Posted Friday, January 16, 2009
Joseph Arlia
A funeral service for Joseph Arlia was held Friday, Jan. 9, at G.L. Hills Funeral Home in Des Plaines.
Visitation took place prior to the service. Entombment was at Ridgewood Cemetery in Des Plaines.
Ms. Arlia is preceded in death by wife Shirley. He is survived by many nieces and nephews.
Gertrude L. Barnes
Of Arlington Heights
A funeral mass was held for Gertrude L. Barnes (nee Metzger) on Tuesday, Jan. 6 at St. Fona Church in Arlington Heights with interment at Queen of Heaven cemetery. Visitation was held on Monday, Jan. 5.
Barnes was born on March 30, 1920 in Germany and died at the Lutheran Home in Arlington Heights on Friday, Jan. 2, 2009. She was 88 years old. Barnes was a member of St. Anne's Sodality and the Drifters.
Barnes is survived by her children; John (Patricia) Barnes, Jim (Nancy) Barnes, Edward Thomas Jr. (Aurelia) Barnes, Kathy (Mike) Avers, Michael (Maureen) Barnes and Mary Higgins, grandchildren; Dan (Cassie), Cynthia, Michael, Kristen, Christine, Brian, Edward, Tim, Ryan, Colleen, Nora, Thomas and Mary Kate, brother John (Maria) Metzger and many nieces nephews and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband Edward T. Barnes and her sister Elizabeth (Edward) Neville.
Carolyn P. Busse
Of Des Plaines
A funeral service for Carolyn P. Busse, 91, of Des Plaines, was held Saturday, Jan. 10, at G.L. Hills Funeral Home in Des Plaines. Visitation took place prior to the service at the funeral home. Interment was at Union Cemetery in Port Washington, Wisconsin. Ms. Busse is survived by children Suzanne (Blaine) Sandona, Donna, Gerald (Cathy), Daniel (Melinda), John (Stephanie) and Thomas Busse and grandchildren Bradley and Sean (Christina) Sandona, Joseph, Gerald, Kaitlyn, Daniel Jr., Robert, Michelle, Ryan, Kelly and Carolyn Busse.
She is preceded in death by husband Gerald W. and brother J. Daniel (Margaret) Brendel.
Marjorie M. Cahill
Of Park Ridge
A funeral mass for Marjorie M. Cahill, 95, took place Friday, Jan. 2 at St. Paul of the Cross Church. Interment was at St. Joseph Cemetery. Visitation preceded the Mass at Ryan-Parke Funeral Home in Park Ridge.
She attended Northwestern University and worked for Walter E. Heiler & Co. for 45 years, retiring as assistant vice president of Marketing. She volunteered at Resurrection Medical Center in Chicago for 30 years. She died on Dec. 29, 2008 at her home. Her parents John and Maryann Cahill, her brother Edward, her sister Helen Huster, and her brother-in-law Frank Huster preceded her in death. Her nephews James (Terri) and Vince (Susan) Huster; her niece Marjorie (Robert) Lang; her grandnieces and grandnephews Michael, Alison, Brian, Kelly, Shelby, and Katie; and her great-grandniece Aviana survive her.
Jeanette F. Cecola
Of Prospect Heights
A funeral Mass for Jeanette F. Cecola, 78, took place Wednesday, Jan. 14 at St. Alphonsus Liguori Church in Prospect Hts. Interment will be at Maryhill Cemetery in Niles. Visitation was Thursday, Jan. 13 at Skaja Terrace Funeral Home in Niles. She was born on Jan. 17, 1930 in Chicago. She died on Jan. 9, 2009 at home.
Howard Franzen Jr.
Boy Scout leader
A funeral service for Howard Franzen Jr., 66, of Des Plaines, took place Thursday, Jan. 15, at Christ Church in Des Plaines. Interment will be private. Visitation was Wednesday, Jan. 14, at G.L. Hills Funeral Home in Des Plaines. Mr. Franzen was born on Jan. 5, 1943 in Chicago. He died on Jan. 9, 2009 in Park Ridge. His wife Diane (nee Schmidt) and his children Howard III (Pamela) Franzen and Sara D. Franzen survive him.
Bonnie Bell Fleck
Of Schaumburg
Bonnie Bell Fleck, 51, of Schaumburg, died Dec. 31 at her home. She was born Oct. 7, 1957 in Chicago. She was the wife of William Mayers; step mother to William, Brian Mayers and Jennifer (John) Cummings; grandmother of Liam, daughter of Harold and Vernabell Fleck; sister of Bruce, Brad (Marilyn), Brian (Sabra) and Bob Fleck. Aunt to many nieces and nephews. Memorial visitation was Saturday, Jan. 3, at the Meadows Funeral Home in Rolling Meadows.
