Posted Friday, January 9, 2009
Benjamin R. Alajoki
Of Des Plaines
A funeral service for Benjamin R. Alajoki, 93, of Des Plaines, was held Saturday, Jan. 3, at G.L. Hills Funeral Home. Interment was at Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Minnesota.
Mr. Alajoki is survived by children Raymond (Beverly) and Jean (Charles) Sanno, grandchildren Kristine Alajoki, Jennifer (Garrett) Okuda, Karen Sanno, Donna (Peter) Bradley and Daniel (Nicki) Brask, great-grandchildren Emmett, Tyler and Trent.
He is preceded in death by wife Laila L. and 13 siblings.
Donna C. Alexander
Of Rolling Meadows
A funeral service for Donna C. Alexander, 77, of Rolling Meadows, was held in Meadows Funeral Home on Dec. 29. Burial followed in Randhill Park Cemetery, Arlington Hts.
A native of Chicago, she died Dec. 23 in Northwest Community Hospital.
Surviving are children Paula (Donald) Nuzzo, Christina, Susan, and Charlene. She was preceded in death by a son, Frank.
Lillian M. Atherton
Of Des Plaines
A celebration of life gathering for Lillian M. Atherton (nee Kraft), 81, took place Friday, Jan. 2 at Rosewood Banquets in Rosemont.
Mrs. Atherton was born on Oct. 20, 1927 in Chicago. She died at home on Dec. 29, 2008.
Her husband William Atherton, her daughter-in-law Meghan (nee Farrell), and her sisters Evelyn Steffen and Marilyn Krajcik preceded her in death.
Her children Bonnie, William (Eileen Grace), and Bobbie Atherton; her grandchildren Ryan, Matthew, Eric, Tessa, William, and Kendal; her brother Robert Kraft; and many nieces and nephews survive her.
Lorrie Banach
Of Des Plaines
A funeral Mass for Lorrie Banach (nee Nolan), 69, took place Monday, Dec. 29 at St. Raymond de Penafort Church in Mt. Prospect. Interment was at Mt. Carmel Cemetery. Visitation was Sunday, Dec. 28 at Friedrichs Funeral Home in Mt. Prospect.
Mrs. Banach was born on Apr. 2, 1939 in Chicago. She was a longtime active member of St. Raymond and St. Zachary churches and a lead catechist for CCD and SPRED. She was a fixture at RecPlex swimming, a member of the Red Hat Society, KOPS Honor Society, and the founder of St. Zachary Goldenaires Senior's Club. She grew up in Chicago where she attended Our Lady of Sorrows Grammar School and Providence High School where she was active in the Alumni Club. She died on Dec. 23, 2008 at home.
Her parents Mary J. (nee Hickey) and Thomas J. Nolan preceded her in death.
Her husband of 42 years Art Banach; her children Heather (David) Terry and Lynnea (David) Brand; her grandchildren Rachel, Matthew, Daniel, and Nolan; her siblings Mary Sperry, Elizabeth (late Robert) Stavenger, and Michael (Joan) Hickey; and many nieces and nephews survive her.
Christine Barone
Of Wheeling
A funeral Mass for Christine "Nina" Barone, 84, formerly of Arlington Heights for 40 years, took place on Saturday, Jan. 3 at St. James Church in Arlington Heights. Interment was at All Saints Cemetery in Des Plaines.
Mrs. Barone was born on Jan. 31, 1924. She worked for Sexton Foods and Northwest Community Hospital. She was a parishioner of St. James Church. She died on Monday, Dec. 29, 2008.
Her husband Joseph R. Barone and her siblings James Salvatore and Lucille Keating preceded her in death.
Her children Michael Joseph (Kathleen) Barone and Christine (Kevin) Lotzer; her grandchildren Michael and Meghan Barone, Jaclyn, Bradley, Margaret, and Kevin Lotzer; and many nieces and nephews survive her.
Anna M. Calabrese
Of Palatine
Anna M. Calabrese, 78, (nee Roselli) a long time resident of Palatine since 1967, died on Dec. 23.
