James Paul Sczepaniak, age 78, passed away peacefully Sunday, November 9, 2014 at Presence Saint Joseph Medical Center following complications from prostate cancer. Born December 1, 1935 in Joliet to the late Stanley and Rose (nee Petan), he was a lifetime resident. James graduated from St. Joseph Catholic Grade School, Joliet Township High School Class of 1953 and Joliet Junior College. Jim received a bachelor’s degree from Lewis University and a master’s degree from Northern Illinois University. He retired after 33 years teaching social studies at Lockport Township High School Dist. #205 and Valley View School Dist. #365-U (Romeoville High School). Jim served in the U.S. Army. He took great pride in his civic involvement and proudly served on the Joliet Public Library Board of Trustees for more than 30 years, most recently as President of the Board. Active member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Joliet, the Holy Name Society of St. Joseph Church, the St. Joseph Church Seniors, Oakwood Estates Homeowners Association, and the Illinois Retired Teachers Association. Beloved husband of 5 years to Frances H. Naal Sczepaniak (nee Tures); loving brother of Lois M. Geary; brother-in-law of James (Joann) Gordon of Springfield, VA; dear uncle of Kim Ann (Wayne) Meirhofer and Steven P. (Shirley Boatman) Geary. Survived by Fran’s children, Meg (Dale) Underwood Jr., John (Micki) Naal and Colette Naal. Many dear nieces, nephews, cousins, godchildren, beloved students and friends also survive. Preceded in death by his first wife of 44 years, Mary Clare (nee Gordon) in 2007; and his parents, Stanley and Rose (nee Petan). Jim was very devoted to his hobbies of stamp and coin collecting. He also greatly enjoyed taking pictures and sending them on to his many relatives, friends and acquaintances. The family wishes to express their sincere thank you to the doctors, nurses and staff at both Presence St. Joseph Medical Center and Our Lady of Angels Retirement Home for the excellent care provided to Jim. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Jim’s name to Lewis University, University of St. Francis or Our Lady of Angels Retirement Home would be greatly appreciated. A Celebration of James’ life will begin on Thursday, November 13, 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. Visitation will be Wednesday, November 12, 2014 at Tezak Funeral Home, 1211 Plainfield Rd, Joliet, IL 60435 from 3-7 p.m. St. Joseph Holy Name Society will conduct a Prayer Service at 4:30 p.m.
James P. Sczepaniak
Arthur Markwalter
Joseph “Petey/Charlie” Ketz
Joseph “Petey/Charlie” Ketz, age 101, entered eternal life on Tuesday, November 11, 2014. Survived by one sister, Leona (the late Rudolph) Bregar; loving companion, Mary Maticic; as well as numerous step-children and grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and cousins. Preceded in death by his parents, Anthony and Mary (nee Stimac) Ketz; five brothers, George (Frances), Joseph, Louis (Anna), Anthony (Frances), and Frank (Marge) Ketz; three sisters, Anna (Mario) Sabac, Genevieve (Frank) Papesh, and Rose (Edward) Zaletel. Joseph was born in Joliet on March 3, 1913. He retired from the Ruberoid (G.A.F) after 29 years of service. Joseph was a veteran of the United States Army, serving in WWII. He was an Amphibian Tank Crewman, whose duties were assistant driver and machine gunner on the tank. Joseph was an avid fisherman. He was a handyman who liked to work on old T.V.’s and radios. He enjoyed music especially polka and loved playing his guitar, harmonica and singing. Joseph frequently attended garage sales and could often be found tending to the many vegetables in his garden. Joseph lived a long healthy life and was always happy and upbeat with a good sense of humor. He always had a smile on his face. Joseph will be greatly missed by all. A Celebration of Joseph’s life will begin on Friday, November 14, 2014 with a visitation from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at Tezak Funeral Home, 1211 Plainfield Rd, Joliet, IL 60435, then driving in procession to St. Mary Nativity Catholic Church in Joliet, for a Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. Interment to follow at St. Mary Nativity Cemetery in Crest Hill. Obituary and Tribute Wall for Joseph Ketz at www.tezakfuneralhome.com. Arrangements entrusted to:
