
Obituaries Dec. 2, 2021
FEDERICO BAUTISTA
Federico Bautista, age 60, of Chicago, Brighton Park community, passed away November 18.
Beloved husband of Flora Bautista (nee Barragan); loving father of Darcy, Adriana and Eduardo; cherished son of Federico and Maria Bautista; Federico is also survived by many brothers and sisters, bother-in-laws and sister- in-laws, nieces and nephews.
Visitation was held November 22 at Foran Funeral Home, 7300 W. Archer Ave. (55th street just west of Harlem). Visitation was held November 23 at the funeral home until time of prayers. Procession from the funeral home to Immaculate Conception Church for a Mass. Interment Resurrection Cemetery. Condolences may be sent to Federico’s family on his personal tribute website at www.foranfuneralhome.com.
ZOFIA BIELSKA
Zofia Bielska (nee Bobak), age 95, passed away November 18.
Loving mother of Sophia (Zenon) Tolczyk and Kazimierz (Gene) Bielski; dear grandmother of Michelle (Paul) Zieba and Andrzej (Kasia) Tolczyk; dearest great-grandmother of Alicia Zieba, Kayla Zieba, Andrzej Tolczyk and Kamila Tolczyk; cherished daughter of the late Anna (nee Bryjak) and the late Jakub Bobak; fond sister of Kazimierz Bobak, Jozef Bobak and Jan Bobak. Also survived by many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. Proud member of many Circles of the Polish Highlanders Alliance of America.
Visitation was held November 26 at Damar-Kaminski Funeral Home & Crematorium, 7861 S. 88th Avenue, Justice. Funeral was held November 27, prayers and procession to begin 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.
SHIRLEY M. CARLSON
Shirley M. Carlson (nee O’Lear), age 92, passed away October 26.
Beloved wife of the late Edwin E. Carlson Jr.; loving mother of Michael (Kristy) Carlson and Cheryl (Rick) Huhn; dear grandmother of Rachael (John), Jacob (Vanessa), Leah (Steve), Matthew, Lacey, Jimmy (Jessica), Charlie (Ashley), Rich and Traci (Mike); dearest great-grandmother of Steven, Ramona, Reese, Sloane, Cheyanne (Matthew), Savannah, Seth, Isaiah, Hannah, Ethan, Elizabeth and Elyse; aunt and great-aunt to numerous nieces and nephews; cherished daughter of the late Michael O’Lear and the late Viola (nee Grimm) Lehner; fond sister of the late Patricia Scott (the late Carmen), and the late Marianne (the late Terrance) Salvino; fond sister-in-law of the late Beatrice Spillane, and the late Ethel and the late James Marousek.
Visitation was held November 5 at Damar-Kaminski Funeral Home & Crematorium, 7861 S. 88th Avenue, Justice. Funeral was held November 6, service at Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church, 5865 S. Archer Rd., Summit. Interment Cemetery Mausoleum, Justice. For more information, 708-496-0200 or www.kaminskifamilyfuneralhomes.com.
MARIA DIMAS
Maria Dimas, age 99, passed away November 11.
Beloved mother of Alejadro Dimas, José Donaldo Dimas, Maria Angela Palacios, Gildardo Dimas, Francisco Dimas; beloved grandmother and great grandmother.
Visitation was held at Szykowny Funeral Home, 4901 S Archer Ave, Chicago, Jonathan F Siedlecki, Owner/Director. Funeral Mass was held at Our Lady of Snows Parish, Chicago. Final resting place is St Mary’s Cemetery. To leave any tributes, please visit funeral home website at www.SzykownyFuneralHomeIl.com.
BERNADETE GNIADECKI
