Obituaries June 9, 2022
THOMAS NICHOLAS COHA
Thomas Nicholas Coha, age 88, passed away May 30.
Devoted son to Nikola and Amalia (nee Gaspert) Coha; beloved brother of Stefania Coha, Helen (late Tony) Kovacevic and Sr. Thomas Eileen Coha, step-dad John Klancir and step-brothers Laurence and John Klancir. Tom and the love of his life, Gerri Coha were blessed with three children, Linda (Art), Thomas II (Paula) and Timothy, grandchildren Sarah, Michelle, Ryan and Aaron and 4 great grandchildren. Tom will be missed by his dear sister-in-law Mary Lou Knepple (late George), nieces Kathy Drenth and Lori Tate.
Tom was a lifetime member of the Lyons Mustangs Athletic Club. His remains will be cremated and interned with his beloved wife Gerri at Mountain View Cemetery, Mesa Arizona.
MIREYA RAMIREZ HERNANDEZ
Mireya Ramirez Hernandez, age 62, passed away May 24.
Will be forever missed by beloved family and friends.
Visitation was held at Szykowny Funeral Home, 4901 S Archer Ave, Chicago, Jonathan F Siedlecki, Owner/Director. Funeral Mass was held at Queen of the Universe Church, Chicago. Final resting place is St Casimir Cemetery, Chicago. To leave any tributes, please visit funeral home website at www.SzykownyFuneralHomeIL.com.
LAWRENCE T. KETCHMARK
Lawrence T. Ketchmark, age 93, of Brookfield. Korean War Veteran.
Beloved husband of the late Doris B. Ketchmark (nee Vizek); loving father of Robin (Patricia) Ketchmark, Dana (Susan) Ketchmark, Kit (Kathy) Ketchmark and Susan (Steve) Huska and late Timothy (Cindy) Ketchmark; dear grandfather of Tony (Melanie) Ketchmark, Spencer Ketchmark, Tiffany Ketchmark, Jason Ketchmark, Jenny (Aaron) Tag, Katie (Anthony) Gaudio, Cameron Ketchmark, Trent Ketchmark, Justin Huska, Jessica (Tony) Broches and Michael Huska; dear great grandfather of Evan Tag, Asher Tag, Weston Gaudio, Ryker Gaudio, Loukas Broches, Ella Broches, Aedan Ketchmark, Sabrina Ketchmark, Elliot Ketchmark, Amelia Ketchmark and Emerson Ketchmark; brother of George (Shirley) Ketchmark, Justine (the late Edward) Handing, Jim (Annette) Ketchmark and the late Ruth Milner.
Visitation was held June 3 to time of Service at Hitzeman Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 9445 West 31st Street, Brookfield. Interment Private Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery. Information 708-485-2000 or www.HitzemanFuneral.com For those of you that would like to express your condolences to the family, please visit our website and leave the family a message. If you wish to send a sympathy card to the family, please feel free to send it to Hitzeman Funeral Home, 9445 West 31st Street, Brookfield, IL 60513, c/o the Lawrence Ketchmark Family. We will gladly forward it on to the family.
BARBARA J. KUZIORA
Barbara J. Kuziora, age 47, passed away May 17.
Beloved wife of Stanislaw Brzezniak; loving mom of Sebastian Brzezniak; cherished daughter of Maria (nee Kroplewska) and Jan Kuziora; dear sister of Agnieszka (Robert) Sobilo. Also survived by numerous relatives and friends.
Visitation was held May 22 at Damar-Kaminski Funeral Home & Crematorium, 7861 S. 88th Avenue, Justice. Funeral was held May 23, Prayers and procession 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.
FRANCISZEK “FRANK” LAS
Franciszek “Frank” Las, age 75, passed away May 22.
Beloved husband of Helena (nee Kwak) Las; loving father of Chris Las, Mark (Jennifer) Las, Rene Las (Tom Paraskevas) and Margaret Las (John Marusarz); treasured grandpa of Stephanie, Alexander, Joseph, Julianna, Violet, Sonia, Margaret, John and Victoria; cherished son of the late Stefania (nee Swiatek) and the late Jan Las; dear brother of Jozef “Joseph” (Jane) Las, the late Jan “John” Las and the late Marian (Boguslawa) Las. Also survived by nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
Visitation was held May 26 at Damar-Kaminski Funeral Home & Crematorium, 7861 S. 88th Avenue, Justice. Funeral was held May 27, Prayers and procession from the funeral home to SS. Cyril & Methodius Church, 608 Sobieski Street, Lemont for Mass. Interment, Resurrection Cemetery, Justice. For more information, 708-496-0200 or www.kaminskifamilyfuneralhomes.com.
TERENCE “TERRY” MANNS
Terence “Terry” Manns, age 72, passed away May 18.
