MARYANN BALA
MaryAnn Bala, a beacon of love and laughter, embarked on her eternal journey September 17, 2024, at the age of 75. Born on February 27, 1949, in the bustling city of Chicago, Illinois.
She was preceded in death by her beloved mother Josephine Bednarski. MaryAnn’s journey in the field of nursing began in her hometown of Chicago, where she earned her RN credentials, followed by a master’s degree from Regis University in Denver, CO. Her career was marked not only by her professional achievements but also by the countless lives she touched with her healing hands and compassionate heart. MaryAnn was not just an RN; she was a guardian angel in scrubs, a great mom, and an extraordinary grandmother, whose love knew no bounds.
Her laughter was infectious, her sense of humor unmatched. MaryAnn could find the humor in every situation, making her an unforgettable presence in any gathering. She was a woman who lived life to the fullest, embracing her interests with the same vigor she approached her vocation. An active member of her church, she found strength and solace in her faith, which she shared generously with those around her.
Visitation, Wednesday, October 2 at Damar-Kaminski Funeral Home & Crematorium, 7861 S. 88th Avenue, Justice. Funeral, Thursday, October 3, Prayers and Procession from the funeral home to Our Lady Mother of the Church Polish Mission, 116 Hilton Street, Willow Springs, for Mass. Cremation rites to be accorded. For more information, 708-496-0200 or www.kaminskifamilyfuneralhomes.com
ROBERT J. BANASZAK
Robert J. Banaszak, 83, of Chicago, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family.
He was the beloved husband of Jacqueline (nee Bischak). Loving father of Vicki (Dan) Yaros, Robert, Jeffrey, Philip (Maddy), Matthew (Cheryl) Banaszak, and Amy (Michael) Fons; Cherished grandfather of Monica (Rich), Sean (Annie), Jacquelyn, Ashley (Billy), Jeffrey Jr., Christopher, Justin, Lucia, Andrew, Theodore, Dominika and Brayden; proud great-grandfather of Lilliana, Hugh, Jane, Una; dear brother-in-law and uncle to many.
Family and friends will gather for visitation on Wednesday, October 23, from 3-8 p.m. Funeral services will be Thursday, October 24, at 9 a.m. from the Palos-Gaidas Funeral Home, 11028 Southwest Hwy., Palos Hills, to St. Bede the Venerable Church for 10 a.m. Mass. Interment Resurrection Cemetery.
For information or to express your condolences, visit www.palosgaidasfh.com or call 708-974-4410.
MARY ANN D. CALJKUSIC
Mary Ann D. Caljkusic passed away peacefully October 5, 2024, at the age of 80 in Joliet. Born on November 4, 1943, in Chicago, Mary Ann developed a love for drawing, painting and crafting in high school which continued into her adult years.
Her love was not limited to the arts, as Mary Ann possessed a deep devotion to animals. Dogs, birds, and rabbits, in particular, were the recipients of her affection. Her grand dog, Benny, held a special place in her heart, embodying the cherished bond between humans and their four-legged companions.
Mary Ann is survived by her daughter, Anna; her son, Petar; her daughter, Veronica. Each of them is a reflection of her love of family, work ethic, and compassionate nature. Those who knew Mary Ann would describe her as the epitome of friendliness, her presence a source of comfort and joy. She approached life with a loving heart, her kindness a guiding light for all who had the pleasure of crossing her path. Her smile could brighten the gloomiest of days, and her sassy nature could bring laughter to those around her.
Visitation, Saturday, October 12, at Damar-Kaminski Funeral Home & Crematorium, 7861 S. 88th Avenue, Justice with Service and Time of Remembrance held at the funeral home. Interment, Resurrection Cemetery, Justice. For more information, 708-496-0200 or www.kaminskifamilyfuneralhomes.com
KENNETH WAYNE CARY
Kenneth Wayne Cary, age 68, passed away September 27, 2024.
Cherished son of the late Morine (nee Butler) and the late Wayne Cary; dear brother of Patricia (Phillip) Sabo, Larry (Lynn) Cary, Melissa (Conrad) Masterson and Kimberly (Michael) Ostrander. Also survived by many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. Loved his family and friends with all his heart. Lover of animals especially his two dogs, Princess and Brandy. Avid car show enthusiast.
Visitation, Saturday, October 5 at Damar-Kaminski Funeral Home & Crematorium, 7861 S. 88th Avenue, Justice, with Funeral, Saturday, October 5, Service and Time of Remembrance were held at the funeral home. For more information, 708-496-0200 or www.kaminskifamilyfuneralhomes.com
ZBIGNIEW CYRAN
Zbigniew Cyran, age 61, passed away October 3, 2024.
