MICHALENE M. GALLORO

Michalene M. Galloro (nee Mazur), passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family June 16.

Beloved wife of Vito Galloro for 60 years; loving mother of Michele N. Galloro (Allen) and Vito III (Lina) Galloro; dear grandmother of Joseph, Vincent and Francesca and great grandmother to Gianna Michele; dear sister of Theresa (late Norman) Kirkley and the late Michael (Norma) Mazur. Preceded in death by her parents, Michael and Agnes Mazur. Michalene cherished every moment with her family. Her nurturing spirit, endless patience and unconditional love were the cornerstones of her family.  She was a wonderful baker and took much pleasure in baking for the ones she loved. She took great pride in her children and grandchildren while sharing special bonds with her sister, brother, cousins, nephews, nieces and friends.  She was always there to listen and always there when needed most. A devoted Catholic and Eucharist Minster embodying the core principles of faith, love, service, compassion and hope. Michalene’s legacy of love, kindness and strength will forever live through her children and all who knew her.

Family and friends gathered at St. Daniel the Prophet Church for a Mass of Christian Burial. Procession from the church to Resurrection Cemetery where Michalene was laid to rest. In Lieu of flowers donations in Michalene’s honor to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105, would be greatly appreciated.

RITA M. HAXEL

Rita M. Haxel, 60, of Orland Park, passed away on Saturday, June 22, 2024.

She was the beloved mother of David (Victoria) Haxel; Loving sister of Kelly (Greg) Williams and the late Ralph “Eddie” Haxel; Dear aunt of Brandon Williams, Kara (Anna) Williams and Zackery (Jamie) Haxel, and a new grand-niece, Callie Haxel.

Visitation will be Thursday, June 27, from 3-7 p.m. at the Becvar & Son Funeral Home, 5539 W. 127th Street, Crestwood. Interment private.

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

PHILIP L. JURCZEWSKI

Philip L. Jurczewski, age 89, peacefully passed away May 25.

Beloved husband of Paula Jurczewski (nee Soucie). loving and devoted dad of Laura (Milton) Legrand, Shaun (Sue) Jurczewski, Katherine Jurczewski and Philip Jurczewski; proud grandfather of Patrick Jurczewski, Katie Jurczewski (fiancé Gio) and Christopher Jurczewski; cherished son of the late Felix and Estelle Jurczewski and dear brother of Mary Arlene (deceased). Fond brother-in-law of Marianne and Jim (deceased) Deslauriers and Patty and Pat (deceased) Soucie. Also survived by nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

Phil graduated from Leo High School and went on to get his master’s in library science from Chicago State University, formerly Chicago Teachers College. He married his forever love, Paula, in 1963 at St. Liborius Catholic Church in Steger, IL. Phil and Paula settled in Evergreen Park, IL, after a couple of years residing on the north side of Chicago. After teaching at Lindblom High School, Phil went on to become a College Professor of Data Processing at Daly College, where he taught for 30 years. Phil and Paula would have four children and in addition to teaching and help raising their kids, he attended night school and studied accounting. He received his CPA license and eventually started his own successful accounting business. Phil and Paula celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary in August, 2023. A devoted Catholic, Phil was an usher and active parishioner of Most Holy Redeemer Catholic Church for over 50 years. He loved to travel with Paula, family, and friends, whether it was visiting all 50 states, going on cruises, taking bus tours throughout Europe or short getaways to Michigan and Iowa. He truly loved golfing, bowling, and playing tennis with the guys in the Builders Tee Club. He also enjoyed card games with his buddies, jazz music and old-time radio programs. Phil will truly be missed by all, but especially by his family. He was an incredibly kind and loving husband and father. His family loves him dearly and will keep him in their hearts forever.

Services were private. For more information, 708-496-0200 or www.kaminskifamilyfuneralhomes.com

PATRICIA L. MACEJAK

Patricia L Macejak (nee Czech), 77, of Palos Hills, passed away on Saturday, June 15, 2024.