Kenneth R. Howe
Korean War veteran
Formerly of Elk Grove Village
A funeral mass for Kenneth R. Howe, 78, of Surprise, Ariz., took place Friday, Jan. 9 at Queen of the Rosary Church in Elk Grove Village. Mr. Howe was born in Chicago. He served in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War. He retired after 20 years as operations director of Avnet Electronics of Arlington Heights. He was a member of the Elk Grove Village VFW Post 9284. He died on Jan. 5, 2009 at Alexian Brothers Medical Center in Elk Grove Village. His parents Robert and Meta (nee Kampfer) preceded him in death. Kathleen (nee Macht), his wife of 52 years; his children Stephan M. (Pamela), Jeffrey K. (Kelle), and David G. Howe; his grandchildren Lindsay, Kevin, Lauren, Amanda, Emily, and Erin; and his brother Gordon (Helen) Howe survive him. In lieu of flowers, contributions to Children's Memorial Hospital or St. Jude Children's Hospital are appreciated.
Czeslawa B. Jedryczka
Of Park Ridge
A funeral service for Czeslawa B. Jedryczka, 94, took place Thursday, Jan. 8 at St. Paul of the Cross Church. Interment was at Maryhill Cemetery in Niles. Visitation was Wednesday, Jan. 7 at Skaja Terrace Funeral Home in Niles. Mrs. Jedryczka was born on July 14, 1914. She worked as a farmer and died when where on Jan. 4, 2009 at Resurrection Nursing Center. Her husband Franciszek Jedryczka and her parents Franciszek and Katarzyna (nee Starzec) Twardziak preceded her in death. Her three daughters, one son, and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren survive her.
Clifford W. Kalck
World War II veteran
Retired Railroad Accountant
Clifford W. Kalck, 85, of Elk Grove Village died on Dec. 31 at Alexian Brothers Medical Center. Funeral service was Tuesday, Jan. 6 at St. Julian Eymard Church with prayer before mass in the chapel. Interment was at Maryhill Cemetery. Mr. Kalck was born in Chicago and lived in Bensenville before moving to Elk Grove Village. He was a U.S. Army WWII veteran and a retired railroad accountant. He was preceded in death by his wife, Julianne (nee Rudolph) in 1989, his brothers Elmer, Arthur, Lawrence, William and Frank Kalck; sisters Elizabeth Koenig and Jeanette Franken. He is survived by his special friend Mary Zenann and many nieces and nephews and friends.
Alfons Kandziora
Of Wheeling
A funeral service for Alfons Kandziora, 85, of Wheeling, was held privately. Interment was at Maryhill Cemetery in Niles. Mr. Kandziora was born March 27, 1923 in Germany. He passed away on Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2009 in Chicago. He is survived by wife Annie, children Dorothy (Michael) Dote and Donald (Maureen), grandchildren Steven Dote, Susan Dote, Ryan Kandziora and Keeley Kandziora and siblings Henry and Helen. He is preceded in death by sisters Gretel and Lizabeth.
Jack Patrick McGovern
Marine veteran
of Mt. Prospect
A funeral service for Jack Patrick McGovern, 73, of Mt. Prospect, was held Wednesday, Jan. 7, at St. Raymond de Penafort Church. Visitation took place Tuesday, Jan. 6, at Skaja Terrace Funeral Home. Mr. McGovern was born Sept. 5, 1935 in Chicago. He was a Marine veteran and Chicago firefighter. He passed away on Friday, Jan. 2, 2009 at Hold Family Hospital. Mr. McGovern is survived by wife Mira, son Brian (Marcie), grandchild Taylor Rose, brothers Thomas (Renee) and Terry (Shiela), sister Kathleen Straus and many nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by parents Thomas and Margaret, first wife Joyce, sisters Peggy (late James) Keller and Maureen and brother James (Elaine).
