Alene C. Gerl (nee Pearcy), Age 90, entered eternal life on Monday, June 16, 2014 with her loving family by her side. Alene is survived by her loving children, Andy (Tania) Taras, Karen DeBenedetti, Helene (Larry) Setmeyer, Rachelle Prodehl, and John (Ronae) Gerl; cherished grandchildren, Scott and Nick Taras, Mario (Lori), Darin (Dana), and Dedra DeBenedetti, Dawne (Dan) Mihelich, Wally (Julie), Andy (Angie), and Adam (Andrea) Setmeyer, Jayme Rury, Rachael (John) Todd, Rebecca (Dave) Burlingame, Johnny and Haley Gerl; loving twin sister, Irene Capista; special niece, Linda Brosam; special nephews, Len, Larry, and Lee Capista, and Paul Cibulka; also survived by many loving great-grandchildren, nieces and nepews. Preceded in death by her first husband, Andrew Taras and second husband, John Gerl; parents, Frank and Frances (nee Carter) Pearcy; brothers, Bob and Jim Pearcy; sister, Virginia Long, Mabel Cibulka, Betty Beavias; and grandson, Frankie Rury. Alene was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and a deeply spiritual person. She was a life-long member of Crystal Lawn Church of the Nazarene where she dedicated many hours teaching Sunday school along with many other church activities. She was also a valued employee of Dr. Raymond Fricke, MD in Joliet for over 30 years. She will be greatly missed by everyone who knew her especially her best friend and twin sister, Irene Capista. A Celebration of Alene’s life will begin on Friday, June 20, 2014 with prayers in the funeral home chapel at 9:30 a.m. then driving in procession to Crystal Lawn Church of the Nazarene in Joliet for a Funeral Service to be held at 10:00 a.m. Interment to follow at Woodlawn Memorial Park. Visitation will be on Thursday, June 19, 2014 from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Tezak Funeral Home, 1211 Plainfield Rd, Joliet, IL 60435.

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Lavera M Weis Age 74, passed away Sunday June 15, 2014 at Adventist Hinsdale Hospital in Hinsdale,IL. Survived by her loving husband of 58 years Ed Weis Sr., a son Richard (Mary Miers), a daughter Jacqueline ( David) Miller, thirteen grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren. Preceded in death by three sons Eddie, Michael, and Donald, and her parents. Lavera was a lifetime member of the Lockport Moose and she retired after sixteen years of service as a cook at Our Lady of Angels. A memorial visitation will be held Wednesday June 18, 2014 at the Woodlawn Funeral Home 3201 W Jefferson Street Joliet, IL. 3- 7pm, with inurnment of ashes at Woodlawn Memorial Park I on Thursday June 19, 2014 at 10am.

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John Bernard McNiff “Barney” Age 92, died peacefully Saturday, June 14, 2014. Son of the late William and Blanche McNiff, Barney was a native and lifelong resident of Joliet, Illinois. Barney served with the U.S. Navy during World War II and was a long time member of Cantigny Post # 367 V.F.W. Barney was employed at Argonne National Laboratory and Uniroyal for many years as Paymaster until retiring in 1986. He continued working into his mid-eighties for Joliet Area Community Hospice and Chignoli Auto. Barney had many wonderful friends and experiences throughout his life. He was a source of comfort to many through his volunteer work with hospice. With a gift of gab and a glint in his eye, he enjoyed socializing with neighbors, friends and his beloved family. Preceded in death by his first wife, Beverly; daughter, Michele (John) Mitchell; sisters, Kathryn Anderson and Odette Clark; and one brother, William McNiff. Survived by his loving wife, Neda McNiff; daughter, Patti (Kenneth) Perrine; step-children, Michael (Karin) Radigan, Larry (Alice) Pyles and Chris (Ken) Crockett; grandchildren, Dani Luce, Colleen Mirkovich, Christie Olson, Heather Mitchell, Tracy Drayer, Shannon Borgstrom, Mark Perrine, Nicole, Kenny, Shelby and Clara Crockett, Brad Pyles and Brittany Witkowski; 12 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews also survive. Family and friends will meet directly on Thursday, June 19, 2014 at St. Paul the Apostle Church, 18 Woodlawn Avenue, Joliet for Mass of Christian Burial at 9:30 a.m. Interment Woodlawn Memorial Park with full military honors. Visitation Wednesday, 2-8 p.m. at the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black at Essington Rd., Joliet. In lieu of flowers, memorials in his name to Joliet Area Community Hospice would be appreciated. For information: 815-741-5500 or www.fredcdames.com