She was the beloved wife of the late John Macejak; Devoted mother of Scott, Tracie Macejak Miller (Jerry) Miller and Alan (Holly) Macejak; Loving grandmother of Connor, Claire, Maddox, Victor and Sidney Macejak and Carter and Landen Miller; Dearest sister of the late Richard Czech.

Patricia could always be found at the Forest Preserves with her Diet Coke from McDonald’s.

She was the former owner of Set N Pretty Beauty Shop and longtime owner of Standard City and Suburban Heating and Air Conditioning Co.

Visitation was June 22 at the Palos-Gaidas Funeral Home, 11028 Southwest Hwy., Palos Hills. Funeral was held at Sacred Heart Church. Interment St. Casimir Lithuanian Cemetery

ROBERT FRANK OTTO “BOB” MUCHOW

Robert Frank Otto “Bob” Muchow died at the age of 99 in La Crosse, WI on June 12.

Bob was born on April 16, 1925, in Chicago, IL to Erhardt and Caroline Muchow. He and his older sister Ruth grew up in Chicago, where their father was Principal of Zion Lutheran Church school as well as the church organist. Bob served his country near the end of World War II as an ensign in the US Navy aboard the USS Rupertus. He attended the University of Michigan where he studied engineering. Bob had a long career as a safety engineer and supervisor with Travelers Insurance, which took him from Chicago to Perrysburg, OH and eventually Minneapolis, MN in 1971.

Bob met the love of his life, Helen Knezevich, and they married in Chicago on July 29, 1950. They had two wonderful sons, Mark and Mike, and enjoyed many adventures in their 50+ years together including wintering in Florida and a fondly remembered trip to Rome. After Helen died in 2001, Bob spent time in Wisconsin and Florida with special friend Irene Anderson, until his health issues brought him to La Crosse, WI, where his son Mike resides, to live in a nearby senior care facility. Bob made many friends at the new place, including special friends Rosemary Linzmeyer and Barb Lemon.

Bob lived a good life, secure in his strong Lutheran faith – he always said he was waiting for that “tap on the shoulder” from the Lord to bring him home. He loved his wife and family and set a good example for his sons to follow. He loved people and looked forward to meeting everyone, especially the ladies. Bob was a lifelong and passionate fan of the Chicago Cubs and Chicago Bears, and the Michigan Wolverines. He enjoyed traveling and golf. We’ll remember him for his humor, his faith, and his unceasing love.

Bob is survived by his sons Mark (Carolyn), Michael (Catherine Ryan) von Muchow, and cherished granddaughters Rose and Madrigal von Muchow. He is also survived by his sister-in-law Dorothy Mitrius and many nieces and nephews. Bob was preceded in death by his parents, his loving wife Helen, sister and brother-in-law Ruth and Gil Wilken, brothers-in-law Steve Knezevich and Marty Mitrius, special friend Barb, extended family and many friends.

The family would like to thank the staff at the two Eagle Crest facilities in La Crosse for their care of Bob during his last years as well as Gundersen Hospice for their care during his last illness. Bob will be returned to Chicago to be buried next to his beloved Helen. Visitation was held June 22 at Foran Funeral Home, 7300 West Archer Ave, Summit, service and interment at Chapel Hill Gardens South, Oak Lawn, immediately followed. Foran Funeral Home (708) 458-0208.

ANGELICA MARIA SIERRA

Angelica Maria Sierra, age 54, passed away June 4.

Visitation was held June 6 at Szykowny Funeral Home. Funeral mass was held June 7th at Immaculate Conception.  Cremation is private.

JOYCE F. SOLOFRA

Joyce F. Solofra passed away at home unexpectedly June 13.