James E. McAsey
James E. McAsey, age 87, of Joliet, passed away peacefully with his loving family at his side on Monday, November 10th, 2014 after a brief illness. Devoted and loving father of James (Ellen) McAsey, Mary (Rodger) Parsons, Lynn (Dave) Johnston, and Patty (Al) Toth; dearest grandfather of, Christine (Pat) Smith, Jim (Ammie) McAsey, Dr. Craig (Emily) McAsey, Mary (Scott) Pedersen, David Johnston, Corey, Brandon and Justin Toth; loving great-grandfather of, Mike and Tom Smith and Claire McAsey; dearest brother-in-law of, Srs. Margaret and Patricia McGuckin, Maureen Mueller and Joseph McGuckin. Many dear nieces, nephews, cousins and friends also survive. Preceded in death by his beloved wife, Mary (McGuckin) McAsey (2007); his parents, Edward and Marie McAsey; his in-laws, Joseph and Caroline McGuckin; his brothers Joseph and Vincent McAsey; his brother-in-law Walter Mueller; and sisters-in-law; Joan Rommel and Theresa McGuckin. Jim graduated from Lockport Township High School, served in the United States Navy, and retired from Caterpillar Tractor Co. Jim always had the biggest smile and loved life. He will be deeply missed by his family who loved him dearly. The McAsey family expresses its sincere gratitude to the staff of Loyola University Hospital, Our Lady of Angels Retirement Home and the Joliet Area Community Hospice for the wonderful and loving care Jim received during his illness. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Jim’s name for the Sisters of St Francis Retirement Fund @1433 Essington Road, Joliet, Illinois 60435 or the Joliet Area Community Hospice @ 250 Water Stone Circle, Joliet, Illinois 60431 would be appreciated. Per Jim’s wishes, cremation rites have been respectfully addressed. A private memorial mass and inurnment will be held at a later date.
Artis Koehler
Artis V. Koehler (nee Moore) Age 77. Peacefully Tuesday, November 11, 2014 with her family by her side, following a yearlong battle with a chronic illness. Born in Princeton, IL, she was raised in Morris and was a lifelong Joliet/Shorewood area resident. A graduate of Joliet Junior College and Joliet Township High School Class of 1955. Artis loved people, and her greatest achievement in life was raising her family and giving of herself 100% in and out of her home. Some examples of this would be serving on the Troy-Shorewood Library District Board, the Citizens Advisory Board, Shorewood Cable Television Network, the Plainfield Homettes, the Shorewood Police Advisory Board and many, many others. Her employment at the Troy Grade School District 30-C as a teacher’s aide where she was “Mom” to many, was particularly rewarding. Truth be known, she had a profound impact on those who needed a little quiet guidance. She was formerly employed at St. Joseph Medical Center in the Radiology Department. Although, only the good Lord knows when it is our time, our humanity makes us feel that “she is gone too soon”. Preceded in death by her parents, Clell and Eleanor (nee Ames) Moore; one brother, Dwight “Slim” Moore; one sister, Darlene Colwell; and beloved son-in-law, Wayne Eungard (2013). Survived by her loving and devoted husband of 57 years, Ken A. Koehler of Shorewood; two daughters, Gwen Eungard of Custer Park, IL and Dawn (Craig) Nemitz of Channahon; one son, Kurt (Mary) Koehler of Fairport, NY; six grandchildren, Daniel (fiancee, Ashley), Bret, Glen, Kyle, Erin and Kara; four sisters, Nevada (George) Wietting of Minooka, Ryal Baumgarten of Bonita Springs, FL, Osia Lang of Crest Hill and Rae Jean (Perry) Walker of Naples, FL; one sister-in-law, Holly Moore of Plainfield; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins also survive. On behalf of our family, we would like to express our deep appreciation and profound gratitude to the faculty and staff at Sunny Hill Nursing Home for the exemplary care our mother received while in their care. Funeral Services for Artis V. Koehler will be Tuesday, November 18, 2014 at 10:00 a.m. at the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black at Essington Rd., Joliet, with Pastor Matt Robinson officiating. Interment Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials in her name to the charity of donor’s choice would be appreciated. Visitation Monday, 4-8 p.m. at the funeral home. For information: 815-741-5500.