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Helen F. Sameck (nee Pikush), age 91, passed away peacefully on Saturday, June 14, 2014 at the Senior Star Residence in Romeoville. She was born to the late George and Frances (Benica) Pikush and resided in Crest Hill for most of her life. Helen is survived by her son Daniel (Susan); one sister, Margaret Videtich of Crest Hill; one sister-in-law, Josephine Luman of Elburn, IL; numerous nieces and nephews including one special niece, Joyce Cabay of Joliet. Preceded in death by her parents; her loving and devoted husband of 64 years, Raymond A. Sameck in 2011; and two sisters, Dorothy Frank and Frances Walczak. During her years in the work force before she married, Helen was employed in the secretarial field. Helen was a member of the St. Genevieve Society #108 of the KSKJ and a lifetime parishioner of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Joliet. She was a devout Catholic. In lieu of flowers, masses or donations to your favorite charity in Helen’s name would be most appreciated. A Celebration of Helen’s life will begin on Thursday, June 19, 2014 with a visitation from 11:30 a.m. until the time of Mass of Christian Burial to be held at 12:30 p.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Joliet, Fr. Jim Lennon officiating. Interment will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery. There will be no visitation or services held at the funeral home.

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George Howard Barton Age 90. At rest Wednesday, June 11, 2014 at Burgess Square Healthcare Center in Westmont, IL. Funeral Services will be Friday, June 20, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. at the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black at Essington Rd., Joliet. Interment Oakwood Cemetery, Wilmington. Visitation Friday morning, 10:00 a.m. until time of services at the funeral home. For information: 815-741-5500 or www.fredcdames.com

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View Full Notice → Robert F. George

Passed away after a short illness on Monday, June 16, 2014 at Presence Villa Franciscan Nursing Home. Age 96. Survived by her children Linda (Robert) Simons of San Marcos, CA, Robert (Peggy) Keir of Bloomington, IL. and Richard (Lucy Niehaus) Keir of Madison, WI; six grandchildren Andrew (Jill) and James Anastasiades, Maggie (fiancé Christopher Berg) Keir and Robert F. Keir, Heather and Benjamin Simons. A sister Jean Mullis and a sister-in-law Mary Lynn Keir. Numerous nieces, nephews and many friends including those from the “Gabby Girls”. Preceded in death by her husband of 62 years Arthur A. Keir (2004), her parents, a sister Marion Isaacson, three nephews Scott and Thomas Isaacson, and George Mullis. Born in Motherwell, Scotland, February 28, 1918, the oldest of three daughters to George Henry and Jeanne (nee Hamilton) Twaddle. In 1922 she accompanied her family to the U.S., where she was a lifelong resident. She attended Ridgewood School, A.O. Marshall School, the Hamilton Academy in Scotland and Joliet Township High School Class of 1936. She married Arthur Keir, May 22, 1942. Before and after raising her family she worked as a legal secretary. During World War II she worked for the Rationing Board where she rationed tires. She later managed the local office of the US Congressman George O’Brien. She loved reading, quilting, sewing, music and traveling. The family would like to thank Jean Mullis, Bob Mullis and Bonny Sandona for their loving help given to our mother in her later years. Memorial services will be held at the Carlson-Holmquist-Sayles Funeral Home, 2320 Black Road, on Monday, June 23, 2014 at 12:00-Noon. Inurnment Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery. Memorials to the Joliet Area Community Hospice will be appreciated. Visitation Monday from 10:00 AM until the time of services at 12:00-Noon.

View Full Notice → Margaret Twaddle Keir

(nee Ellis) Passed away unexpectedly at home Monday, June 16, 2014. Age 55. Survived by her loving husband of 30 years Ed Akins; two sisters Carol Ellis and Susan (Nelson) Rodriguez and two brothers Rich (Virginia) and Donnie (Pat) Ellis. Several nieces and nephews also survive. Preceded in death by her parents Richard and Patricia (nee Radloff) Ellis, a sister Patty and a brother Michael. Memorials to your local Animal Shelter in Judy’s name will be appreciated. Visitation will be held at the Carlson-Holmquist-Sayles Funeral Home, 2320 Black Road, on Friday, June 20, 2014 from 6-8 PM.