She was the beloved wife of the late Roy Solofra Sr.; loving mother of Roy Jr. (late Judy), Jim Solofra, Bob (Doug) Solofra, Joy (Steve) Monreal and Gary (Karen) Solofra; cherished grandmother of Anthony, Rebecca (Johnny), Michael, Alyssa (fiancé Matt), Lexi (Connor), Michael, Jaime (Jon) and Tiffani (Michael); proud great grandmother “GiGi” to Liam, Ava, Beau and soon to be Jude. Dear sister of Dorothea O.F.S., Bonnie (Ed) and the late Nancy, late Conrad and late Ray. Joyce will be lovingly remembered by her many cousins, nieces and nephews. She retired after working for 25 years for the Clerk of the Circuit Court.

Visitation was held June 17 at Foran Funeral Home, 7300 W. Archer Ave. (55th street just west of Harlem). Visitation at the funeral home June18 until time of Prayers. Procession from the funeral home to Two Holy Martyrs Parish, St. Symphorosa Church for a Mass of Christian Burial. Joyce was laid to rest next to her husband at Queen of Heaven Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials in honor of Joyce to Make a Wish Foundation would be greatly appreciated.

PATRICIA A. SOUKAL

Patricia A. Soukal (nee Aftanas), age 78.

Beloved and cherished wife of the late Gerald F. “Jerry” Soukal for nearly 58 years. Loving mother of Jerry (Gina), Debbie (Rick) Farris and Glenn (the late Desirea) Soukal; dear grandmother of Carriann (Dan) Joyce, Samantha, Jerry, Sarah, Ricky, Maria and Emberlynn; great grandmother of Owen and Evan; dear sister of the late Irene (late Al) Samborski, the late Dolores Smuda and the late Thomas Aftanas and sister in law of Joseph (Janece) and the late Frank Soukal. Fond aunt, cousin and friend to many. Patricia was the longtime proprietor, along with her late husband Jerry, of the Soukal Floral Company which has been in business since 1916. Patricia was also a very active member of St. Jane de Chantal/ St. Faustina Kowalska Parish.

Visitation was held June 24 at St. Faustina Kowalska Church 5252 S. Austin Ave, Chicago. Visitation was held June 25 with funeral prayers at the Richard-Midway Funeral Home 5749 Archer Ave. (corner of Lorel), processing to St. Faustina Kowalska Church for mass. Interment Resurrection Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations to St. Faustina Kowalska Church would be appreciated.  For more information please call 773-767-1840.

JOSE VIRAMONTES 

Jose Viramontes, age 69, passed away July 10.

Visitation was held June 13, Funeral service followed at Szykowny Funeral Home LTD. 4901 S. Archer Ave., Chicago.

KAZIMIERA WOLAK

Kazimiera Wolak (nee Wojcik), age 97, passed away May 7.

Beloved wife of the late Jozef Wolak; loving mother of the late Teresa Wolak, Christina “Krystyna” (Zbigniew) Klimczyk, Barbara (George) Szerlag and Mary “Maria” (Jozef) Gawlak; dear grandmother of Bernadette Winski (William Walsh), Elizabeth (Miroslaw) Machaj, Christopher (Anna) Krzeczkowski, Basia (Jacob) Jaime, Andrew (Krystalin) Szerlag, John Wilk, Matthew (Emily) Gawlak, Michelle Gawlak and Joseph Gawlak; dearest great-grandmother of Darek (Ula) Winski, Victoria Pawlaszek, Richard Machaj, Alex Machaj, Joanna Machaj, Daniel Krzeczkowski, Tomek Krzeczkowski, Angelique Jaime, Jacob Jaime Jr., Lyla Szerlag, Kenzie Szerlag, J.P. Wilk, Lucas Gawlak, Nicholas Gawlak and Thomas Gawlak; proudest great-great-grandmother of Alina Teresa Winski; cherished daughter of the late Agnieszka (nee Kwiecien) and the late Dominik Wojcik. Preceded in death by her loving siblings. Treasured aunt of nieces, nephews and their families. Also survived by other relatives and friends.

Visitation was held May 13 at Damar-Kaminski Funeral Home & Crematorium, 7861 S. 88th Avenue, Justice. Funeral was held May 14, 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.