Obituaries April 21, 2022
EVERETT L. HINES
Everett L. Hines, age 78, passed away March 29.
Beloved husband of Naomi Ruth (nee Atherton) Hines; loving father of Tammy (Steve) Ledbetter, Kelly (Dave) Rus and Patrick (Danielle) Hines; dear grandfather of Tyler Ledbetter, Kyle Ledbetter, Clayton Ledbetter, David Rus, Jacob Rus, Ashley Rus, Declan Hines, Riley Hines and Brielle Hines; cherished son of the late Dorthy Irene (nee Williams) and the late LeRoy Junior Hines; fond brother of David Hines and Joyce Gibson. Also survived by nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
Memorial was held April 16 at the Oak Brook Community Church, 3100 Midwest Road, Oak Brook. Arrangements entrusted to care of Damar-Kaminski Funeral Home & Crematorium, 7861 S. 88th Avenue, Justice. 708-496-0200 or www.kaminskifamilyfuneralhomes.com.
ŁUKASZ A. KAPOŁKA
Łukasz A. Kapołka, age 52, formerly of Chicago (Archer Heights), passed away April 3.
Lukas is the beloved husband of Dominika (nee Kowalska); loving father of Julia and Jan; devoted son of Bozena (nee Jonczy) and Antoni Kapolka; dear grandson of Lubomira Jonczy; dearest brother of Mateusz (Elzbieta) Kapolka; fond son-in-law of Teresa and Stanislaw Kowalski; dear brother-in-law and uncle of many.
Visitation was held April 10 at Zarzycki Manor Chapels, Ltd., 8999 S. Archer Ave., Willow Springs. Funeral was held April 11 from the funeral home to Sacred Heart Church for Mass. Inurnment Holy Sepulchre Cemetery. 708-839-8999 or www.ZarzyckiManorChapels.com.
MIECZYSLAW KROL
Mieczyslaw Krol, age 68, passed away March 31.
Loving father of Alina (Adam) Pazik, Ewa (Pawel) Wardyla, Wioletta (Krzysztof) Pazdan and Monika Chmielewski; dear grandpa of Patrick, Michael, Natalia, Eliza, Olivia, Konrad, Mateusz, Veronica and Claudia; cherished son of the late Maria (nee Depowska) and the late Antoni Krol. Also survived by brothers, sisters, family in Poland, relatives and friends.
Visitation was held March 5 at Damar-Kaminski Funeral Home & Crematorium, 7861 S. 88th Avenue, Justice. Funeral was held March 5, 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.
MABEL L. KWILINSKI
Mabel L. Kwilinski, 89, late of Orland Park, passed away on April 8.
She was the wife of Jerome Kwilinski; mother of Patricia (Jack) Steinberg; sister of Madeline Theisen, Diana McCord, John Krakowsky, and Walter Krakowski; aunt of many nieces and nephews.
Visitation was held on April 13 at Thornridge Funeral Home. Funeral service was held on April 14 at Thornridge Funeral Home. Entombment Bethania Mausoleum.
Arrangements entrusted to Thornridge Funeral Home (Janusz Family Funeral Service).
PAUL R. MAUKSCH
Paul R. Mauksch, age 55, of Chicago, Garfield Ridge community, passed away April 5.
Dearest son of Michael and Susan Wilkinson; cherished brother of Kerry, Megan, Matthew and Michael; loving husband of Lissa; fond uncle of many nieces and nephews.
Visitation was held April 10 at Foran Funeral Home, 7300 W. Archer Ave. (55th street just west of Harlem). Visitation at the funeral home on April 11 until time of Celebration of Life Service. Cremation rites private.
JOSEPH A. MEDINA
Joseph A. Medina, age 53, of Chicago, Little Village community.
Devoted son of Jose A. Medina and the late Bonnie Ruth Medina (nee Fry); loving brother of Jessie (Maria) Medina and Julianna Navarro; dearest uncle of Jasmyn, Carlos and Gabriel Medina, Amanda, Arianna, Jessica and Jesus Navarro; also survived by aunts, uncles, cousins and many dear friends.