Francisco Cruz
Lillian R. Anderson
Enrique “Chiquito” Esquivel
Enrique “Chiquito” Esquivel Age 51 passed away Sunday November 9, 2014 with family at his side. Born on September 4, 1963 in Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico. He was a lifelong resident of Joliet and empolyed at Berlinsky Scrap Corp for 34 years. Enrique is survived by his wife; Judith A. (nee Delgado) Esquivel the love of his life for 29 years, one daughter; Michelle Alfaro, one son; Marcelo (Nina) Esquivel, two sisters; Lluvigilda (Octavio) Vargas and Lorena (Efrain) Muniz, two brothers; Alfredo (Lorna) Esquivel and Gabriel (Myra) Esquivel. Also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, sister & brother in-laws, other family members and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents Alfredo and Maria (nee De Refugio Silva) Esquivel and one sister Eugenia Esquivel. Enrique “Chiquito” was a wonderful husband, father, brother, uncle and friend. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him. VISITATION: Wednesday November 12, 2014, 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM at Delgado Funeral Chapel, 400 Landau Ave (at Jackson St. RT.6) Joliet, IL. Burial; El Tulillo mpio De Tamazula, Jalisco, Mexico.
Frank Talarico
Frank B. Talarico Age 91. Passed away Thursday, November 13, 2014 at Brookdale Sweetlife in Overland Park, KS. Born in Joliet in 1923, he resided there until 1970, then Washington, IL for 25 years until 2005, he then moved back to Joliet until relocating to Kansas City in 2010 to be near his youngest son. Frank retired from Caterpillar after 30 years of service. He spent the early years in the parts department of the Joliet plant in positions of growing responsibility. In 1970 he was one of the first managers to be asked to lead the expansion of the Morton parts facility where he stayed until his retirement in 1983. An avid golfer, he participated in leagues in Joliet and Peoria winning many trophies along the way. He and his wife enjoyed camping and spent many happy times with their family and friends at sites across the country. When his boys were young, he was involved in Scouts as their Scoutmaster. Frank was also a lifelong fitness enthusiast. Most of all, he loved and provided well for his family Preceded in death by his loving wife, Norma Jean; parents, Peter and Pauline Talarico; two sisters, Josephine Hahn and Mary R. Smith; and two brothers, Carmen Talarico and Sam Talarico. Survived by three sons, Gary (Susan) Talarico, Mark Talarico and Chris (Dawnia) Talarico; two grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Funeral Services for Frank B. Talarico will be Tuesday, November 18, 2014 at 9:15 a.m. from the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black at Essington Rds., Joliet to the Church of St. Jude for Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. Interment will be at Resurrection Cemetery. Visitation TUESDAY morning, 8:00 a.m. until time of services at 9:15 a.m. at the funeral home. For information: 815-741-5500
Barbara Johnson
Barbara J. Johnson Age 72, passed away Thursday, November 13, 2014 suddenly at her home. Born in Joliet on October 21, 1942 to Herman and Irene (nee Sucharski) Izzarelli. She retired from the Joliet Department of Corrections after 33 years of service. A member of St. Mary Magdalene Catholic Church. Survived by her daughter, Terri Ann Johnson Greenan; and granchildren, Charles Jonathan Dietz, Derek William Dietz and Gianna Grace Greenan. Preceded in death by her parents. Funeral Services for Barbara J. Johnson will be held Wednesday, November 19, 2014 at 10:00 a.m. at the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black at Essington Rds., Joliet. Interment Mt. Olivet Cemetery. Visitation Tuesday, 4-8 p.m. at the funeral home. For information: 815-741-5500
Denae Boban
Denae Lynne Boban Born: August 18, 1983 Died: November 15, 2014 Denae Boban, 31. of Joliet and Shorewood, IL passed away suddenly on November 18, 2014. She is survived by her loving family; her children: drew Boban, Dane Boban, Madison Doty; her parents Joe Boban Jr. and Lynda (Dennis) Egan; Her Twin sister, Lacie Boban; her brother, Cole Boban, her niece, Kylie boban; her grandfather Joseph Boban Sr.; her uncles, John (Pam) Boban, James (Julie) Boban, Jay (Lisa) Boban, Ernie Stienbach; her cousins, Marissa Watson, Stacy Boban, Sarah Rodrieguez, Matt Boban, Sean Boban, Jill Enguita, and Paige Boban along with many 2nd cousins and numerous others who are considered “family”, especially her close friend, Dan Green. A memorial Mass will be held at St. Mary Magdalene Church 127 Briggs Street, Joliet on Saturday November 22, 2014 at 10:30 am.