Funeral service prayers were held before proceeding to St. Theresa Church for Mass. Burial was at St. Michael the Archangel Cemetery.
Mrs. Calabrese was born on Oct. 12, 1930 in Italy. She was the wife of Eristo Calabrese. She was a beautiful and caring woman who enjoyed spending time with her family. She also enjoyed cooking.
She is survived by her children, Anna (George) Zaharopoulos, Tony (Maria) Calabrese and Don (Julie) Calabrese; grandchildren, Scott, Jimmy, Anthony, Antonia and Domenic.
John M. Drezen
Of Arlington Heights
A funeral service for John M. Drezen, 43, took place on Tuesday, Dec. 30 at Southminster Presbyterian Church in Arlington Heights. Visitation was Monday, Dec. 29 at the church.
Mr. Drezen was born on Feb. 26, 1965 in Arlington Heights. He graduated from Rolling Meadows in 1983. He was a futures trader with MF Global in Chicago and coached baseball in AHYAA. He died on Dec. 25, 2008 at home.
His wife Jane M. Drezen (nee Cartford); his children Trevor and Emma; his parents Carol Drezen and John E. (Char) Drezen; his siblings Dorothy Drezen, Terri (John) Rosen, and Paul (Brenda) Drezen; his nieces and nephews Madelyn, Noel, Vianna, Ellie, Becca, Ben, and Katie; and his parents-in-law Deone and Larry Cartford survive him.
John M. Drezen
Of Arlington Heights
A funeral service for John M. Drezen, 43, took place on Tuesday, Dec. 30 at Southminster Presbyterian Church in Arlington Heights. Visitation was Monday, Dec. 29 at the church.
Mr. Drezen was born on Feb. 26, 1965 in Arlington Heights. He graduated from Rolling Meadows in 1983. He was a futures trader with MF Global in Chicago and coached baseball in AHYAA. He died on Dec. 25, 2008 at home.
His wife Jane M. Drezen (nee Cartford); his children Trevor and Emma; his parents Carol Drezen and John E. (Char) Drezen; his siblings Dorothy Drezen, Terri (John) Rosen, and Paul (Brenda) Drezen; his nieces and nephews Madelyn, Noel, Vianna, Ellie, Becca, Ben, and Katie; and his parents-in-law Deone and Larry Cartford survive him.
Lora Battles Eckert
(3/18/1913-12/24/2008)
Born in Hot Springs, Arkansas, to Wilton and Maude Battles, Lora was able to attend college during the Depression because of a scholarship for her violin playing. She graduated summa cum laude from Ouachita College and later she earned her Master's in Education from the National College of Education in Evanston. She started teaching school in Hot Springs and moved to Des Plaines, Illinois, in 1946. She taught third grade here for over 30 years, first at West and then at Forest School.
She married Ray Eckert, who was a maintenance engineer for District 62, in 1953. They had 36 years of happy marriage. They were both active in the First Methodist Church and as members of the Lattoff YMCA. Once retired, they commuted between their home on Park Place and their lakefront cottage in Whitewater, Wisconsin.
Following her husband's death in 1989, Lora shared many hours of making music with her beloved brother, Wilton Battles. Upon his death in 1998, she moved to Bellingham, WA, to be close to her daughter, Lora M. Eckert.
She loved beauty and had an artist's eye for noticing the world the world around her. Looking at flowers, birds, trees, and lovely things brought her much joy. She was able to find happiness within herself as well as bring it to others. To know her was to love her.
She is survived by her daughter, Lora M. Eckert (Tovah Rainsong), and her nephews Wil (Carolyn) Battles, III of Des Plaines and Richard (Carol) Battles of Charleston, SC. You may view photos of Lora and share memories with the family at
www.westfordfuneralhome.com
Westford Funeral Home
Bellingham, WA
Joan D. Faherty
Devoted Grandmother
Joan D. Faherty, 74, of Park Ridge, died at Rainbow Hospice Ark in Park Ridge on Dec. 26.