Visitation was held April 12 at Zarzycki Manor Chapels, Ltd., 5088 S. Archer Ave., corner of Keeler. Mass of Christian Burial was held April 13 at the funeral home. Interment Resurrection Cemetery. 773-767-2166 or www.ZarzyckiManorChapels.com.
ANETTE OPACIAN MYERS
Anette Opacian Myers, age 35, of Chicago, passed away April 1.
Beloved wife of Christopher Myers; loving mother of Alana Stella Myers; devoted daughter of Maria (nee Wycislak) and Jan Opacian; dearest sister of Wieslaw (Magdalena) Opacian, Robert (Anna) Opacian, Tomasz (Susan) Opacian and Piotr (Angelika) Opacian; cherished aunt of Victor, Oscar, Milena, Gabriel, Charlotte and Maximilian; fond daughter-in-law of Amy (Timothy) Weeks and the late John Myers; dear sister-in-law of Laura Myers; granddaughter of Wladyslawa (late Andrzej) Opacian and the late Stanislawa and late Jozef Wycislak; also dearly loved by her many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.
Anette’s family appreciates memorial donations in her name to Brains Together for a Cure. Visitation was held April 7 at Zarzycki Manor Chapels, Ltd., 8999 S. Archer Avenue, Willow Springs. Funeral was held April 8 from the funeral home to the Church of St. Fabian for Mass. Interment Resurrection Cemetery. 708 839-8999 or www.zarzyckimanorchapels.com.
BRUCE A. PEMPEK
Bruce A. Pempek, age 65, passed away March 21.
Beloved husband, friend and soulmate of Vicki (nee Brann) Pempek; loving father of Shaun (Jenessa) Burks, Adam (Sarah) Burks and Sarah (Charles) Miller; dear grandfather of Kaleah, Zachary, Kahlie, Heather, Addison and Anna Belle; cherished son of the late Ann (nee Krizanovich) and the late Albert Pempek; fond brother of Laura Koszarek and Nancy Mannes. Also survived by nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
Visitation was held April 1 at Damar-Kaminski Funeral Home & Crematorium, 7861 S. 88th Avenue, Justice. Funeral was held April 2, 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.
MARY PATRICIA PLESHA
Mary Patricia Plesha (nee Cleary), age 86, of Portage, WI, formerly of Chesterfield, MO, Mesa, AZ, Slidell, LA, Lyons and McCook, IL, and Boonville, MO, passed away April 11 after a brave fight with dementia at Tivoli (Aspirus Divine Savior) in Portage, WI.
Mary is preceded in death by her husband of 51 years, George F. Plesha Jr., her parents William and Virginia (nee Feldmann) Cleary, her sister Sue Malone (nee Cleary), grandson Damon Pallanti, and sister-in-law Joy (Fred) Zamecnik. She will be greatly missed by her children Dr. Julie (Kenneth) McGwin, Karen/Kiki (Brad Bridges) Plesha, Terese/Terri Plesha (Elvin McCammond Jr.), David (Bonnie) Plesha, Daniel (Sandra) Plesha, and Bryan (Julie) Plesha, grandchildren Danielle (Frank Pucci) Pallanti, Sam (Aliona Krupskaya) McGwin, Maggie McGwin, Elvin (Amber Finn) McCammond, Patrick (Melissa Tipperreiter) McCammond, Claire and Gabriel Plesha, and Allison, Valerie and Cory Plesha, brothers William (Jessie) Cleary, James (Martha, deceased) Cleary, Michael (Diane/Dee) Cleary, brother-in-law James Malone, great-grandchildren Evan, Amalasuentha, Charlotte, Timothy, Oliver, and Camillo, and many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.
Visitation will be at Hallowell and James Funeral Home, 1025 West 55th Street, Countryside, IL 60525 on Friday, April 22 from 4:00 – 8:30 PM. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Mary Catholic Church at 105 Herrick Rd., Riverside, IL 60546 Saturday, April 23 at 10:00 AM with interment following at Resurrection Cemetery in Justice, Illinois. Donations may be made in her name to the Alzheimer’s Association, 225 N. Michigan Ave., 17th Floor, Chicago, IL 60601-7633, http://www.alz.org/, or a charity of your choice.