Kathleen Dunne
Kathleen “Katie” Dunne, 71, of Joliet, passed away Monday, November 17, 2014. Preceded in death by her parents, Lillian and John Dunne; sister, Marilyn; and nephew, Kevin. Survived by her brother, James and his partner Jack, of Sedona, AZ; brother, John (Barbara) of Texas; nieces and nephews, Donna, Denise, Michael, Tom, and Patrick Turner; and John and Laura Dunne. She grew up in Chicago surrounded by cousins from the Durkin and Devaney families. She loved and was loved by her adopted grandchildren, Declan, Darragh, Clodagh, and Ronan Creaney and their parents, Rob and Alisa; and their favorite aunt and uncle, Laura Kivisto and Eric Bodwell. She taught in elementary schools for 43 years in Ohio and Illinois, including first grade at St. Jude Grade School in Joliet for 29 years. She leaves many friends with whom she shared adventures all over the world. She was a former Joliet Franciscan (Sister Peter Damian) and continued to work with the Sisters as an Associate. Visitation for Katie will be held at Our Lady of Angels Retirement Home, 1201 Wyoming Avenue, Joliet, on Friday, November 21, from 2:00-6:45 p.m. with a prayer service and sharing of memories at 4:45 p.m., and Mass of Christian Burial at 7:00 p.m. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Cancer Research Institute of New York. www.cancerresearch.org For information: 815-741-5500
Howard Parks
Howard S. Parks Age 63. Monday, November 17, 2014 at his late residence in Morris, IL following a long and courageous battle with congestive heart failure. Born in Chicago, a long time California resident relocating to Morris five years ago. Former owner and operator of three Gingiss Formalware Franchises in California. Former Adjunct teacher at Joliet Junior College in the computer science lab, in the (CAD) department. A member of the First Presbyterian Church of Morris. Preceded by his father, Norman Bormet (2009). Survived by his loving mother, Phyllis (nee Fiore) Bormet of Morris; one sister, Phyllis (Quentin) Mueller Blome of Woodstock, IL; one brother, William A. (Lorraine) Parks of Cedar City, Utah. Many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews also survive. Funeral services for Howard S. Parks will be Thursday, November 20, 2014 at 11 a.m. at First Presbyterian Church, 200 E. Jackson Street, Morris. Rev. Roy Backus officiating. Interment Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Cemetery in Tinley Park. In lieu of flowers, memorials to the First Presbyterian Church in his name would be appreciated. Howard will lie in state Thursday morning at the church from 9 a.m. until time of services. Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, Morris Chapel in charge of arrangements. For information: (815) 942-5040.
Robert Bausano
Eleamoe Ledoux
Eleanor R. Ledoux Age 86, passed away peacefully Saturday, November 15, 2014 at Fair Oaks Nursing Home in Crystal Lake, with her family by her side. She is survived by her children; Denise (Tim) Roth, Arthur (Roxane) Ledoux; grandchildren, Arthur Ledoux and Alex Ledoux, and a sister Bonnie Parker. Numerous nieces and nephews also survive. She was preceded in death by her husband George Arthur Ledoux, her parents, and a sister Cathy Hergenrother. She will be greatly missed by many many dear friends. There will be a celebration of Eleanor’s life for family and friends to be held Friday November 21, 2014 at Gable Point, 401 Common Wealth Drive in Crystal Lake.10 am until 12 Noon.
Ewa Sedacki
(nee Kembrowski) – Passed away peacefully at home with her loving family by her side, after a courageous battle with cancer. Age 56 years. Survived by her loving husband Mathew of 35 years and one son Mariusz (Melissa McCutcheon) Sedacki.Her mother Jadwiga Kembrowski of Poland and one sister Beata Sendrowska of Chorzele, Poland. Preceded in death by her father Zbigniew Kembrowski. Ewa devoted her life to her only son Mariusz, along with the love of her life her handsome and special husband, Mathew, whom together they enjoyed 35 wonderful years of marriage. Ewa loved gardening, taking long walks, shopping, reading and most importantly vacationing to sunny destinations with her family. In lieu of flowers donations to Holy Cross Catholic Church would be appreciated. Memorial services will be held at the Carlson-Holmquist-Sayles Funeral Home, 2320 Black Road, Monday, November 17, 2014 at 6:00 PM. Visitation Monday from 3:00 PM until time of services at 6:00 PM.
Charles Ewing, Sr.