Beloved husband of Patricia (nee Russell) Manns; loving father of Michael (Julie) Manns, Diana Manns, David Manns and Daniel Manns; dear papa of David, Brian and Daniel; fond brother of Nancy (Tino) Chico and Jack (the late Maria) Manns. Also survived by relatives and friends.
Visitation was held May 21 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 to be accorded. For more information, 708-496-0200 or www.kaminskifamilyfuneralhomes.com.
PATRICK J. MORAN
Patrick J. Moran, age 81, passed away May 16.
Beloved husband of Genevieve Joan (nee Laschober) Moran; loving dad of Scott (Tammy) Moran, Ron (Melissa) Moran, Larry (Sheila) Moran and Lisa Moran; dear grandpa of Kate, Kevin, Brittany, Morgan, Erin, Mallory, Addy, Maggie, Lucy, Iley and Charley; cherished son of the late Rosemary (nee Burke) and the late Edward Moran; dear brother of Thomas Moran, Edward (Carol) Moran, Sheila (Patrick) Crotty and Michael (Helen) Moran. Also survived by nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. Member of IBEW Local 134, Electrical Inspector for Village of Bridgeview and Member of International Assn. of Electrical Inspectors.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the IBEW Local 134 Helping Hands Fund, are much appreciated. Visitation was held May 19 at Damar-Kaminski Funeral Home & Crematorium, 7861 S. 88th Avenue, Justice. Funeral was held May 20, 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.
AGNES PAULIUS
Agnes Paulius, age 89, passed away April 21 at home peacefully surrounded by her loved ones.
Daughter of the late Johann and Elisabeth Petry. She is preceded in death by her husband Gediminas, their first-born son who was stillborn, her sisters Maria, Elisabeth, Gertrude, Hildegard, Annie and her brothers Rudolf and Alois. She is survived by her youngest sister, Sr. Mikhaila; her four children, Diana (Olivier), Dana (Scott), John (Daniela) and Lisa (Clem) and her seven grandchildren Galen (Elyse), Anna (Ross), Nicolas, Christopher, Alexander, Dani, and Julia. And the many beloved relatives in Germany, Lithuania and US.
Visitation was held May 20 at Damar-Kaminski Funeral Home & Crematorium, 7861 S. 88th Avenue, Justice. Funeral was held May 21, family and friends gathered at Saint James at Sag Bridge Church, 10600 Archer Avenue, Lemont, for Mass. Interment, Fairmount-Willow Hills Memorial Park, Willow Springs. For more information, 708-496-0200 or www.kaminskifamilyfuneralhomes.com.
SCOTT G. PAWLAK
Scott G. Pawlak, age 61, passed away May 13.
Loving dad of Sarah Rae Pawlak and Amber Lea Bruce; cherished son of the late Loretta (nee Lopinski) and the late Stanley Pawlak; dear brother of David Pawlak, Richard Pawlak, Laurel Pawlak, Carleen Wargowsky, Jacqueline Pawlak and the late Kenneth Pawlak; outstanding uncle to Emily Contreras, Kenneth Pawlak Jr. and many more. Also survived by relatives and friends.
Visitation was held May 25 at Damar-Kmainski Funeral Home & Crematorium, 7861 S. 88th Avenue, Justice. Cremation rites have been accorded. For more information, 708-496-0200 or www.kaminskifamilyfuneralhomes.com.
FEDERICO J. RODRIGUEZ
Federico J. Rodriguez, age 74, passed away May 13.
Beloved husband of Esther (nee Murillo) Rodriguez; loving dad of Gabriela (Oscar) Delgado, Mireya (Anthony) Panozzo, Federico A. (Lionora) Rodriguez and Joshua (Eve) Rodriguez; dearest “Grandpa Kiko” of Oscar A. Delgado, Andrea Delgado, Alex Rodriguez and Jacob Rodriguez; cherished son of Socorro (nee Martinez) and the late Antonio Rodriguez; dear brother of 13. Fond uncle of numerous nieces, nephews and their families. Also survived by many relatives and friends.
Visitation was held May 18 at Damar-Kaminski Funeral Home & Crematorium, 7861 S. 88th Avenue, Justice. Funeral was held May 19, Prayers and procession from the funeral home to Saint Patricia Church, 9040 S. 86th Avenue, Hickory Hills for Mass. Interment, Resurrection Cemetery, Justice. For more information, 708-496-0200 or www.kaminskifamilyfuneralhomes.com.
ROBERT P. STEPHANSEN
Robert P. Stephansen, age 92, of Brookfield, formerly of Lyons. Past co-owner of Frank’s Hardware.