Beloved husband of Wieslawa Cyran (nee Pilat); loving father of Lukasz Cyran; cherished son of Czeslawa (nee Wrazen) and the late Waclaw Cyran; dear brother of Renata Posluszny and Leokadia Boron. Also survived by nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
Visitation, Sunday, October 6, at Damar-Kaminski Funeral Home & Crematorium, 7861 S. 88th Avenue, Justice, with Prayers and Time of Remembrance held at the funeral home. Interment, Cmentarz Parafialny, Kosowy, Poland. For more information, 708-496-0200 or www.kaminskifamilyfuneralhomes.com
GLORIA D. GARNER
Gloria D. Garner (nee Markiewich), age 84, passed away August 23, 2024.
Beloved wife of the late Louis Gonzalez Sr.; loving mother of Kathleen (Mark) Jercha, Louis (Mary) Gonzalez Jr. and Karen (Paul) Nauman; dear grandmother of Timothy (Nicole) McCann, Christina (Curt) Lowery, Renee (Tim) Anzalone, William McCann III, Stacy Greenberg, Jessica (Eric) Dionne, Danielle Gonzalez and Louis Gonzalez III; dearest great-grandma of 17 and great-great-grandma of 2; cherished daughter of the late Dorothy (nee Stapleton) Breski and the late Alexander Markiewich; fond sister of the late Donna Tumino, Karen (John) Sawicki, Elizabeth (Fred) Iradjpanah and Martin (Theresa) Breski. Also survived by nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives and friends. Special friend to her caregiver, Barb Harvey.
Visitation, Saturday, October 5 at Damar-Kaminski Funeral Home & Crematorium, 7861 S. 88th Avenue, Justice, with a Service and Time of Remembrance held at the funeral home. Cremation rites have been accorded. For more information, 708-496-0200 or www.kaminskifamilyfuneralhomes.com
KENNETH EDWARD JOY JR.
Kenneth Edward Joy Jr., known affectionately to all as Ken, passed away peacefully September 28, 2024, at the age of 58, in his hometown of Chicago.
Born on October 25, 1965, to the late Kenneth Joy Sr. and Geraldine Joy, Ken’s life was one of dedication, love, and service to those around him.
Family was the cornerstone of Ken’s life. He was a devoted husband to his wife, Corinna Joy, and a loving father to his children, Kenneth Joy III (Nicole Friend), Rebecca (James) Harrell, Jason Joy, Renee Joy. Ken cherished the moments spent with his grandchildren, Kenneth IV, Benji, and Landon, whose lives he enriched with his boundless love and wisdom. His sisters, Michelle, Susan, Kimberly, and Karen will fondly remember their brother for his protective nature and the joy he brought into their lives. Ken’s role as an uncle, great-uncle, cousin, and friend was filled with countless acts of kindness and memorable family gatherings. His presence at family events will be deeply missed.
Visitation, Friday, October 4 at Damar-Kaminski Funeral Home & Crematorium, 7861 S. 88th Avenue, Justice. Funeral, Friday, October 4, Service and Time of Remembrance held at the funeral home. For more information, 708-496-0200 or www.kaminskifamilyfuneralhomes.com
BRIAN J. KMIEC
Brian J. Kmiec “BriBri”, age 57, passed away September 30, 2024 after a 7-month courageous battle with pancreatic cancer.
Beloved husband of 22 years to Lisa (nee Kargol); loving son of Patricia (nee Metallo) and the late Eugene Kmiec; dear brother of Mandy Pence, Jason Pence, Betty (Jorge) Parrales, William (Gianna) Hodo; brother-in-law of Roberta (Randy) Comstock, Jeffery (Ann Marie) Kargol and Scott (Karen) Kargol; loving nephew of Rosemarie (late Joseph) Senese, Dolores (John) Krolo and the late Frances Levato; fond cousin of Renee (Ed) Waliczek, Gene (Renee-fiancé) Levato and the late Judith Catris; fond uncle and friend of many; dear godfather of Azaleah “Leah” Parrales; adoring fur daddy to Addison and the late Missy.
Brian loved his hobbies, which included trains, fishing, camping and his love for eagles. Brian was an Auxiliary Police Officer for Rosemont Police Department for 24 years.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the National Pancreatic Cancer Foundation https://www.npcf.us would be appreciated.
Visitation Friday, October 4, with a Chapel Service at the Richard-Midway Funeral Home 5749 Archer Ave. (corner of Lorel). Interment Resurrection Cemetery. For more information, please call 773-767-1840.
STANLEY W. KOMPERDA
Stanley W. Komperda, age 87, passed away October 4, 2024.
Beloved son of the late Frank and the late Agnes (nee Szaflarski) Komperda; loving brother of Sandy (Ted) Zarembski, Angela (Frank) Nadess, Sophie Komperda and the late Matthew; dear uncle and great uncle of many nieces and nephews.