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View Full Notice → Tommie Merriman

nee Allen) Passed away peacefully with her family by her side, on Sunday, June 15, 2014. Age 84. Survived by her husband of 49 years Raymond A. Prodehl; three daughters Lynda (Bob “Bumper”) Everton, Beckie (Bob) Tomlinson, Sandie (Jim) Ebersohl and a son Bill Price; 10 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. Also survived by close friends, several nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by a son Rick Price, her parents Charles and Doris (nee Gilliham) Allen, two sisters Beverly Stalzer and Renee Chednese. Retired from New Century Federal Credit Union. Lifelong member of the Fraternity Order of Eagles. A loving and devoted wife, mom, grandma and great-grandma she will be dearly missed by all. Memorial services will be held at the Carlson-Holmquist-Sayles Funeral Home, 2320 Black Road, on Friday, June 20, 2014 at 1:00 PM. Private family inurnment Elmhurst Cemetery at a later date. Visitation Friday from 10:00 AM until the time of services at 1:00 PM.

View Full Notice → Shirley M. Prodehl

Thomas J. McGrath Age 80, of Joliet, passed away Wednesday, June 18, 2014 at the Joliet Area Community Hospice Home. He was born April 28, 1934 to the late Marie (nee McLaughlin) and Frank McGrath in Ottawa, IL where he was raised and educated. A graduate of St. Ambrose College, Tom was a longtime Shorewood/Joliet resident who retired from the mortgage banking profession as a partner with McGrath-Nelson Agency/Triad Mortgage Insurance. Beloved husband of the late Wanda (nee Honer); loving father of Kelly (Andrew) Schaller, Kathleen (William) Hibler, Karen (William) Chignoli and Patrick (Sandy) McGrath; devoted and beloved grandfather of Daniel (Amanda) and Sarah Schaller; Stacey and Eric Hibler; Anthony, John, Matthew, Joseph and Jacob Chignoli; Ally and Maegan McGrath; dear brother of Bill (Jean) McGrath, Betty Ann (late Jack) Ahern, the late Joanne (late Gene) Batliner and Mary (late Tom) Hepburn; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends also survive. Tom enjoyed coaching youth sports, especially his latest tenure at the Cathedral of St. Raymond where he coached the Junior High baseball team for over 15 years. A Memorial Mass for Thomas J. McGrath will be held on Saturday, June 21, 2014 at 12:30 p.m. at the Cathedral of St. Raymond Nonnatus, 604 N. Raynor Avene, Joliet. In lieu of flowers, memorials in his name can be made to the Joliet Area Community Hospice or the Cathedral of St. Raymond. Arrangements by Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black at Essington Rds., Joliet. For information: 815-741-5500 www.fredcdames.com

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Joanne Long Newman At rest Monday, June 16, 2014 at the Joliet Area Community Hospice Home. Born in Joliet on June 20, 1951 to Mary and the late Ned Long, she was a lifelong area resident. Graduate of Providence High School and the University of St. Francis in 1978 where she earned her Bachelors degree. Former proprietor of Jo’s Flower Shop. She was also employed by Bath & Body works for the past eight years. Joanne was a volunteer for the Will County Human Society. She loved her plants, teddy bears and her beloved dog, Tinkerbell. Survived by her loving husband of 34 years, William J. Newman of Channahon; her mother, Mary of Wilmington; two sisters, Theresa (John) Kaestners of Wilmington and Eileen Long of Salinas, CA; two brothers, Ray (Trish) Long and Jerry (Pam) Long both of Kankakee; several nephews and a niece. Private family funeral services will be held. In lieu of flowers, memorials in her name to Joliet Area Community Hospice or JOHA would be appreciated. For information: 815-741-5500 or www.fredcdames.com

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Shirley C Speckman Age 83, Passed away Wednesday June 18 2014 at Seasons Hospice in Naperville Illinois. Shirley is survived by her brother Richard (Andrea) Speckman, sister –in-law June Speckman, numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and great nieces and nephews also survive. Preceded in death by her parents Orville and Violet (nee Schmidt) Speckman, a sister Lois and a brother Robert. Shirley was a longtime member of St. Peters Lutheran Church in Joliet. She was an avid reader and enjoyed time spent at the Joliet Library and was very fond of cats and People in general. Funeral Services will be held Monday June 23, 2014 at Woodlawn Funeral Home 3201 W Jefferson Street, Joliet, IL at 1pm. Pastor Karl Hess officiating. The family will receive Monday June 23, 2014 friends from 11am until time of service. In Lieu of flowers memorials to St. Peters Lutheran Church in Shirley’s name would be appreciated.