Beloved husband of the late Dorothy Stephansen (nee Szczytko); loving father of Robert (Marcia) Stephansen, Patricia (William) Fiori, Ronald (Deborah) Stephansen, Barbara (Glen) Pledge, and Richard (Victoria) Stephansen; grandfather of Amy (Brandon) Kruis, Lori (John) Weidenaar, Carolyn Fiori, Cathy Fiori, Joe Fiori, Raymond (Brittany) Stephansen, Timothy Stephansen, Sarah (Corey) Holtz, Michael (Regan) Stephansen, Elizabeth Pledge, Jessica Pledge and Brian Stephansen; great-grandfather of John, Grace, Micah, Levi, Bryant, Blakely, Geneva and Lily; brother of the late Virginia Knickelbein, Jeannette Luthringshausen, Henry Stephansen and LeRoy Stephansen; uncle of many nieces and nephews.
Visitation was held May 25 and May 26 at Hitzeman Funeral Home, Ltd., 9445 West 31st Street, Brookfield. Funeral to Holy Guardian Angels Parish, St. Louise de Marillac Church, corner of 30th and Raymond, La Grange Park for Mass. Interment Resurrection Cemetery, Justice. Memorials appreciated to Cantata Life Services, 8700 W. 31st Street, Brookfield, IL 60513. Information 708-485-2000 or www.HitzemanFuneral.com. If you wish to send a sympathy card to the family, please feel free to send it to Hitzeman Funeral Home, 9445 West 31st Street, Brookfield, IL 60513, c/o Robert Stephansen Family. We will gladly forward it on to the family.
Local News
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…
Volunteers give Palos Heights a spring cleaning
Spread the loveBy Kelly White Palos Heights works hard to keep its city beautiful. Gathering residents together for a day of cleaning and fun was the Palos Heights Green Team with a Clean Up Day on April 13. “This event invited everyone in our community to do their part in combating pollution by having a…
Hunt man who tried to rob Chase Bank
Spread the love. FBI looking for tips from public . From staff reports FBI officials are appealing to the public for help in finding a man who attempted to rob a Southwest Side bank branch. The bandit tried to rob the Chase Bank branch at 5687 S. Archer (just west of Laramie) at about 11…
Casten lauds Biden for ‘clean energy’ move
Spread the love. From staff reports A move designed to spur the responsible development of clean energy on America’s public lands was recently lauded by U.S. Rep. Sean Casten (D-6th). The congressman, co-chairman of the House Sustainable Energy and Environment Coalition (SEEC) Clean Energy Deployment Task Force, joined by co-chairman Mike Levin (D-Calif.), released a…
E-Notary makes things easier, Giannoulias says
Spread the love. From staff reports Illinois residents will no longer have to notarize documents in person under a new Electronic-Notary system administered by Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias’ office. Electronic Notarization, or “E-Notary,” will radically change the way people and use notary services, Giannoulias predicted. Without leaving the home or office, an individual or…
Oak Lawn honor Fire and Public Safety Contest winners
Spread the loveBy Joe Boyle The Oak Lawn Chamber of Commerce presented awards to the winners of the 2023 Fire and Public Safety Coloring Book Contest at the Oak Lawn Village Board meeting on April 9. Fire Bureau Chief David Wheeler and Police Chief Daniel Vittoro were on hand to present the plaques, along with Oak…
Neighbors
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…
Boys Volleyball | Richards weathering struggles after run of success
Spread the loveBy Xavier Sanchez Correspondent After a tough weekend at the Smack Attack tournament, Richards got back into the win column with a two-set victory over Eisenhower in a South Suburban Red match. The Bulldogs made quick work of the Cardinals, winning 25-16, 25-15 on April 23 in Oak Lawn to snap a five-match…
SD218 puts on annual Arts Extravaganza
Spread the loveBy Kelly White The arts have become a major portion of the curriculum Community High School District 218. Showcasing those many talents, the Friends of CHSD 218’s Education Foundation proudly hosted its 15th annual Arts Extravaganza on April 5 at Eisenhower High School in Blue Island. “The Arts Extravaganza is a great event…
Gaming licenses to be tougher to get in Orland Park
Spread the loveBy Jeff Vorva It’s going to take longer to receive gaming licenses in Orland Park. The village board passed an ordinance April 15 that would allow table service businesses open at least 36 consecutive months to apply rather than the previous 18 months, and extended the probationary period to 18 months instead of…
Palos Park passes $16 million budget
Spread the loveBy Jeff Vorva The Palos Park Village Council approved the 2024-25 budget, which totals a little more than $16.3 million at the April 22 village council meeting. According to village documents, it represented an increase of a shade over $603,000 from last year. The village is expecting $13.4 million in revenue and $1.86…
Fire damages Al Bahaar Restaurant in Orland Park
Spread the loveFrom staff reports Orland Fire Protection District firefighters responded to a fire Monday evening at the Al Bahaar Restaurant, 39 Orland Square Dr. At first, restaurant owners suspected the fire alarm was triggered by a malfunction, but as firefighters inspected the restaurant to reset the fire alarm, they detected a burning smell. “What…