Susan Nibbe
Played Major Role In Hospital's Expansion
For 13 years, Susan Nibbe, 47, of Highland Park, served Advocate Lutheran General Hospital as vice president and director of finance. She was employed at the hospital since 1990. Her responsibilities included medical records, patient intake, patient accounts and materials management and finance. Even after her diagnosis of breast cancer she continued working at the hospital, playing a key role in "major hospital expansion projects" including the opening of the Center for Advanced Care, a cancer care, breast and advanced imaging center at the hospital. According to Sherrie Russell, vice president of field services for Advocate Health Care, "Susan fought a courageous battle against breast cancer with a strong heart and spirit. She was an inspiration to everyone who knew her; especially during these last months when as a true professional she continued to work up until her final days." A memorial service for Nibbe will be held on Monday, Jan. 19 at 10 a.m. at Messiah Lutheran Church, 1605 Vernon Ave., Park Ridge. Born June 14, 1961, she worked for a life insurance company, attended Augsburg College and graduated summa cum laude from Concordia College in Moorhead, MN in 1986 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in business administration, hospital administration and health care financial management. Before working for Lutheran General, she was a senior associate at Long Beach Memorial Hospital. She died on Dec. 21 and was buried on Jan. 3 in Lake City, Minnesota, where she was born.
She is survived by her parents Fritz and Marlene Nibbe, sisters, nieces, one nephew, all of Lake City.
Russell L. Panzke
Of Rolling Meadows
A funeral service for Russell L. Panzke, 64, of Rolling Meadows, was held Thursday, Jan. 1, at Meadows Funeral Home. Visitation was held prior to the service. Mr. Panzke was born May 7, 1944 in Chicago. He worked as a warehouse manager for many years. He passed away on Dec. 31, 2008 at his home. Mr. Panzke is survived by wife Jeannette, children Tracey (Richard) McCoy and Kelly (Charles) Riggles, step-children Sherry (Michael) Bertolozzi and Kevin Ortloff, grandchildren Matthew, Kyle, Molly and Zachary McCoy and Anthony Bertolozzi, siblings Raymond, Janet (Richard) Derus, Thomas (Janis), Karen (late Tony) Hernandez, Robert (Brenda), Ricky, Kathy (Carl) Hedke and Phillip (Colleen) James and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by siblings Virginia Marvin and Donald Panzke.
Ferdinand R. 'Fred' Pesche
Veteran and businessman
Fred R. Pesche, 88 of Dunnellon, Fla., formerly of Manitowish Waters, Wisc., Lake Geneva, Wisc. and Des Plaines passed away Jan. 5 at Timberidge Nursing Home, Ocala, Fla. He was born May 4, 1920 in Evanston. Raised with nine sisters and one brother who all worked in the family business raising vegetables during the Depression and then flowers. He served the country during World War II, seeing action in North Africa and Italy and was awarded 5 Overseas Silver Bars, 2 Bronze Battle Stars and a WWII Victory Medal. "He was a good dad. Worked hard, played hard. Enjoyed fishing in Northern Wisconsin. He lived in Des Plaines for 40 years," said his son, Robert Pesche, of Wisconsin. He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Shirley and their 12 children, Nicolette (Wes) Mallory, Helene Pesche, Robert (Mary) Pesche, Peter Pesche, Paul Pesche, Fred Pesche, Yvonne (Roger) Behnke, Connie (Terry) Bowers, Dallas (Kim) Cerny, Janiece (Dayn) Kelley, Bill Cerny and Michael John Pesche; 21 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Adeline (Knockaert), his sisters and parents. Visitation was Jan. 11 at Oehler Funeral Home in Des Plaines. Prayers were said Jan. 12 at the funeral home and proceeded to St. Mary Church in Des Plaines for Mass. Interment was in All Saints Cemetery.
William Ruppel
Of Palatine
A committal service for William Ruppel, 70, took place Friday, Jan. 9 at All Saints Cemetery in Des Plaines.
Mr. Ruppel was born on May 6, 1938 in Teosin, Poland. He was a machinist for Weiler Engineering of Elk Grove Village and owner of H&H Tool. He died on Jan. 3, 2009 at his home. His wife Theresia, his brother Otto, and his parents Reinhold and Karoline (nee Jubin) Ruppel preceded him in death. His stepdaughter Erika Barber; his siblings Robert (Julie) Ruppel, Adele (Paul) Albrecht, Henry (Rita) Ruppel, Emmy Domolky, Trudy (Joe) Gies, and Margaret (Hans) Gergen; his sister-in-law Sophie Ruppel; and many nieces and nephews survive him.
