorium, 7861 S. 88th Avenue, Justice. Funeral was held February 10, Prayers and procession from the funeral home to Our Lady Mother of the Church, 116 Hilton Street, Willow Springs for Mass. Interment, Cmentarz Parafialny, Frydman, Poland.

PATRICIA HUBACEK

Patricia Hubacek, 84, of Palos Heights, passed away on February 10 with her youngest son, Joseph, by her side.

She was born on July 27, 1939 in Kingston Township, Wis., to Beatrice and Charles Rubins.

Pat was a devoted family member and spent her life in service to those she loved. Her devotion to her family began early in her life when she chose to stay home and raise her four children.

As her children grew, she continued her gift of service as a caretaker for an aunt and uncle living in the Chicago area.

This was followed by her role as grandma, caring for her grandchildren whenever she could.  Pat frequently stated her greatest joys in life were her children and grandchildren. She is fondly remembered for taking her grandkids on long walks and playing games with them.

Her parents in Wisconsin were next in need of her service and she again stepped up. Soon after, her late husband Lawrence was in need and she again provided loving care within the confines of their Palos Heights home.

She and her late husband, Lawrence, are survived by their four children: Jerome (Aimee) of Fremont, Calif., Jeff (Karen) of Flowood, Miss., Jill (Kent) of Rogers, Ark., and Joe (Miho) of Palos Heights, 13 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

A Memorial Visitation will be held on Friday, February 23, from 8:30 a.m. until time of prayers at 10:30 a.m. at the Becvar & Son Funeral Home & Cremation, 5539 W. 127th Street, Crestwood, to Incarnation Catholic Church, 5757 W. 127th Street, Crestwood, for an 11 a.m. Mass.  Interment Resurrection Cemetery, 7201 S. Archer Avenue, Justice.

In lieu of flowers donations to the Disabled American Veterans Charitable Service Trust (https://donate.givedirect.org/?cid=779&n=615134) or the Paralyzed Veterans of America, Wisconsin Chapter (https://paralyzedveteransofamericawisconsinchapter-bloom.kindful.com/) would be appreciated.

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

KrupaADAM KRUPA

Adam Krupa, age 65, passed away February 3.

Beloved husband of Halina Krupa (nee Wojcik); loving father of Monika (Artur) Swiatkowski, Aneta (Franciszek) Galik and Barbara (Stanislaw) Rzepka; dear grandfather of Kinga Swiatkowski, Patrick Swiatkowski, Olivia Swiatkowski, Camila Galik, Jakub Galik, Brian Rzepka, Christian Rzepka and Alan Rzepka; dearest great-grandfather of Klara Swiety; cherished son of the late Zofia (nee Peciuch) and the late Mieczyslaw Krupa; fond brother of Zenon (Malgorzata) Krupa. Also survived by nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

Visitation was held February 8 at Damar-Kaminski Funeral Home & Crematorium, 7861 S. 88th Avenue, Justice. Funeral was held February 9, Prayers and procession from the funeral home to Saint Fabian Church, 7450 W. 83rd Street, Bridgeview, for Mass. Interment, Resurrection Cemetery, Justice.

KwilosROY JOHN KWILOS

Flag FuneralIt is with heavy hearts that we announce the February 8 passing of Roy Kwilos, age 77.

Loving husband to Elizabeth; loving father to the late John Kwilos, Jacqueline Griffin (James) and Katrina Callahan (Shane), and devoted Boompa to Patrick, Tyler, Juliana, Jimmy, Liam, and Zoey; son to the late John and Adeline Kwilos and late sister Donna Harkins, and fond uncle of many nieces and nephews.

Roy proudly served our country in Vietnam as a U.S. Marine and dedicated his life to public service as a Chicago Police Officer for over 40 years retiring as a Sergeant. Roy left this world leaving behind a legacy of service, honor, and love.

Born on October 29, 1946, Roy Kwilos grew up in a world marked by change and challenge. As a young man, he bravely served his country during the Vietnam War, demonstrating resilience and valor in the face of adversity. His commitment to duty and his fellow servicemen, especially his closest friend John Gorey, defined his character, shaping the path for the remarkable life he would lead.

Roy later transitioned into a distinguished career with the Chicago Police Department, where he rose through the ranks from patrolman to homicide detective to Sergeant. Throughout his 40+ years of service, he exemplified integrity, courage, and a steadfast dedication to protecting and serving his community. His unwavering commitment to justice left an indelible mark on those he served alongside, most notably his lifelong friend Casey Stadnicki, and the countless lives he touched. He inspired his daughter Jackie to also pursue a life of public service as a Cook County State’s Attorney. Roy was proud of Jackie’s accomplishments and felt she truly reflected his values and compassion for service.

Beyond his professional achievements, Roy found his greatest joy in the warmth of family life. He shared over 15 years of marriage, with his beloved wife, Elizabeth, creating a home filled with love, support, and laughter. Roy jokingly appreciated only having to celebrate an anniversary every 4 years on February 29th. Their 3 dogs, Barney, Shorty, and Heidi eventually stole his heart even if he didn’t like to admit it. Together, they faced life’s challenges hand in hand, creating a foundation built on love and enduring companionship.

Roy’s heart was most full when surrounded by his family. His love for them was immeasurable, and he took pride in the individuals they became. Though Johnny has gone before him, Roy’s influence continues to live on through Jackie, Katrina, and his grandchildren and the memories they created as a family. Boompa always surprised the kids with packages of M&Ms from his pocket. The grandkids looked forward to his visits when he would shake their hands silly, wave them all over, and pinch their cheeks. He took such pleasure in watching them excel in their sports, in school, and in life. His unconditional love was always evident. The grandkids loved when he would give them this advice, “Don’t be a bum!” and then they would laugh together.