Bernadette L. Gniadecki (nee McKay) passed away peacefully at home in Palos Heights on November 14 at the age of 92.
Bernadette is survived by her loving husband Stephen E. Gniadecki of 63 years, devoted daughters Bernadette B. (Dean Van de Kerchove) and Sheila (Frank Panella), and sons Stephen and Jack.
She is lovingly remembered and cherished by her grandchildren; Sarah (Shelby Vanderside) Anna Van de Kerchove, and Liz, Joe and Emily Panella, and great grandchildren Ayden, Conrad and Kayden.
Brothers, sisters and in-laws; Richard and Brigid McKay, Dr. James Canavan, as well as the late Mae Foss, Eleanor and James Redmond, Kitty McKay, Marguerite (Peg) Canavan, Ann and Bill Beilfuss, and Jack, James and George McKay, Josephine (Ginger) and Andrew Kosmic, Chester and Vera Gniadecki, Stella and John Kubowicz, Edward and Angie Gniadecki, Genevieve (Jean) and Mitchell Koprowski, Stanley and Georgia Gniadecki, and Ann McMullen…as well as countless wonderful nieces and nephews.
Bernadette was born on April 25, 1929, to Irish immigrants John F. and Margaret (nee Boyd) McKay. She graduated from Sacred Heart High School on Chicago’s South Side. She met and married Steve in 1959 and they started their family.
Family and friends gathered for visitation on November 23. Funeral services were held at Sacred Heart Church, 8245 W. 111th St. Palos Hills. Interment private.
ENRIQUE GUTIERREZ
Enrique Gutierrez, age 76, of Summit, passed away November 21 at Mac Neal Hospital.
Funeral services will be held at a later date.
MELVIN JABLONSKI
Mel Jablonski, age 82, of Summit, passed away November 20. Air Force Veteran.
He was the beloved husband of Joyce (nee Mateja); devoted father of Jeff (Beth) Jablonski, Vicki Sceerey and Brian (Sara) Jablonski; proud grandfather of Steven Sceerey, Stephanie Sceerey, late Zachary Jablonski and Brandon Jablonski; dear brother of Thomas (Marilyn) Jablonski and Phyllis (Mike) Wertheimer. Mel will be missed by his nieces, nephews and friends.
Visitation was held November 26 at Foran Funeral Home, 7300 W. Archer Ave. (55th street just west of Harlem). Visitation at the funeral home on November 27 until time of prayers. Mass at St. Joseph Church. Procession from the church to Queen of Heaven Cemetery where Mel was laid to rest. He was a proud member of American Legion Post # 735. Condolences may be sent to Mel’s family on his personal tribute website at www.foranfuneralhome.com.
PAUL R. KOSTECK
Paul R. Kosteck, 84, of Palos Heights, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on November 18.
He was beloved husband and best friend for 47 years to the late Marguerite. Loving daddy of Patti (Steve) Lundeen and Paula (Kevin) Hass; proud grandpa of Kayla, Kyle and Christina and Catelynn.
Family and friends gathered Wednesday, November 24, from 9 a.m. until time of prayers 11:30 a.m. at Palos-Gaidas Funeral Home, 11028 Southwest Hwy. in Palos Hills, to Sacred Heart Church for a noon Mass. Interment Holy Sepulchre Cemetery.
ROSE M. KREMM
Rose M. Kremm, 94, passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family at her residence in Palos Park on November 19.