Charles Richard Ewing, Sr. Age 88. Wednesday, November 19, 2014 at Lakewood Nursing & Rehab Center. Born November 4, 1926 in LaSalle, IL to Margaret (nee Jones) and Leonard Ewing. An active member of the U.S. Power Squadron since 1980 and past Commander 1984-1985. Also had a U.S. Coast Guard license to operate or navigate vessels on U.S. waters. A veteran of the Navy in WWII, he joined the National Guard and then honorably discharged from the Army Reserves in 1955. Retired from Caterpillar Tractor Company after 37 years of service. He never lost his love of the sea and spent many years boating on Lake Michigan. Survived by his loving wife of 42 years, Delores (nee Kochevar); children, Charles R., Jr., David J. (Jeannie), Paul A., William K. (Joyce), Daniel S., Elizabeth M. (Ricky) Abell, Cheryl A. (Richard) Rogowski and Michael D. Hanko; grandchildren, Jessica, Chrissy, David, Joseph, R.C., Jared, Devin, Michael, Stephanie and Kris; many great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews; and his faithful companions, Sweetie and Moose. Preceded in death by his parents; stepfather, Lester K. Reid; sisters, Leslie K. Reid and Joan Sault; and his first wife, Lois M. (nee Rettko). Funeral Services for Charles R. Ewing, Sr. will be Monday, November 24, 2014 at 10:00 a.m. at the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black at Essington Rds., Joliet. Interment Woodlawn Memorial Park Cemetery with full military honors under the auspices of the United States Navy. In lieu of flowers, memorials in his name to St. Jude Children’s Hospital would be appreciated. Visitation Sunday, 2-6 p.m. at the funeral home. For information: 815-741-5500 or www.fredcdames.com
Janet Sheppard
Janet C. Sheppard (nee Hess) Age 72. Died Tuesday, November 18, 2014 at Presence Saint Joseph Medical Center. Born November 6, 1942. She dedicated herself to her nursing career for over 20 years. She enjoyed spending time with her family, friends, and also enjoyed antiquing. She lived a beautiful life with honesty, determination, grace and love. Survived by her devoted and loving husband of 45 years, James Sheppard; one brother, Tommy; beloved mother of daughter, Rosemarie “Terry” (Myke) Mutchler; son, Arthur “Skip” (Jeri) Mutchler; stepmother to Victoria (Mark), Lori and Jyme Sue; grandmother to Matthew Mutchler, Daniel (Toni) Bene, Marcus, Ian, Matthew, Brianna and Katie; great-grandmother to Aiden; and aunt to four nieces. Preceded in death by her parents, Fred and Helen. Visitation for Janet C. Sheppard will be held on Sunday, November 23, 2014 from 11:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. at the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black at Essington Rds., Joliet. Interment will be private. For information: 815-741-5500 or www.fredcdames.com
Sharon Wahl
Sharon J. Wahl (nee Seerup) Age 71. At rest Wednesday, November 19, 2014 at Morris Hospital. Born in Chicago to the late Harold and Karen (nee Grindersleb) Seerup, residing in Dwight, IL since 1963. Formerly employed by the Illinois Department of Corrections and Western Insurance Company of Bettendorf, IA. Founder of the Lady Lions, Dwight and was involved with youth baseball and football. Survived by her loving husband of 51 years, Jerry H. Wahl of Dwight; her daughter, Susan Marie Carrasco of Dwight; her son, Jerry M. (Lori) Wahl of Breese, IL; two grandchildren, Thomas J. Carrasco and Brianna Marie Wahl. Preceded by her parents and her brother, John Wayne Seerup. As it was Sharon’s request there will be no funeral services and cremation rites have been accorded. Funeral arrangements under the direction of Fred C. Dames Funeral Home 1201 W. Route 6 at Deerpath Drive, Morris. For information (815) 942-5040
Michael Sterle
Michael J. Sterle Age 59, of Joliet, passed away Thursday, November 20, 2014 at Presence Saint Joseph Medical Center. Mike was very outgoing and upbeat and was always able to make people laugh. He was a kind man, who always helped his neighbors and friends. He will be remembered for his love of Pink Floyd. Surviving are his loving sister, Cheryl C. Sterle of Joliet; three aunts; one uncle; and numerous cousins. Preceded in death by his parents, Joseph R. and Bernice (nee Bernotas) Sterle; and one sister, Nancy Sterle. Funeral Services for Michael J. Sterle will be Tuesday, November 25, 2014 at 10:15 a.m. from the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black at Essington Rds., Joliet to St. Anne Catholic Church, Crest Hill for Mass at 11:00 a.m. Interment Resurrection Cemetery, Romeoville. Visitation TUESDAY MORNING, from 9:00 a.m. until time of services at the funeral home. For information: 815-741-5500 or www.fredcdames.com