Robert Frank Suchecki
Korean War Veteran
A funeral service for Robert Frank Suchecki, 76, of Rolling Meadows, took place Saturday, Dec. 27 at Meadows Funeral Home in Rolling Meadows. Visitation was Friday, Dec. 26 at the funeral home. Mr. Suchecki was born on July 3, 1932 in Chicago. He was a U.S. Navy veteran and served in the Korean War. He later worked for American Airlines for many years. He died on Dec. 24, 2008 at Northwest Community Healthcare Center in Arlington Heights. His wife Barbara Ann (nee Becker) and his brother James (Suzanne) Suchecki preceded him in death. His children William (Maureen), Robrt, Joel, Paul (Sharon), and James Suchecki and his grandchildren Josie and Bobby Suchecki survive him.
John Tamraz
Retired Lithographer
John Tamraz, 69, a 25-year Elk Grove Village resident, died Jan. 2 at Alexian Brothers Medical Center.
He was born in Chicago and was a retired lithographer and member of the Graphic Arts Union Local 458.
Funeral services were held Jan. 5 at Grove Memorial Chapel in Elk Grove Village. He is preceded in death by his parents, Sam and Anna (nee Mirza) and sister Marie Abbate. He is survived by his wife Georgia T. "Ginger" Thompson; sons John S. and David W. (Cindy) Tamraz; sister Suzie Domico and Esther (Jim) Wilson; grandchildren Cassandra, James, Kaitlin, John, Jeffery, Ashley and Julianne and many nieces, nephews and friends.
Elizabeth Ann Rowe Traxler
Of Arlington Heights
A funeral service and interment for Elizabeth Ann Rowe Traxler, 80, were private. She died on Dec. 25, 2008 in Long Grove. Her husband Edward L. Traxler preceded her in death. Her children Thomas (Robyn), Bill, and Chris (Lori) Traxler; her grandchildren J.T., Megan, and Tyler Traxler; and her sister Patricia Jones survive her. Ahlgrim Family Funeral Home in Palatine made funeral arrangements.
Shirley G. Valenziano
Of Rolling Meadows
A funeral service and interment for Shirley G. Valenziano (nee Blaesing), 84, were private. Mrs. Valenziano was born on Dec. 27, 1923 in Chicago. She died on Dec. 22, 2008 at her home. Her husband Chester preceded her in death. Her children Kathy and James Valenziano and her brother Jerome Blaesing survive her.
Lillian M. Vucinic
Of Park Ridge
A funeral service for Lillian M. Vucinic, 83, of Park Ridge, was held Friday, Jan. 2, at St. Tarcissus Church.
Ms. Vucinic was born Sept. 5, 1925 in Chicago. She passed away on Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2008 at Rainbow Hospice Arc. She is survived by daughters Michaelene (John Paul) Kusz, Georgiana Robinson and Lilly Vucinic, grandchildren Gabriella, Martena, Janelle, Shayna, Aliza and Nikolas, brother George (late Therese) Biondic and friends Anna Boland and Lorraine Keegan. Ms. Vucinic is preceded in death by parents Luke and Mary, husband Michael and sister Josephine Biondic. In lieu of flowers, memorials to Rainbow Hospice, 444 N. Northwest Highway, Park Ridge, IL 60068.
Bruce Conrad Wochinski
Of Park Ridge
A funeral mass for Bruce Conrad Wochinski, 69, took place Wednesday, Dec. 31 at St. Paul of the Cross Church. Interment was private. Visitation was Tuesday, Dec. 30 at Ryan-Parke Funeral Home in Park Ridge.
Mr. Wochinski was the founder of Conrad, Craig, and Martin of Chicago. He died on Dec. 27, 2008 at Advocate Lutheran General Hospital in Park Ridge. His son Jeffrey (Tammy) preceded him in death. His wife Charlotte (nee Wolfinger); his children Todd (Becky) and Kim; his grandchildren Jeanette, Maegan, Greg, Lily, Nolan, and Kirsten; his brother Ron; and his many friends, nieces, and nephews survive him.
Rudi E. Zander
Of Mt. Prospect
A funeral service for Rudi E. Zander, 76, of Mt. Prospect, was held Monday, Jan. 12, at Friedrichs Funeral Home. Visitation was held Sunday, Jan. 11, at the funeral home. Mr. Zander was born Sept. 30, 1932 in Germany. He was a 50-year member of the Masonic Lodge and worked for 47 years at Federal Die Casting. He passed away on Thursday, Jan. 8, 2009. Mr. Zander is survived by wife Dolores, children Nancy (Gary) Doyle, Tom (Mary) Zander and Susan Zander, grandchildren Kristin (Matt) Yates, Brian Doyle, Mark Doyle and Adam Zander and brother Kurt (Jenny) Zander.