She was the beloved wife of the late Rudy Kremm; fond companion of the late Jack Greenfield; loving mother of Alphonse (the late Cindy) Kremm, Michelle ( Rick) Paradiso and Renee Kremm; cherished grandmother of Ninette (Bryant) Galvin, Robert ( Patricia) Beezhold, Rudy ( Shannon) Beezhold, Jennifer (Nick) Markese, Michael Paradiso, Jamie (Eric Jansma) Kremm, NIcholas (Megan) Paradiso, Rebecca and Sean Stansbury; proud great-grandmother of Kelly, Abigail, Ryan, Nathan, Autumn, Liam, Margaret, Olivia, and Nicholas; dear friend of John and Skye Greenfield.
Rose was a member of the Sacred Heart Seniors’ Club. She was the owner of Kremm Bakery.
Family and friends gathered for visitation on November 22. Funeral services were held at Palos-Gaidas Funeral Home, 11028 Southwest Hwy. in Palos Hills. Interment Queen of Heaven Mausoleum.
CZESLAWA KRZYSIAK
Czeslawa Krzysiak (nee Opacian), age 62, passed away November 19.
Beloved wife of Jozef Krzysiak; loving mother of Eva (Michael) Doyle, Monica (Michael) Olesky and Teresa (Jose) Mata; dearest grandmother of Joseph, Andrea, Evan, Anthony, the late Alexis, the late Jessica, Olivia, Theo, Mason, Logan, Jaxson and Dominic; cherished daughter of Wladyslawa (nee Szeliga) and the late Andrzej Opacian; dear sister of Jan (Maria) Opacian, Maria (Teodor) Madon, Wojciech (Bronislawa) Opacian, Krystyna (James) Pierce and Andrzej (Anna) Opacian; fond aunt of numerous nieces and nephews. Also survived by other relatives and friends.
Visitation was held November 22 at Damar-Kaminski Funeral Home & Crematorium, 7861 S. 88th Avenue, Justice. Funeral was held November 23, prayers and procession to begin 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.
TERESA PALUCH
Teresa Paluch (nee Klus), age 90, of Chicago, Archer Heights community, passed away November 17.
Beloved wife of the late Jozef Paluch; loving mother of Jane (late Matthew) Wolan, Sophie (John) Kosmala and Stella (Ted) Kustra; cherished grandmother and great grandmother of many; dear sister of Aniela Ogorek; also survived by many nieces, nephews and extended family here and in Poland.
Visitation was held November 21 at Zarzycki Manor Chapels, Ltd., 5088 S. Archer Avenue, corner of Keeler. Funeral was held November 22 from the funeral home to the Church of St. Faustina Kowalska for Mass. Interment Resurrection Cemetery. 773-767-2166 or www.ZarzyckiManorChapels.com.
CZESLAWA RADWANSKI
Czeslawa Radwanski, age 89, passed away November 15.
She will be forever missed by her beloved family and friends.
Visitation was held at Szykowny Funeral Home, 4901 S Archer Ave. Jonathan F Siedlecki, Director/Owner. Funeral Mass was held at St Bruno Church. Final resting place is Resurrection Cemetery. To leave any tributes, please visit funeral home website at www.SzykownyFuneralHomeIL.com.
ELITANIA SALINAS
Elitania Salinas, age 76, passed away November 17.
Former spouse of Hector Bahena; loving mother of Isela Bahena (Michael Davies), Hilda Bahena and Brenda Bahena; cherished daughter of the late Guadalupe (nee Lopez) and the late Ramon Salinas; dear sister of Emelia Segovia, Gloria Herrera, Leonarda San Miguel, Ramon Salinas, Froylan Salinas, Juan Manuel Salinas and the late Maria E. Salinas. Also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. Also survived by relatives and friends.
Visitation was held November 21 at Damar-Kaminski Funeral Home & Crematorium, 7861 S. 88th Avenue, Justice. Funeral was held November 22, service and time of remembrance were held at the funeral home. Interment, Resurrection Cemetery, Justice. For more information, 708-496-0200 or www.kaminskifamilyfuneralhomes.com.