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View Full Notice → Efigenia Rosales

Paula Mavec (nee Bajda), Age 72, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, June 18, 2014, surrounded by her family after a courageous battle with cancer. Paula was born in Slovenia in 1942 and soon after her family escaped the country, spending five years in an Austrian refugee camp before immigrating to America in 1949 where she settled with her family in northern Minnesota. In 1961, while a college student, Paula found a summer job in Joliet, where her sister had settled. She met her husband, Albert Mavec and started a new life becoming a wife, mother and nurse. Paula and Albert were married 51 years and had six children: Monica Morrissette, Joe (Marylynn) Mavec, Jana (Mark) Hlade, Meka (Eric) Celidonio, Mike (Stacy) Mavec and Marty (Emily) Mavec. She leaves behind eleven grandchildren: Jared and Melanie Morrissette, Samantha and Marty Mavec, Megan, Kyle and Sarah Hlade, Ana and Trey Celidonio, and Grace and Michael Mavec. Survived also by her sister, Mary Bajda Mavec; and sister-in-law, Ida Mavec Babic. Preceded in death by her parents, Pavel Marija Bajda; sisters, Stanislava Bajda and Teresa Vlaisavljevich; brother, Stefan Bajda; niece, Andrea Babic; and brothers-in-law, Dujo Babic and Felix Mavec. Among numerous other charitable and service organizations, Paula was a member of St. Joseph Church in Joliet, Slovenian Union of America, Slovenian Catholic League and the Slovenian Catholic/Cultural Center. Paula’s favorite hobbies were reading, politics and gardening. Family meant everything to her. A Celebration of Paula’s life will begin on Tuesday, June 24, 2014 with a visitation from 9:30 a.m. until the time of Mass of Christian Burial to be held at 12:00 p.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 416 N. Chicago St. According to Paula’s wishes, cremation rites will be accorded. Inurnment will be held privately. There will be no visitation or services held at the funeral home.

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Victor Eamon Aguirre Gone to be with the angels. On Monday June 16, 2014. Victor was only with us for a brief time. He was surrounded by love and sadness. Survived by his parents; Teri Nobles and Mario C. Aguirre Jr., his identical twin brother Marcel Aguirre, two brothers; Logan Benson and Mateo Aguirre, One sister; Brooklynn Aguirre, maternal grandparents; Al and Kelly Landman, two aunts; Randi (Nate) Bailey and Jodi (Ira) Couch, paternal grandparents; Mario and Mary Aguirre, one uncle: Aaron (Stefanie) Aguirre, two aunts: Elvia Aguirre Corcoran and Andreana Aguirre. Also Numerous Family.

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Edward A. Wichelecki Age 87, late of Plainfield, and formerly Chicago and the southwest suburbs, passed away Thursday, June 19, 2014 at Presence Saint Joseph Medical Center with his family by his side. A veteran of the United States Navy, he served in both WWII and the Korean War. He worked as a special serviceman for the former Peoples Gas (now Peoples Energy) from 1952-1988. Ed was a member of American Legion Post #336, Chicago, and a former volunteer for Palos Community Hospital and Meals on Wheels, He enjoyed golfing and fishing. Survived by his beloved wife of 59 1/2 years, Alvina H. (nee Nowicki) Wichelecki; four children, Karen (Ray) Buttron of Joliet, Tom (Dena) Wichelecki of New Lenox, Sandy (Suzanne Dukes) Wichelecki of San Diego, CA and James Wichelecki of Plainfield; seven grandchildren, Rebecca (Chris) Ogiela, Jason (Cathi) Buttron, Erica Buttron, Steven Wichelecki, Jana (Ali) Aga, Daniel Wichelecki and Cassidy Wichelecki; seven great-grandchildren, Hannah, Nadia, and Sofia Ogiela, Elizabeth, Joseph and Meredith Buttron and Aari Aga; and numerous nieces and nephews. Preceded by his parents, Frank and Sofia (nee Lulinski) Wychelewski; six sisters, Maria (Raymond) Balcerzak, LaVern (Adam) Piotrowski, Estelle (John) Lelko, Helen (Theodore) Rys, Dorothy (Fritz) Kirsch and Florence (Richard Graczyk) (Vince) Graykowski; and three brothers, Harry (Eleanor), Joseph (Linda) and John Wychelewski. Funeral Services for Edward A. Wichelecki will be Monday, June 23, 2014 at 9:15 a.m. from the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black at Essington Rds., Joliet to Holy Family Catholic Church for Mass at 10:00 a.m. Entombment Resurrection Cemetery, Justice, IL. Visitation Sunday, 2-6 p.m. at the funeral home. For information: 815-741-5500 or www.fredcdames.com