Visitation Thursday, October 10. Funeral Friday, October 11 from the Richard-Midway Funeral Home, 5749 Archer Ave. (corner of Lorel) to St. Faustina Kowalska Church for a Mass. Interment Resurrection Cemetery. For more information, please call 773-767-1840.
RALPH E. LEE
Ralph E. Lee, age 83, long-time resident of Chicago, passed away October 13, 2024.
Beloved husband of Ruth (nee Meyer); loving father of RJ Light, Charlene (Tim) Ertl, Michelle Sullivan, and Shelby Light; cherished stepfather of Anthony (Michelle) Petoske, Terence (Jennifer) Petoske, and Alisha Petoske; devoted grandpa to Stephanie Light, Isabelle (Tony) Felkamp, Amber and Justin Ertl, Julian (Octavia) Petoske, Duncan (Emma) Petoske, Dylan Hammett, Joshua, Bruce, and Lincoln Petoske, and Noah, Vinny, and Melody Mendoza; great grandpa to Timothy, Marlie, Brody, Auggie, and Marnie; Ralph was a dedicated family man, devout follower of the Lord, and dear friend to many. He leaves behind a legacy of love and will be dearly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.
Visitation and Homegoing Service Friday, October 18th at The Moody Church, 1635 N LaSalle Dr, Chicago, IL 60614. Funeral Director Jonathan Siedlecki from Szykowny Funeral Home, 4901 S. Archer Ave., Chicago, IL 60632.
MARLENE ANN MAMPREIAN
Marlene Ann Mampreian (nee Furlan), 85, of Palos Hills, passed away peacefully on October 18, 2024.
She was the beloved wife of 51 years to John, cherished mother of her only daughter, Debby (Al) Mangieri, loving grandmother to her triplet grandchildren, Lexi, Megan, and Frankie Mangieri, dear sister of Joyce Mitchell, caring aunt to her nieces and nephews, Cheri (Jeff) Raupp, and great-aunt to Lauren and Ryan Raupp, Gary (Michele) Mitchell, George (Carol) Mampreian, and Eddie (Kathy) Mampreian. Beloved daughter to the late Helen and Rudy Furlan. She will be sorely missed by all of her family and friends.
Marlene spent most of her career with the Amalgamated Meat Cutters & Butchers Workmen Union in Chicago.
She was an active member of Sacred Heart Church and the Fun Club and New Horizon Senior Club of Palos Hills.
Visitation will be held Tuesday, October 29, from 3-8 p.m. at the Palos-Gaidas Funeral Home, 11028 Southwest Hwy., Palos Hills. Funeral services will be Wednesday, October 30, at 9 a.m. at the Palos-Gaidas Funeral Home, 11028 Southwest Hwy., Palos Hills to Sacred Heart Church, 8245 W. 111th St., Palos Hills, for 10 a.m. Mass. Interment Holy Sepulchre Catholic Cemetery.
For Information or to express your condolences, visit www.palosgaidasfh.com or call 708-974-4410.
MICHAEL A. NINCEVICH
Michael A. Nincevich passed away peacefully surrounded by his family October 8, 2024 at the age of 72 after a courageous battle with Glioblastoma. Born on February 6,1952 in Chicago, Mike was a man of integrity, strength, and intelligence.
Mike leaves behind his devoted wife, Kathleen and four loving children: Jillian (Matthew) Sturm, Joseph (Laura) Nincevich, Lora (Leo) Solana, and Nicholas (Maria) Nincevich. He was a cherished grandfather to Madison (George), Ethan, Caralin, Nathan, Mila, Joseph, Jr., Holly, Paul and Milena; Son of the late Anthony and Louise (nee: Hecker) Nincevich; Dear brother of the late James Hurley and Lisa (Martin) Rodriguez, and great friend to many.
Mike dedicated many years of his life to the Chicago Fire Department, where he served with distinction as an engineer. His work was not just a job, but a calling that he fulfilled with passion and excellence. Beyond his professional life, Mike was a lover of music, an avid reader, and history buff who was always eager to share his knowledge and engage in thoughtful conversations. Mike’s legacy is one of love, loyalty, and compassion for those who had the opportunity to know and love him. He will be deeply missed by all. His life was a testament to the strength of family bonds and close relationships with friends gained throughout his lifetime.
Visitation, Sunday, October 13, at Damar-Kaminski Funeral Home & Crematorium, 7861 S. 88th Avenue, Justice, Funeral, Monday, October 14, Prayers and Procession from the funeral home to Saint Symphorosa Church – Two Holy Martyrs Parish, 6135 South Austin Avenue, Chicago for Mass. Interment, Resurrection Cemetery, Justice. For more information, 708-496-0200 or www.kaminskifamilyfuneralhomes.com
JOHN C. RAFFAELLI
John C. Raffaelli (Caesar), 83, of Palos Hills, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, October 15, 2024, surrounded by his loved ones.