Wife of the late Daniel A.; mother of Anne Faherty and Katie (Christopher) Arman; grandmother of Matt and Joseph Arman; sister of Jim Dailey.
Memorial visitation was Monday, Dec. 29, 3 to 9 p.m. at Ryan-Parke Funeral Home in Park Ridge. A Memorial Mass will be held at a later date in St. Louis, MO.
Stanley S. Goolish
Of Elk Grove Village
A funeral Mass for Stanley S. Goolish, 65 took place on Tuesday, Dec. 30 at St. Julian Eymard Church. Interment was at St. Michael Cemetery.
Mr. Goolish was born in Spangler, Pa. He was retired from the U.S. Postal Service in Schaumburg. He died on Dec. 25, 2008 with his family by his side.
His wife of 39 years Patricia (nee Clark), his children Kimberly (Michael) Morris, Stanley (Julia), Jeffrey (Christine), and Eric Matthew Goolish; his grandchildren Amanda, Alexa, and Mikey Morris, Eric Jeffrey, Lauren, and Matthew Edward Goolish, and grandchild number seven due in May; his siblings Sister Jo Goolish OSF, Frances (Brian) Kadow, and Edward (Thanh) Goolish; and his mother-in-law Patricia (Lou) Harbeck survive him.
Robert Louis Heitbrink
Park Ridge Native
Robert Louis Heitbrink, 89, of Rolling Meadows, died Dec. 24 in Northwest Community Hospital.
A funeral and burial were private.
A native of Chicago who grew up in Park Ridge, Heitbrink graduated from Maine Township High School (now Maine East) in 1937.
He served in the U.S. Navy in World War II and later worked in dental sales.
Surviving are his widow, Charlotte (nee Leichsenring); children James (Gaylene), Bruce, and Virginia (Kent) Porter; grandchildren Meribeth and Grant Heitbrink and Charlotte Porter. His brother, Norman, preceded him in death.
Anna Kepes
Of Niles
A funeral service for Anna Kepes, 91 took place Saturday, Jan. 3 at St. Juliana Church. Interment was at Maryhill Cemetery in Niles. Visitation was Friday, Jan. 2 at Skaja Terrace Funeral Home in Niles.
Mrs. Kepes was born on May 10, 1917 in Kislod, Hungary. She was a homemaker and died on Dec. 30, 2008 in Des Plaines.
Her husband Josef Kepes, her son Josef (Theresa) Kepes, and her parents Maria and Rudolf Bucki preceded her in death.
Her son Ted (Diane) Kepes; her grandchildren Mike (Marge), Betty (Joe), Mary (Doug), Ted Jr. (Lauren), Paul (Monica), Steve (Cheryl), and Sam; and her great-grandchildren Matt, Eddie, Daniel, Steven, Colleen, Patricia, William, Anna, Aidan, Grace, Alexandria, Josef, and Rebecca survive her.
Dolores P. Kinnard
Of Elk Grove Village
A funeral service for Dolores P. Kinnard (nee Thomas), 82, took place on Saturday, Jan. 3 at Grove Memorial Chapel in Elk Grove Village. Visitation was Friday, Jan. 2 at the funeral home.
Mrs. Kinnard was born in Chicago. She was a checker with Jewel food stores for 30 years before her retirement. She was an avid bowler. She died on Dec. 30, 2008 at Alexian Brothers Medical Center in Elk Grove Village.
Her sister Shirley Tomasello preceded her in death.
James H., her husband of 60 years; her children Russell A. (Deborah), Sandra L., and David B. Kinnard; and her grandchildren Sarah and Christina Kinnard survive her.
Kenneth Leibach
Retired Des Plaines firefighter
A funeral Mass for Kenneth Leibach, took place Wednesday, Jan. 7, at St. Mary Church in Des Plaines. Interment will be at All Saints Cemetery in Des Plaines. Visitation was Tuesday, Jan. 6 at Oehler Funeral Home in Des Plaines.