MICHAEL EDWARD PROFFITT
Michael Proffitt, age 76, passed away peacefully March 24, with his wife and daughter by his side.
Son of the late Rita (Busby) and Michael V. Proffitt; cherished grandson of the late Edward Busby; devoted brother of the late Donald Proffitt. Mike was married to Dolores (nee Glista) for 47 years. Together they raised two daughters, Laura (Tom) Proffitt Schmiegel and Kathleen (Jose) Medina; beloved “Pops” to Viviana and Joseph; adored “Gramps” to Trinity and Aurora.
Funeral was held March 30 at his childhood parish, St. Joseph Catholic Church in Summit. His final resting place is at Resurrection Cemetery in Justice.
PATRICK J. SAWYER
Patrick J. Sawyer, age 60, passed away April 2.
Beloved husband of Caroline (nee Clark) Sawyer; loving father of Nicole (CJ) Sexton; dearest grandpa of Gianna Jacqueline Sexton; cherished son of the late Joan (nee Davern) and the late Raymond Sawyer; dear brother of Bob (Karen) Sawyer, Peggy (the late Nigiel) Murry, Bill (Neda) Sawyer and Andrea (Heath) Zeller. Fond uncle of many nieces and nephews. Also survived by numerous relatives and friends.
Visitation was held April 7 at Damar-Kaminski Funeral Home & Crematorium, 7861 S. 88th Avenue, Justice. Funeral was held April 8, Service and Time of Remembrance were held at the funeral home. Cremation rites to be accorded. For more information, 708-496-0200 or www.kaminskifamilyfuneralhomes.com.
BRETT SCHIEFELBEIN
Brett Schiefelbein, 50, of Chicago, formerly of Hinsdale, passed away on April 15.
He was the beloved son of Allen Jr. and Joan nee Bortman; dear brother of Chad (Kim) and Adam (Lisa Tang) Schiefelbein; loving uncle of Laken, Cole, Charlotte and Carissa.
He attended grade school at St. Isaac Jogues Catholic School, graduated from Fenwick High School in 1990 and the University of Saint Thomas in 1994.
Visitation will be Friday. April 22, from 4 to 8 p.m. at The Tower Home for Funerals, 4007 Joliet Road, Lyons. Funeral will be Saturday at 9 a.m. with prayers to Saint Isaac Jogues Church in Hinsdale for 10 a.m. Mass. Interment Queen of Heaven.
DOROTHY SEPANIK
Dorothy Sepanik (nee Chaney), age 69, of Chicago, Garfield Ridge community, passed away April 7, surrounded by her loving family. Retired CPD 12th District and Area 3 Evidence Technician for 29 years.
Beloved wife of Bernard Sepanik; loving mother of Lisa Sepanik (Joshua Pratts); proud Nana of Nalani and Gianna Pratts; daughter of the late Mary Guagenti-Chaney; treasured sister of John (Gabriela Ramos) Chaney, Donna Chaney (Frank Gorniak), the late Robert Dale Chaney, Carol (Robert Mazor Retired CCSPD) and Andrew (Anna) Chaney. Dear aunt of Brian Chaney, Christina (Donald) DiBrita, Andrea (Joseph) Quinn, Lauren (Joseph) Tully, Sarah (Scott) Ferrebee and Marc Chaney; cherished great aunt of Daniela, Dominic, Nora, Frank, Beau and Henry.
Memorial visitation was held April 12 at Foran Funeral Home, 7300 W. Archer Ave. (55th street just west of Harlem). Visitation was held at the funeral home on April 14 until time of Prayers. Procession from the funeral home to St. Daniel the Prophet Church for Mass. Interment Resurrection Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations to Chicago Police Memorial Foundation, 10343 S. Pulaski, Chicago, IL. 60655 in Dorothy’s name would be appreciated.