View Full Notice → Edward Wichelecki

Norma M. Scheidt (nee Liess) Age 89. Friday, June 20, 2014 at Presence Saint Joseph Medical Center. Born March 10, 1925 in Joliet to Frank and Agnes (nee Fricke) Liess. Retired after 25 years of service with J.C. Penney Co. in Accounts Receivables. Preceded in death by her husband, Joseph H. Scheidt (2008); daughter, Susan Kay Scheidt; parents, Frank and Agnes (nee Fricke) Liess; brothers-in-law, Jack E. Palmer, Harold “Bud” McDonald, Edward J. Malinowski, Sr. and Harold “Howie” Scheidt. Survived by her son, Richard of Joliet; daughter, Jonine of Oswego; brother, Richard (Betty) Liess of Decatur; sister, Sally Palmer of Joliet; sister-in-law, Joyce Scheidt of Florida; and numerous nieces and nephews. Norma enjoyed her family, gardening, QVC and the ocean. Mom, we will continue to gather seashells at the beach for you. Funeral Services for Norma M. Scheidt will be Thursday, June 26, 2014 at 10:00 a.m. at the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black at Essington Rds., Joliet. Entombment Woodlawn Memorial Park Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials in her name to Trinity Services, 301 Veterans Parkway, New Lenox, IL 60451 would be appreciated. Visitation Wednesday, 1-7 p.m. at the funeral home. For information: 815-741-5500 or www.fredcdames.com

View Full Notice → Norma Scheidt

Richard J. Churnovic Sr., age 89, passed away peacefully on Sunday, June 22, 2014 with his loving wife by his side. Richard is survived by his beloved wife of 65 years, Audrey (nee Welz) Churnovic; children, Richard J. (Nancy) Churnovic Jr., Lynn (Michael) Miller, Janice (James) Coats, John A. (Sylvia) Churnovic, Mary Ann (Alan) Hemmingson, Lori Bond, Mark Churnovic, Carrie (George) Santiago; 22 grandchildren, 3 step-grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren, 2 step-great-grandchildren; sister, Darlene (the late Leroy) Marquardt; brother-in-law, Glenn A. (Mary Lou) Welz of CA; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. Preceded in death by his parents, John and Mary Ann (nee Videtich) Churnovic; sister, Mary Ann Churnovic; and grandson, Austin Ralph Bond. Richard was born and raised in Joliet, IL and graduated from St. Joseph Grade School (Joliet) and Lockport Township High School class of 1943. He was a proud United States Army WWII Veteran and was a member of the American Legion Post #1080 and the VFW Cantigny Post #367. He was a faithful parishioner of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Joliet. Richard was also a member of the Will County Seniors, Joliet Rivals Club, St. Joseph Holy Name Society, and KSKJ Lodge #2. Richard was in the retired Teamsters Local # 179 for over 20 years. He retired from Illinois Wine and Spirits in 1986 and was later employed at First Midwest Bank for 17 years retiring a second time in 2006. Richard was a devoted family man and enjoyed spending time with family and friends. The family would like to offer a special thank you to the staff at Presence Villa Franciscan and Sunny Hill Nursing Home for the wonderful care provided to Richard. A celebration of Richard’s life will begin on Friday, June 27, 2014 with prayers in the funeral home chapel at 9:20 a.m. then driving in procession to St. Joseph Catholic Church in Joliet for a Mass of Christian Burial to be held at 10:00 a.m. Interment to follow at St. Joseph Cemetery in Joliet. Visitation will be on Thursday, June 26, 2014 at Tezak Funeral Home, 1211 Plainfield Rd., Joliet, IL from 3-8 p.m.

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Dorothy P. Boban (Nee Denewellis) Born May 15, 1931 Died June 21, 2014 Survived by her husband of over 65 years Joseph C. Boban Sr, 4 sons Joseph C Boban Jr., John( Pam ) Boban, Jim (Julie) Boban, Jay (Lisa) Boban, sister-in-law Virginia (the late Jospeh) Denewellis, and Norma Alan Horvath. Preceded in death by her parents peter and Phyllis (nee Brandolino) Denewellis, 5 sisters one in infancy, Mary (Joseph Roman Sr.) Thiel, Rose (Anthony) Jones, Ann (Leonard) Erio, Norma (Alan) Horvath, six brothers John Dominic Theadore, Joseph Denewellis Sr., Ralph (Ethyl ) Denewellis, Michael Florence Denewellis, 4 brother-in-laws and 4 sisters –in laws George (Olga) Boban Sr.m Milan (Gretchen) Boban, August (Marie) Krause- Fitzberry, Donald (Lela) Boban. Dorothy and Joe spent mant years working with boys baseball, little pony and colt leagues. She retired from Mongomery Wards in Joliet. Cremation Rites were accorded per Dorothy’s wishes. A Memorial mass will be held at St. Mary Magdaline church . With internment of cremains at a later date.

View Full Notice → Dorothy Boban