Roy Kwilos will be remembered not only for his service to his country and community but also for the kindness, strength, humor, and warmth that defined his character. He loved his Chicago sport teams, especially the White Sox and the Bears. He was proud to grow up on the Southside and had many fond memories of his years as a De La Salle Meteor. Roy was so honored when his son Johnny chose to follow in his footsteps and thrived during his years at DeLaSalle.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, Wounded Warrior Project, or Vietnam Veterans Memorial, in honor of Roy Kwilos’s memory.

Visitation was held February 12 at Damar-Kaminski Funeral Home & Crematorium, 7861 S. 88th Avenue, Justice. Funeral was held February 13, Service and Time of Remembrance were held at the funeral home. Interment, Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery, Elwood, Illinois.

HENRY MATLAWSKI

Flag FuneralHenry Matlawski, age 72, passed away February 3. US Army Vietnam War Veteran.

Beloved husband of Helen Matlawski (nee Ziolkowska); dear father of Michelle Mazurski and Mark Matlawski; dearest grandfather of Krystyna, Olivia and Stephanie; cherished son of the late Helena (nee Kropacz) and the late Wladyslaw Matlawski; fond brother of the late Anna Matlawski, the late Jozef Matlawski and the late Diana Matlawski. Also survived by relatives and friends.

Visitation was held February 6 at Damar-Kaminski Funeral Home & Crematorium, 7861 S. 88th Avenue, Justice. Funeral was held February 7, Prayers and procession to begin from the funeral home to Saint James at Sag Bridge Church, 10600 S. Archer Avenue, Lemont for Mass. Interment, Resurrection Cemetery, Justice.

MoncebaizMARGUERITE MONCEBAIZ

Marguerite Moncebaiz, age 95, passed away January 30. Loving mother of Robert (Tomasa), Elizabeth (Genaro), Richard (Juanita), Cynthia (Fred), and the late Rudolph; dear grandmother of Vito and Isabel; dearest great-grandmother of Andres and Alexis; dear sister of Aunt Bob.

Visitation was held February 7 at Damar-Kaminski Funeral Home & Crematorium, 7861 S. 88th Avenue, Justice. Funeral was held February 7, Service and Time of Remembrance were held at the funeral home. Interment, Resurrection Cemetery, Justice, Illinois.

MroczekZOFIA MROCZEK

Zofia Mroczek (nee Baradziej), age 85, passed away January 28.

Visitation was held February 10 at Damar-Kaminski Funeral Home & Crematorium, 7861 S. 88th Avenue, Justice. Interment, Cmentarz Komunalny, Mielec, Poland.

RoskoLINDA ROSKO

Linda Rosko, 74, born on June 24, 1949, to her late parents Lawrence, Sr. and Vira Mae (nee Wardell) Carson passed away January 30. Linda fought severe emphysema to the very end.

Linda is survived by her loving devoted daughter Teri Rosko (Rob Buchan). Devoted and beloved Nanie to Nickolas Buchan and her 4 Cheeto loving grand dogs, especially her LeLe. Beloved sister of Donna (late Chuck) Maggard, Betty (late Bobby) Creager, sister-in-law Pamela (late Larry) Carson, late brother Leonard Carson, late brother-in-law Edward (late Dorothy) Rosko, sister-in-law Dianna (late Deacon Richard) Rosko, and brother-in-law Patrick (late Candi) Rosko. Loving aunt to many nephews and nieces. She is preceded in death by her loving husband Bob of 51 years.

Linda loved playing solitaire, spades and hearts on her phone. She also played many games of UNO with Nicky, but they would always end up fighting.

Linda was stubborn and anyone who knew her would tell you she was. She was a hardworking, loving woman who loved giving to her family. She spent many years caring for her daughter and husband. Linda was loved by many and will be missed.

Funeral, Saturday, March 16, 11:30 a.m. Mass to be held at Saint George Church, 6707 West 175th Street, Tinley Park. Cremation rites to be accorded.

RutkowskaMARIA RUTKOWSKA

Maria Rutkowska (nee Oles), age 83, passed away February 5.

Beloved wife of the late Jozef Rutkowski; loving mother of Jan (Anna) Rutkowski, Aleksander (Zofia) Rutkowski, Andrzej (Adela) Rutkowski and Stanislaw (Patrycja) Rutkowski; dear grandmother of Artur (Aneta) Rutkowski, the late Stanislaw Rutkowski, Piotr (Sylwia) Rutkowski, Tomasz Rutkowski, Lukasz Rutkowski, Aneta Rutkowski, Mariusz Rutkowski and Iwona Rutkowski; dearest great-grandmother of Aleksandra, Pawel, Antonina, Helena and Franciszek; cherished daughter of the late Antonina (nee Nowobilska) and the late Wojciech Oles; fond sister of the late Jozef (the late Bronislawa) Oles, the late Jan (the late Stefania) Oles, the late Helena (the late Jan) Soltys, Aniela (the late Jan) Wrobel, the late Stefania (the late Andrzej) Gogola, the late Janina Soltys, the late Wladyslaw Oles and the late Aleksander Oles. Also survived by nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

Visitation was held February 8 at Damar-Kaminski Funeral Home & Crematorium, 7861 S. 88th Avenue, Justice. Funeral was held February 9, Prayers and procession from the funeral home to Saint Fabian Church, 7450 W. 83rd Street, Bridgeview, for Mass. Interment, Resurrection Cemetery, Justice.

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