EDNA M. SMITH
Edna M. Smith (nee Stuckey), age 95, passed away November 19.
Beloved wife of the late Robert Smith; loving mother of Robert (Shirley) Smith. Also survived by relatives and friends.
Visitation was held November 23 at Damar-Kaminski Funeral Home & Crematorium, 7861 S. 88th Avenue, Justice, with a service and time of remembrance to be held at the funeral home. Interment, Beverly Cemetery, Blue Island. For more information, 708-496-0200 or www.kaminskifamilyfuneralhomes.com.
ANTHONY VASQUEZ
Anthony Vasquez, age 41, of Chicago, Little Village community, passed away November 20.
He was the cherished son of Antonio and Maia Vazquez; loving father of Melanie Gonzalez, Leslie Vasquez, Ashley Vasquez and Leylanee Franco; much loved fiancé of Julliana Franco; wonderful brother of Anayansi Vazquez and loved uncle of Giselle Esparza, Alejandro Esparza and Lizette Esparza. Anthony will be dearly missed by all his aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.
Visitation was held November 28 at Foran Funeral Home, 7300 W. Archer Ave. (55th street just west of Harlem). Visitation was held at the funeral home November 29 until time of prayers. Procession from the funeral home to St. Agnes of Bohemia Church for a Mass of Christian burial. Interment Resurrection Cemetery. Condolences may be sent to Anthony’s family on his personal Tribute website at www.foranfuneralhome.com.
GRACE WOODIN
Grace Frieda Woodin (Niersbach), of Palos Hills, loving mother of five made a peaceful passage to eternal rest at 96 years old on October 22.
She was the beloved widow of the late William Woodin and Donald Niersbach. Loving mother of Don (Ruth) Niersbach, Ron (Myrna) Niersbach, Bonnie Niersbach, John Niersbach, and Connie (Joseph) Kronenberger. Dear grandmother of 14 and great grandmother of 22.
She was loved by all of her family, colleagues, neighbors and friends.
Grace led an active life and enjoyed bowling, golf, bingo, and gambling. She was a dedicated employee of Pace for several years. Grace was a true Chicago sports fan and never missed a Chicago Bears game.
A celebration of life was held November 26 at Palos-Gaidas Funeral Home, 11028 Southwest Hwy. in Palos Hills.
JANINA ZAJAC
Janina Zajac (nee Bogdal), age 75, passed away November 18.
Beloved wife of the late Franciszek Zajac; loving mother of Wieslaw (Janina) Zajac, Renata Zajac, Jan Zajac, Monika (Stanislaw) Gasienica-Samek and Alicja (Krzysztof) Bobak; dear grandmother of Jessica Zajac, Monika Zajac, Mateusz Bobak, Natalia Zajac, Nicole Bobak and Kamila Gasienica-Samek; cherished daughter of the late Wiktoria and the late Jan Bogdal; fond sister of Maria (Alfred) Zieba, Helena (the late Jozef) Mietus and Jozef (Krystyna) Bogdal. Also survived by nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
Visitation was held November 21 at Damar-Kaminski Funeral Home & Crematorium, 7861 S. 88th Avenue, Justice. Funeral was held November 22, prayer and procession from the funeral home to Saint Albert the Great Church, 8029 S. Central Avenue, Burbank, for Mass. Interment, Resurrection Cemetery, Justice. For more information, 708-496-0200 or www.kaminskifamilyfuneralhomes.com.
Local News