GEORGE VESCOVI
George Vescovi, age 93, passed away April.
George was a Community Activist and Member of Archer Heights Civic Association and St. Richard Church.
Visitation was held at Szykowny Funeral Home, 4901 S Archer Ave, Chicago, Jonathan F Siedlecki, Owner/Director. Funeral Mass was held at St Richard Church, Chicago. Final resting place Resurrection Cemetery, Justice. To leave any tributes, please visit funeral home website at www.SzykownyFuneralHomeIl.com.
PHYLLIS D. WALLACE
Phyllis D. Wallace, nee Sinkivis, 89, of Chicago Ridge passed away on April 14.
She was the beloved mother of Debbie Wallace, Chris McNamara, and Richard Wallace. Cherished grandmother of Brian Fickett and Shannon McNamara. Loving sister of the late Sylvia Sinkivis.
Phyllis was a longtime employee of MacNeal Hospital in Berwyn.
Visitation was April 19 at the Becvar & Son Funeral Home, 5539 W. 127th Street, Crestwood. Cremation private.
Local News
Red Stars’ Tatumn Milazzo has top Save of the Week
Spread the loveBy Jeff Vorva Correspondent Tatumn Milazzo called her achievement “funny.” The Chicago Red Stars defender and Orland Park native was awarded the NWSL’s Save of the Week after chasing down a ball in a loss to Angel City on April 13. The Save of the Week usually goes to a goalie. Milazzo laughed…
Men’s College Volleyball | Saint Xavier captures fifth straight conference tourney title
Spread the loveBy Jeff Vorva Correspondent The SXU men’s volleyball team won its fifth straight Chicagoland Christian Athletic Conference tournament championship after a 25-16, 25-17, 25-22 sweep of Calumet College of St. Joseph on April 20 at the Shannon Center. Jan Lopuch had 10 kills and nine digs for the Cougars. With the win, the…
College Baseball | Saint Xavier upsets Eastern Illinois
Spread the loveBy Jeff Vorva Correspondent The Saint Xavier baseball team picked up a win that its players are going to remember for a long time. The Cougars stunned Eastern Illinois, 4-2, on April 17 in Charleston. It was the Cougars’ first win over the Panthers, a Division I program, since 2005. Lyons grad Troy…
Boys Volleyball | Glenbard West tops Marist to stay unbeaten
Spread the loveBy Jeff Vorva Correspondent The Marist boys volleyball team, ranked fifth in the nation by USA Today/American Volleyball Coaches, lost to Glenbard West, 25-23, 25-21, in the championship match at the Brother Rice Smack Attack on April 20 in Chicago. Glenbard West (19-0) is the two-time defending state champion and is ranked third…
St. Laurence hoops teams top honor roll
Spread the loveBy Jeff Vorva Correspondent Area basketball teams proved to be strong on the court and in the classroom this season, and St. Laurence was the leader of the pack. The Illinois Basketball Coaches Association compiled a list of the top academic teams, and the area did well. In Division 3 girls, St. Laurence…
Chicago Bears recognize St. Rita senior with All-Star award
Spread the loveBy Jeff Vorva Correspondent Chances are good that few outside of St. Rita football circles know who David Lyle is. With good reason. Lyle missed his senior season for the Mustangs last fall after sustaining a serious knee injury. He even postponed having knee surgery so that he could take care of his…
Pols want 63rd St. armory for new police HQ
Spread the love. Porfirio, Guerrero-Cuellar push plan in Springfield . By Tim Hadac Any plans the Chicago Department of Aviation may have had for the vacant Army National Guard Midway Armory, 5400 W. 63rd St., may be grounded, at least for now. Several elected officials are eyeing the parcel as the headquarters of a new…
Her back against the wall, Stacy needs help
Spread the love. By Tim Hadac Editor Clear-Ridge Reporter & NewsHound (708)-496-0265 . Clearing and Garfield Ridge have earned a reputation as a place where people look out for each other—and that sometimes means caring for each other in times of need. Today, I want to talk about one such person, who sure could use…
It’s (pizza) party time at OLS
Spread the love. Third graders at Our Lady of the Snows School break into cheers as they learn they’ve won a pizza party for selling more raffle booklets than any other class. The recent Grand Raffle fundraiser brought in about $6,000. Parents looking for a grade school for their sons and daughters for 2024-25 are…
