Journal & Topics Media Group

Obituaries – May 15-20, 2019


Barbara A. Andruszko

of Arlington Heights

Barbara A. Andruszko, 63,  died May 5. She worked as an interventional radiology technologist for Grant Hospital of Chicago for 33 years. She was a member of St. James Catholic Church in Arlington Heights for 22 years. Volunteered frequently while her children attended St. James Elementary Catholic School and later at St. Viator High School in Arlington Heights. Survived by her spouse of 27 years, Ernest; children, Eric Andruszko and Alyssa Andruszko; mother, Shirley Vendola; godchildren, Julianna Schwartz and Jillian Lipari. Preceded in death by her father. Glueckert Funeral Home, Arlington Heights, handled arrangements.

Karen I. Bremer

of Des Plaines

Karen I. Bremer, 58, died May 9. Wife of Walter Bremer; mother of David, Benjamin and Rebecca Bremer; sister of Robert Zuponeck, Frances Ward and Thomas Zuponeck; aunt to many nieces and nephews. Oehler Funeral Home, Des Plaines, handled arrangements.

Frank P. Brilando

of Niles

Frank P. Brilando, 93, World War II Army veteran, died May 5. Husband of Mary Lou Brilando; father of Lia Brilando and Guy Brilando; grandfather of Jenny Nilsen, Ashley Dougherty and Gina Nilsen; great-grandfather of Natalie and Keegan Dougherty. Skaja Terrace Funeral Home, Niles, handled arrangements. Brilando was a former executive with Schwinn Bicycle Company and a two-time U.S. Olympian.

John Laurence Cutlip

of Arlington Heights

John Laurence Cutlip, 79, died May 5. Husband of Dorothy; father of Russell, Christine Humm, Thomas; grandfather and great-grandfather. Preceded in death by his parents, younger brother and wife, his older brother and his sister-in-law. Graduated from Eastern Illinois University in 1961 with a BS in Education and in 1966 with an MS in Education. Taught for seven years at Waterman, IL, Argenta-Oreana High School, and at Rochelle High School before moving to Arlington Heights in 1968 where he taught in the Business Education Dept. at Arlington High School until its closing in 1984, and then John Hersey High School until he retired in 1999. He was a football and wrestling coach, serving as a role model to many of his athletes. Inducted into the Hall of Fame of the Illinois Wrestling Coaches and Officials Association in 2002. From 1984 to 2015, he worked as a financial registered representative. A member of the Methodist Church for over 70 years and for several years served with a “license to preach” from the Methodist Northern Illinois Conference, as a pastor to several small churches in the Conference. Glueckert Funeral Home, Arlington Heights, handled arrangements.

Elaine DePaepe

of Des Plaines

Elaine DePaepe, 89, died May 1. Wife of the late Henry DePaepe, Jr.; mother of Timothy, Daniel, Ann Marie Frank and Christine; grandmother of nine. She is also survived by her brother, Roger, her niece, grandnephew and grandniece. Predeceased by her sons, Scott and Michael (and daughter-in-law). She was a bookkeeper by trade and kept the books for both her daughters’ businesses during her retirement years, until she lost her sight to macular degeneration 12 years ago. G.L. Hills Funeral Home, Des Plaines, handled arrangements.

Stephen J. Dwyer

of Wheeling

Stephen J. Dwyer, 67, formerly of Des Plaines, died May 6. Husband of Karen. Father of Michelle Grindley, Michael and Megan Dwyer; grandfather of one; brother of Deborah Greive. G.L. Hills Funeral Home, Des Plaines, handled arrangements.

Dana M. Elsbergas

of Arlington Heights

Dana M. Elsbergas, 93, was born in Lithuania. She died May 7. Her family fled their country in the waning days of World War II, ending up in Germany in a displaced persons camp. She worked for the United Nations Relief and Rehabilitation Administration (UNRRA) assisting refugees in their resettlement efforts. She translated documents such as birth and marriage certificates, diplomas, and wrote letters on behalf of other DPs; she could speak German, English, and French. She also met her future husband, Vytenis, while living in Germany. Her family came to the United States in 1949. She married shortly after that, and she and Vytenis had their only child Kristina several years later. Elsbergas worked as an office administrator and later as a bank teller. After her husband died, she moved to Prospect Heights to be closer to her daughter. Survived by her daughter, Kris, and son-in-law, Bob. Preceded in death by her husband, her parents, and her two brothers. Glueckert Funeral Home, Arlington Heights, handled arrangements.