His wife Jacqueline (nee Coopman); his children James Leibach and Lorie (Michael) Skonieczny; his stepchildren Andrew Panzica and Jacqueline (Brian) Castic; his grandchildren Mark, Matthew, Kaitlyn, and Jacob; his siblings Joanne (George) Glynn and Richard (Maureen) Leibach; and many nieces and nephews survive him.
Harry N. Miller
Formerly of Des Plaines
A memorial service for Harry N. Miller will be held at 11:30 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 10, at G.L. Hills Funeral Home, 745 Graceland, Des Plaines.
Born June 1, 1931 the son of Nicholas and Berniece Killian Miller, he passed away Dec. 29 in Hot Springs Village, Arkansas.
Mr. Miller was a graduate of Steinmetz High School and a veteran of the U.S. Air Force, serving four years in the Korean War in the Strategic Air Command – Air Refueling and four years reserve duty.
A 38-year employee of Klein Tool of Skokie, among his many duties at Klein he started a plant in Mexico and retired as a senior manufacturing engineer.
Mr. Miller was an avid golfer and bowler and volunteered in the Hot Springs Village community during his retirement.
He is survived by his wife of 18 years, Lois Beadell Marchel Miller, daughter Deborah Schoenrock of Plainfield, son James (Debra) of Arlington Hts., daughter Barbra (fiancé Casey) of Bartlett, brother Robert of Lombard, Daniel Marchel of El Paso, Lisa (Mark) Lendvay of Racine and four granddaughters, two grandsons, three nieces and one nephew. Mr. Miller was preceded in death by his parents Nicholas and Berniece Miller.
Memorial contributions may be given to St. Judes Hospital, or Veterans of Foreign Wars.
Mary K. Raucci
Of Mt. Prospect
A funeral Mass for Mary K. Raucci (nee Gordon) took place Saturday, Dec. 27, at St. Raymond Penafort Church in Mt. Prospect. Visitation was Friday, Dec. 26.
Her husband Andrew Raucci, her parents Clara (nee Treacy) and Thomas Gordon, and her brother John (late Grace) Gordon preceded her in death.
Her children Andrew M. (fiancée Christine Dudley) Raucci, Frank J. (Dianne) Raucci, and Thomas E. (Susan) Raucci; her grandchildren Lisa (George) Ferreti, Drew (Kathy) Raucci, Theresa (Matt) Demonte, Amanda (Dave) Dillon, Jennifer (Don) Niederhauser, Tracy (Vince) Stowell, Kimberly (Jon) Hotter, Anthony Raucci, and Peter (Amanda) Raucci; her 16 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews survive her.
Samuel A. Roseri, Jr.
Business Owner
Samuel A. Roseri, Jr., 75, died on Monday, Dec. 22. He was owner of Roseri Business Forms, Inc., in Palatine, which he founded in 1979.
Mr. Roseri was born on Dec. 22, 1933. He was known for his company's success and for his optimism. He enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and took pleasure in entertaining friends at his pool and bar with ever-present jazz music in the background.
He was married to Sharon (nee Gorman) for 48 years; father of Michael (Joni) Roseri, Mark Roseri and Kelly (Tom) Valverde; grandfather of Christopher, Ashley, Chelsea, Samuel, Caroline, Johnny, Joseph and Michael; and loving brother of Mary Roseri.
Dolores G. Schroeder
Process checker for telephone company
Dolores G. Schroeder, 88 of Niles died on Thursday, Dec. 25 at Lutheran General Hospital in Park Ridge.
Visitation was at Skaja Terrace Funeral Home on Sunday, Jan. 4 from 2 to 9 p.m. Funeral service was at Skaja on Monday, Jan. 5 at 9:15 a.m. and at St. John Brebeuf Church at 10 a.m.
She was born in Chicago on Jan. 17, 1920. Worked as a process checker for a telephone company and was a member of the Telephone Pioneers of America.
Proceeded in death by her parents Gustavo Rigali and Hortensia (nee Menconi) Rigali, grandchildren, James A. Novak and son-in-law Wallace A. Novak.
She is survived by her daughters Denise Novak and Frances (John) Laurie; son, Raymond A. II (Diane) Schroeder; grandchildren Frank Laurie and Danielle Reeves and was a sister, aunt and friend to many.