Dart wants free mental health care for first responders
Spread the love. From staff reports The Illinois Senate has passed legislation proposed by Cook County Sheriff Thomas J. Dart that eliminates out-of-pocket expenses for first responders seeking mental health treatment. “We ask first responders to be constantly exposed to traumatic and dangerous situations to protect us,” Dart said. “This legislation is a solid step…
Neighbors
Bridgeview approves auto repair shop
Spread the loveMoves up time for May 1 village board meeting By Steve Metsch Bridgeview is getting a new automotive repair shop. The village board at its April 17 matinee meeting approved a special use permit that will allow a repair shop at 9010 S. Beloit Ave. There was no discussion among trustees. The board…
Summit Fire Department blood drive draws a crowd
Spread the loveBy Carol McGowan The Summit Fire Department, along with the Village of Summit, and the Argo Summit Lions Club held a blood drive this past Saturday, and it drew a crowd that even impressed the American Red Cross. It took place from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. with non-stop donors walking through the…
Hodgkins toasts village businesses
Spread the loveBy Carol McGowan Hodgkins Mayor Ernest Millsap and the Board of Trustees celebrated the village’s businesses at its annual Business Appreciation Breakfast on April 10. Over 100 people gathered at the Hodgkins Administration Center for a hearty breakfast hosted by the village. Representatives from many businesses that are located in or that work…
Pickleball courts coming to Palos Park
Spread the loveBy Jeff Vorva There will finally be outdoor pickleball in Palos Park. In a process that went longer than anticipated, the Palos Park Village Council was able give the green light to get a pickleball project started on the Village Green. The council voted April 8 to award the contract to U.S. Tennis…
First Secure Bank to host American Eagle gold coin sale
Spread the loveFrom staff reports First Secure Bank & Trust of Palos Hills announced its annual May sale of 1-ounce and ¼-ounce American Eagle Gold Coins, produced by the U.S. Mint, will take place from 10 a.m.to noon on Saturdays, May 4, May 11, May 18 and May 25. The sale will take place at…
Donate teddy bears to our local police
Spread the love. Peggy Zabicki Your correspondent in West Lawn 3633 W. 60th Place • (773) 504-9327 . Have you ever seen the 1955 movie The Night of the Hunter? The children in this movie show such bravery and acceptance in what life has thrown at them. They have to deal with unimaginable events and sadness. …
Boy Scouts collecting tattered flags for disposal
Spread the love. By Mary Stanek Your correspondent in Archer Heights and West Elsdon 3808 W. 57th Place • (773) 517-7796 . Goodbye April, hello May. Our American Flag, the symbol of our country, should always be treated with respect. But after bearing Chicago’s brutal winters and hot blazing summers along with being in the…
Solarbration: Chicago Ridge celebrates fun in the sun
Spread the loveBy Kelly White The sun is shining and after a long winter, Chicago Ridge residents ready for it. In honor of National Solar Appreciation Day, the Chicago Ridge Park District offered residents the opportunity to come out and celebrate with a Solarbration, the free event was held outside of Freedom Activity Center, 6252…
Oak Lawn trustee says village needs state grocery tax
Spread the loveBy Joe Boyle An Oak Lawn trustee said that Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s proposal to eliminate the state’s grocery tax will be costly for the village. Trustee William “Bud” Stalker (5th), accompanied by Mayor Terry Vorderer, recently returned from a fact-finding trip to Springfield where they learned more about the governor’s proposal to eliminate…
Palos Heights recognizes volunteers
Spread the loveBy Nuha Abdessalam Palos Heights handed out awards last week recognizing the services provided by volunteers through the years. The proclamations, which were read aloud during the city council meeting April 16, were a testament to the city’s volunteers and were handed out as part of Volunteer Recognition Week. Volunteers were cited for…