Warn of burglars in Garfield Ridge
Spread the loveFrom staff reports A cluster of residential burglaries in Garfield Ridge has prompted police to issue a warning to the community. Crime scenes include: 5200 block of South Normandy on Jan. 1. 5600 block of South Mobile on Jan. 7. 5300 block of South Mason on Jan. 10. 6000 block of West 60th Street…

Casten scolds sheriff on new gun control law
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Bust accused shooter in Clearing
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2023 Illinois tax filing season now open
Spread the loveFrom staff reports The Illinois Department of Revenue began accepting 2022 state individual income tax returns on Monday, the same date that the Internal Revenue Service began accepting federal individual income tax returns. “Taxpayers are encouraged to file electronically as early as possible in the tax season and choose direct deposit in order…

Palos Park tries to stay ahead of the curve on sextortion scams
Spread the loveBy Jeff Vorva The Palos Park Police Department is trying to stay ahead of a disturbing trend that has not been talked about publicly very much. When it comes to the topic of sextortion scams, the Palos Park police are monitoring things very closely and Detective Ross Chibe was called on to provide…

Former hospital employee charged in Palos Heights identity theft
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Boys Bowling | Stagg charges to first state finals appearance
Spread the loveBy Randy Whalen Correspondent For Stagg, it’s a first. For Sandburg, it’s a return trip. Both teams survived the Plainfield North Sectional at Town & Country Lanes in Joliet to advance to the state tournament. The finals will be Friday, Jan. 27 and Saturday, and 28 at St. Claire Bowl in Fairview Heights. The…

College Notebook: Ex-Spartan Sprycha balling with Bearcats
Spread the loveBy Mike Walsh Correspondent The fall of 2022 was successful both in the classroom and on the football field for Jordan Sprycha. In the classroom, the Oak Lawn graduate was one of eight McKendree University chosen to the 2022 College Sports Communicators Academic All-District Team. CSC Academic All-District Award nominees must be a…
Neighbors

Warn of burglars in Garfield Ridge
Spread the loveFrom staff reports A cluster of residential burglaries in Garfield Ridge has prompted police to issue a warning to the community. Crime scenes include: 5200 block of South Normandy on Jan. 1. 5600 block of South Mobile on Jan. 7. 5300 block of South Mason on Jan. 10. 6000 block of West 60th Street…

Casten scolds sheriff on new gun control law
Spread the loveSays he can’t pick which laws to enforce By Tim Hadac U.S. Rep. Sean Casten (D-6th) and several other Democratic members of the state’s Congressional delegation recently sent a letter to DuPage County Sheriff James Mendrick, expressing concern over his Jan. 13 statement that he will not enforce the Protect Illinois Communities Act…

Bust accused shooter in Clearing
Spread the loveBy Tim Hadac Chicago Police and the Great Lakes Regional Fugitive Task Force visited Clearing late last month to apprehend a man wanted in connection with a West Side shooting. Shaheer Muhammad, 24 of the 3800 block of West Grenshaw, was arrested on Wednesday, Jan. 25 at a home in the 6000 block…

2023 Illinois tax filing season now open
Spread the loveFrom staff reports The Illinois Department of Revenue began accepting 2022 state individual income tax returns on Monday, the same date that the Internal Revenue Service began accepting federal individual income tax returns. “Taxpayers are encouraged to file electronically as early as possible in the tax season and choose direct deposit in order…

Palos Park tries to stay ahead of the curve on sextortion scams
Spread the loveBy Jeff Vorva The Palos Park Police Department is trying to stay ahead of a disturbing trend that has not been talked about publicly very much. When it comes to the topic of sextortion scams, the Palos Park police are monitoring things very closely and Detective Ross Chibe was called on to provide…

Former hospital employee charged in Palos Heights identity theft
Spread the loveFrom staff reports A Hazel Crest man was charged last week with aggravated identity theft stemming from an incident that happened on December 27. Palos Heights police took a report on December 27 from a patient at Northwestern Palos Hospital who reported their wallet was missing and then observed two unauthorized charges on…

Boys Bowling | Stagg charges to first state finals appearance
Spread the loveBy Randy Whalen Correspondent For Stagg, it’s a first. For Sandburg, it’s a return trip. Both teams survived the Plainfield North Sectional at Town & Country Lanes in Joliet to advance to the state tournament. The finals will be Friday, Jan. 27 and Saturday, and 28 at St. Claire Bowl in Fairview Heights. The…

College Notebook: Ex-Spartan Sprycha balling with Bearcats
Spread the loveBy Mike Walsh Correspondent The fall of 2022 was successful both in the classroom and on the football field for Jordan Sprycha. In the classroom, the Oak Lawn graduate was one of eight McKendree University chosen to the 2022 College Sports Communicators Academic All-District Team. CSC Academic All-District Award nominees must be a…