John G. Smedberg
Of Niles
A funeral service for John G. Smedberg, 86, of Niles, was held Saturday, Jan. 3, at Skaja Terrace Funeral Home.
Visitation took place Friday, Jan. 2, at the funeral home. Interment was at Rosehill Cemetery.
Mr. Smedberg was born March 14, 1922. He was an Army veteran of WWII and a longtime member of the Telecom Pioneers and Triton Scuba Diving Club. He worked as a designer for a tool and die company for many years. He passed away on Sunday, Dec. 28, 2008.
Mr. Smedberg is survived by wife Leatrice C., daughter Linda and son John.
He is preceded in death by parents John and Ebba.
June C. Tedeschi
Of Des Plaines
A funeral service for June C. Tedeschi (nee Hillstrom), 74 took place on Saturday, Jan. 3 at Life Community Church in Mt. Prospect with Pastor Nathan Smith presiding. Interment was at Acacia Park Cemetery. Visitation was Friday, Jan. 2.
Mrs. Tedeschi was born on Sept. 21, 1934 in Chicago. She was a homemaker and died at home on Dec. 30, 2008.
Her husband Anthony; her children Scott (Judith), Brian (Vicki), and Steven (Janice); her grandchildren Alex, Adam Alivia, Lauren, Tony, and Peter; and her siblings Stanley (late Rose) Hillstrom and Sharon (Richard) Jahns survive her.
Madeline Uedelhofen
Of Park Ridge
A funeral service for Madeline Uedelhofen, 87, of Park Ridge, was held Saturday, Jan. 3, at Cooney Funeral Home.
Visitation took place Friday, Jan. 2, at the funeral home. Interment was at All Saints Cemetery.
Ms. Uedelhofen passed away on Dec. 31, 2008.
She is survived by sister Mary C. (George) Lauer, nieces Susan (Gary) Crank and Marybeth (Edward) Swanson, great nieces and nephews Kim, Jamie, Christy, Lauren, Megan and Steven and six great-great nieces and nephews.
She is preceded in death by brother John (Audrea) Uedell, sister Gertrude (late Norman) Kartheau and nephew Steven Uedell.
Marie Gertrude Ulm
Helped start Ulm Specialties
Marie Gertrude Ulm, nee Schumacher, age 87, beloved wife for 48 plus years of the late Arthur; loving mother of Jean Krbec (Jim) of Glendale, AZ, Dennis Ulm of Des Plaines, IL, and Laurel Lichtfuss (Kevin) of Sun Prairie, WI; half sister to the late Jean Bryant (late Bruce), brother Bill Schumacher (Loretta); sisters Rita Masek (Miles), and the late Mercedes Brezinski; loved grandmother of the late Jerry Krbec, Jeff Krbec (Melissa Rancourt), and Jason Lichtfuss. Many nieces and nephews.
Marie was born on November 12, 1921, in Spring Grove, IL, and attended Steinmetz High School in Chicago, IL. She passed away December 23rd while in California. Marie had the best of both worlds, living in California in the winter months and at the cabin in Minnesota during the summer. For the past 64 years, she has enjoyed fishing, going to auctions, and bingo while in Minnesota. Marie's California days included Red Hat functions, crafts, playing cards, Mah Jongg, the casino, and bingo. She was a lucky lady who even won a car. She assisted her husband Art in starting Ulm Specialties Tool & Mfg., a tool and die, metal stamping firm in Franklin Park, IL, which later moved to larger quarters in Elk Grove Village, IL. While raising the family, Marie was known as the perpetual room mother. Art and Marie enjoyed square and round dancing as well as hosting theme parties and treasure hunts. They met each other while roller-skating at Riverview Park in Chicago. Her family and friends will miss Marie dearly.
Interment was at Town of Maine Cemetery December 30. In lieu of flowers, memorials to Children's Memorial Hospital, 2300 Children's Plaza, Box 4, Chicago, IL 60614-3394; your local non-profit Hospice; or the American Cancer Society.