Joseph Ernst

of Niles

Joseph Ernst, 67, husband of Anna, died May 6. Father of Christopher J. Ernst and Michael J. Ernst; brother of Johann Ernst of Germany; uncle of Rosine and great uncle of Florian. Skaja Terrace Funeral Home, Niles, handled arrangements.

Russell Gale

of Arlington Heights

Russell Gale, 90, died May 8. He was a long-time member of Masonic Lodge #260 and of the Scottish Rite. Survived by his daughters, Leslie Gale, Donna Berkemeier, Annette Dammers and Cynthia Halloway; six grandchildren; three great-grandchildren. Preceded in death by his wife, Rose Gale; two sisters and his parents. Glueckert Funeral Home, Arlington Heights, handled arrangements. Interment will be at Memorial Gardens in Manitoba, Canada.

Leonard Hildebrandt

of Arlington Heights

Leonard Hildebrandt, 83, died May 7. Hildebrandt worked as an administrator for the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. He was a member of St. Matthew Catholic Church in Oak Creek, WI. His interest and hobbies included reading, fishing and watching his grandkids’ sport activities.  Until the age of 60, he played pick up basketball. Survived by his wife, Joan Hildebrandt; his daughter Lisa M. Steininger; two grandchildren. Preceded in death by his parents. Glueckert Funeral Home, Arlington Heights, handled arrangements.

James Joseph Hill, Esq.

of Arlington Heights

James Joseph Hill Esq., 82, died May 4, in Glenview. Before retiring, Hill was a patent attorney for many years and was with Emrich & Dithmar. He graduated from St. Ignatius High School then college and graduate degrees from John Carroll and Marquette universities, the University of Pennsylvania where he obtained a Master’s in engineering and DePaul University where he achieved a Juris Doctorate degree. Survived by his wife, June D. Hill; his sons, Dr. James Hill, Martin J. Hill, and Terrence M. Hill; his seven grandchildren; and his brothers, Tom Hill and Ray Hill. Preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, Robert and John Hill; and his cousin. Glueckert Funeral Home, Arlington Heights, handled arrangements.

Richard H. Holtz

of Des Plaines

Richard H. Holtz, 76, died May 10. Husband of the late Donna for 44 years. Father of Trisha Melidones, Sheri Mundorf, Christopher Holtz and Sarah Clukey; grandfather of eight; brother of the late Thomas Holtz. Holtz was a firefighter for 25 years with North Maine Fire Department and six years with Palatine Rural/Inverness fire departments. He was an Air Force veteran, a member of the Des Plaines Elks and the Des Plaines Moose Lodge. G.L. Hills Funeral Home, Des Plaines, handled arrangements.

Onnig B. Khatcherian

of Niles

Onnig B. Khatcherian, 94, died May 8. Husband of Mary; father of Paul and Talin Gertie; grandfather of seven; brother of Heripsime Kokuzian and Serpouhi Khatcherian and uncle. Skaja Terrace Funeral Home, Niles, handled arrangements.

Peter Nels Larson

of Arlington Heights

Peter Nels Larson, 66, died May 4, at his home. Larson worked for Jewel Foods for over 45 years. He was a graduate of Western Michigan University where he was a member of Sigma Phi Omega. Survived by his wife, Carol Sue Larson, his children Amanda Sue and Cody Lee Larson; his stepchildren Andreas R.M. Wald, and Coralee F. Wald; his granddaughter, Trudy June Wald; and many family members and friends. Preceded in death by his parents and his first wife, Jeanene Larson. Glueckert Funeral Home, Arlington Heights, handled arrangements.