He was born November 15, 1940 to the late Egidio and Eni (Calissi) Raffaelli in Italy. Caesar came to the United States at age 7 and graduated from Austin High School in 1958. His extreme love for baseball landed him an opportunity to play for the Chicago White Sox minor team in Clinton, Iowa, during the 1962 season.
He served in the Army from 1963-1965.
He was a proud union pipefitter with Local 597, for 38 years.
He was the loving husband of Mary Ann (Sciacca) Raffaelli for 55 years, whom he married on June 14,1969, in Cicero. Beloved father of daughters Lisa (Dan) Chambers, Gina (Rob) Knowlton and son John. Cherished grandfather of four amazing grandchildren; Ryan, Andrew, Dylan and Mia. Loving brother of Lillian (Charles) Nugent and Quinta (Victor) Pighetti and fond uncle of many nieces and nephews. Caesar was preceded in death by his sisters Leda (Alfredo) Berni, Fernanda (Louis) Sassetti, Alberta (Dale) Haught and his brother David (Clara) Raffaelli.
He was an avid hunter and fisherman who had a deep connection and respect for nature. He enjoyed the simple pleasures in life and was a man of great wisdom and compassion. He will always be remembered for his boundless generosity; going out of his way to help others and opening his home to family and friends for a place to stay.
Family and friends will gather for a Memorial Visitation on Saturday, October 26, from 3-7 p.m. with a Funeral Service at 6:30 p.m. at Palos-Gaidas Funeral Home, 11028 Southwest Hwy., Palos Hills.
For information or to express your condolences, visit www.palosgaidasfh.com or call 708-974-4410.
FRAUKE UOGINTAS
Frauke Uogintas (nee Severin) passed away peacefully in her home in Oak Lawn.
She was the beloved wife of the late Donatas Uogintas; loving godmother of Sibylle Curcio and Thomas Wall; cherished Aunt of Helga (Andres) Schlueter and Angela (Simon) Ingman; loving “grandma” to Ace, Jax, Will and John; She will be sorely missed by all her friends and family.
In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to www.Jesuits.org.
Family and friends will gather for a Memorial Visitation on Thursday, Nov. 7, from 10 a.m. until time of Funeral Services at 11 a.m. at Salem United Church of Christ, 9717 S. Kostner Avenue, Oak Lawn. Interment Private
Arrangements entrusted to Palos-Gaidas Funeral Home, 11028 Southwest Hwy., Palos Hills.
For information or to express your condolences, visit www.palosgaidasfh.com or call 708-974-4410.
CHARLES “CHUCK” ZICKUS JR.
Charles “Chuck” Joseph Zickus Jr., 89, of Palos Hills, peacefully passed away on October 14, 2024.
Chuck was the beloved son of the late Charles Joseph Sr. and Elenore (Masquelet) Zickus. Chuck is survived by his cherished wife of 66 years and best friend, Anne (Greenhoff) Zickus, his daughter Kathleen (Zickus-Martens) and son-in-law Terrence O’Shea. Grandfather to Matthew (Krystal) Martens, and Samantha Martens and Tony Hall. Great-grandfather to Nathan Martens.
His son Charles Joseph Zickus III. Grandsons Charles Joseph IV “Chaz” and Eli, Granddaughters Ivy and Jule Zickus.
He was a dear brother to his late brother William Zickus. Loving brother-in-law to Nancy (the late Michael) Cummings, Gail Carlson, and the late Joan Beasley and Adrienne Warneke.
He was a loving Uncle to Dawn (Roy) Standish, Karen (Mark) Jellema, Ellie (Jim) Liebenow. The late Barbara “Bobbie” Boyle, Klaus (Michelle) Vogel, William (Valerie) Warneke, Martin (Sherry) Carlson, Joseph (Ann) Carlson, Catherine (Chris) Bousquet, Carolyn (Tom) Czarniak, Christine Cummings (Todd Secki) and Great Uncle to many.
Chuck also leaves behind his special bonus daughters Paty Autullo (Ron Worth) and Candee Brooks-Geddie.
Chuck was a proud Navy veteran who served in the Korean War aboard the USS Lexington CVA 16 as an Air Traffic Controlman and Petty Officer.
His commitment to service continued as he held various positions, including Commissioner of the North Palos Fire Protection District, Cook County Deputy Sheriff, and Plant Manager for the Prudential Building in Chicago.
Chuck was well known for his crazy, unstoppable, clever and witty sense of humor, he was always the perfect Santa Claus.
Funeral services were held at Palos-Gaidas Funeral Home, 11028 Southwest Highway, Palos Hills.