Virginia Margaret Lipinski

of Mount Prospect

Virginia Margaret Lipinski, died May 3 in Mount Prospect at the age of 99, just short of her 100th birthday. Preceded in death by her husband, Paul, of Mount Prospect, and survived by her children, Fr. Paul M. Lipinski, Lynda M. Mesko, Stanley J. Lipinski and Wendy V. Herrick; 10 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. She was born in Honolulu to Mary and Manuel Gonsavles. Memorial Mass was held May 9 at St. Emily Catholic Church. Her son, Rev. Paul M. Lipinski officiated the ceremony. Friedrichs Funeral Home, Mount Prospect, handled arrangements.

Diane M. Masini

of Mount Prospect

Diane M. Masini, 78, died May 10. Mother of Michael Masini, Marc Masini and Lisa Honcharuk;  grandmother of six; dear friend and father of their children Vince Masini; sister-in-law of Joanne Ankotovitch and Robert Simoncini and aunt. Friedrichs Funeral Home, Mount Prospect, handled arrangements.

Linda O’Donnell

of Des Plaines

Linda O’Donnell, 82, died May 10, just 16 days shy of her 83d birthday. She is preceded in death by her younger brother, Benjamin, and she leaves behind her remaining siblings, Bill, Terry, Adele, Michael and Richie. In 1957, Linda married Charles Patrick O’Donnell at St. Anthony’s Church in Ambler, Pennsylvania. They began their married life in Pennsylvania and moved with their children to New Jersey, Kansas, Florida, New York and Illinois. An active member at Our Lady of Ransom Church for over 35 years. Survived by children, Charles Patrick O’Donnell Jr., Stephen Gerard O’Donnell, Kathleen Guzman, and Patricia Ann Patke; six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. She lived with diabetes for 20 years, 10 of which were spent on dialysis three times a week. Recently diagnosed with cancer, and died in hospice care at Lutheran General Hospital, where she had worked for over 20 years. Ryan-Parke Funeral Home, Park Ridge, handled arrangements.

Joseph S. Peck

of Park Ridge

Joseph S. Peck, 92, died May 10. Husband of the late Barbara R. Peck; father of Mark, Scott, and Dale Peck; grandfather of one. Ryan-Parke Funeral Home, Park Ridge, handled arrangements.

Arisbel Rios Santiago

of Des Plaines

Arisbel Rios Santiago, 43, also known as Arisbel Alcaraz, died May 12. Wife of Hector Alcaraz. River Woods Funeral Chapels, Des Plaines, handled arrangements. Interment at Maryhill Cemetery, Niles.

Stewart Sramek

of Mount Prospect

Stewart Sramek, 57, died May 8. Son of the late James and Patricia Sramek; brother of Monica Traversone, James Sramek, Terry Sramek, Mickey Sramek, Maggie Thomas, Dan Sramek, Sheila Henneman and the late Dennis Sramek; uncle of 13. Friedrichs Funeral Home, Mount Prospect, handled arrangements.

Geraldine Wendling

of Arlington Heights

Geraldine Wendling, 67, died May 2. Survived by her children, Rick Comeaux, Kimberly Lava, Chris Comeaux and Patrick Comeaux; her six grandchildren and her brother, Clarence Wendling. Preceded in death by her longtime partner Gary Alden. Glueckert Funeral Home, Arlington Heights, handled arrangements.

Frank W. Whitecotton

of Mount Prospect

Frank W. Whitecotton, 83, died May 7. Husband of Delores Whitecotton; father of Tim Whitecotton, Dan Whitecotton, and Randy Whitecotton; grandfather of five; brother of Jan Swarm, Ronald Whitecotton, and Bill Whitecotton. He was born in Bagley, Iowa, and served his country in the U.S. Air Force. Aircraft mechanic for 29 years at United Airlines. Friedrichs Funeral Home, Mount Prospect, handled arrangements.

Juanita Zamora

of Des Plaines

Juanita Zamora, 74, died May 7. Wife of Victor; mother of Victor Jr., Jesse, Luis, Oscar and Carlos Zamora; grandmother of eight; great-grandmother of two; sister of Peter Garcia and Armondo Garcia. She was an employee of Littlefuse for 35 years. G.L. Hills Funeral Home, Des Plaines, handled arrangements.

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