May 9, 2012
Katherine S. Guindon
Katherine S. Guindon nee Murphy, 78, of Blue Island, passed from this life Wednesday, April 11, 2012 at Ingalls Hospital Hospice in Harvey.
Katherine was born July 26, 1933 in Dyersburg, Tennessee to the late Johnnie nee Pratt and the late Ocie Murphy. She was the beloved wife of the late Lenas Guindon who passed away January 19, 1991. Katherine is the loving mother of Betty Guindon, Barbara Guindon and Brenda Guindon. She is the cherished grandmother of Michelle Stoffle, William (Lori) Fanning and Theresa Philgren and the adored great grandmother of Michael, Erica, R.J. and Jackson. Katherine is the sister of Billy Murphy, Betty June Murphy, Carl Murphy and the late Coy Murphy.
Katherine was a devoted homemaker and mother who dedicated her life in caring for her special needs daughters, Barbara and Brenda.
Visitation for Katherine was held Sunday, April 15, at the Krueger Funeral Home, 13050 Greenwood Ave., Blue Island. Holy Mass was celebrated Monday, April 16, at St. Benedict Church. Fr. Ismael Sandoval officiated. Interment took place at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery.
Virginia M. Hackett
Virginia M. Hackett nee Mergole, 86, of Olympia Fields, formerly a longtime resident of Blue Island, passed from this life Tuesday, April 24, 2012 at St. James Hospital of Olympia Fields.
Virginia was born April 26, 1925 in Chicago to the late Agnes nee Stefanic and the late Louis Mergole. She was the beloved wife of the late Francis Hackett. The couple were united in marriage June 25, 1966. Virginia was preceded in death by her siblings; Louise (James) Pistello, Joseph Mergole, Caroline (Arthur) Milano, Emma Slives, Mary Ann Werner, Sylvia Centracchio and Mildred (Ralph) McMillen. Virginia leaves four generations of nieces and nephews to cherish her memory.
Virginia was formerly employed as an executive secretary at Illinois Central Hospital. She was a member of St. Benedict Women’s Club and St. Walter’s Seniors. Virginia enjoyed traveling, crocheting, crafts , live entertainment and was the secretary of the Liberace Fan Club.
Visitation for Virginia was held Tuesday, May 1, from 10:00 am until the time of the service at 12:00 noon at the Krueger Funeral Home, 13050 Greenwood Ave., Blue Island. Fr. Ismael Sandoval officiated. Interment took place at St. Mary Cemetery.
Roseann J. Heer
Roseann J. Heer nee Spinazola, 78, of Blue Island, passed from this life April 13, 2012 at MetroSouth Medical Center.
Roseann was born February 8, 1934 in Blue Island to the late Mildred nee Russo and the late Joseph Spinazola. She is the beloved wife of William C. Heer, the couple were united in marriage on August 9, 1952. Roseann is the loving mother of Daniel Heer, Mary-Jo (Darryl) Andersen and Joseph (Amanda) Heer. She is the cherished grandmother of Darryl Andersen Jr., Jennifer Andersen, Tony Heer, Kendall Heer, Vinnie Heer, Violet Heer and the late Angelina Heer. Roseann is the dear sister of Joseph Spinazola and Sandra (Frank) Zaccagnino.
Roseann was formerly employed as an office secretary at St. Donatus Parish rectory. She was currently an active member of St. Walter Church.
Visitation for Roseann was held Friday, April 20, at the Krueger Funeral Home, 13050 Greenwood Ave., Blue Island. Holy Mass was celebrated Saturday, April 21, at St. Walter Church. Fr. Peter Heidenrich officiated. Interment took place at St. Benedict Cemetery.
Lester P. Hlavatovich
Lester P. Hlavatovich, 86, formerly of Blue Island, passed from this life Saturday, April 28, 2012. Lester was born February 11, 1926 in Blue Island to the late Mary nee Halay and the late John Hlavatovich.
Lester was the beloved husband of the late Nila nee Erfft, who passed away December 18, 1994. The couple were united in marriage November 15, 1952. He is the cherished companion of Shirley Swanson. Lester is the loving father of Jan (Rebecca) Hlavatovich, Niel (Romaine) Hlavatovich and Sue (James) Antonaglia. He is the dear grandfather of Aaron, Laura, Jimmy, Ana and Cezar and the proud great grandfather of Kieran, Andie and Madyn. Lester is the fond brother of the late Irene Ebeling, the late Elsie Karpinski, the late Jennie Boza and Rudy Hlavatovich.
Lester was a Blue Island resident from birth until 1980, at which time he relocated to the Columbus Plaza area of Chicago until 1990, then moved to Tinley Park. Lester was a former minor league baseball player for the Cleveland Indians. He was a civil engineer employed first by Cook County, then the State Of Illinois and the City of Chicago. He then went to work as a consultant for Wisconsin Steel until his retirement in 1991.
Visitation for Lester was held Tuesday, May 1. Funeral services were conducted Wednesday, May 2, at the Krueger Funeral Home, 13050 Greenwood Ave., Blue Island. Interment took place at St. Benedict Cemetery.
Peter G. Korbakes
Peter G. Korbakes, 84, of Blue Island, passed from this life Thursday, April 26, 2012. Peter was born March 16, 1928 in Blue Island to the late Stella nee Maniatis and the late George C. Korbakes.
Peter is the beloved husband of Georgia nee Kotsiviras and the loving father of George P. (Katherine) Korbakes, James P. Korbakes, Chris P. (Alexandra) Korbakes and Steve P. Korbakes. He is the proud grandfather of Peter G., Telemahos “Telly” G. Korbakes, Peter C. Korbakes, Stephanie R. Korbakes and Johnny C. Korbakes. Peter is the devoted brother of the late Mae (late Nick) Davlantis, the late Alice (late George) Conkis, the late Chris (late Helen) Korbakes, the late Marie (late Joe) Jordon, Pearle (late Jim) Lamorte and the late Patricia (late Charles F.) Synakiewicz and the dear brother in law of Kostula (late Hilias) Katsivalis, Panayiota (late Petros) Nastopoulos, Prokopios (late Vasiliki) Kotsiviras, Gregory (Irene) Kotsiviras, Panagiotis (Soula) Kotsiviras and Niki (Christ) Kemperas. He is the fond uncle of many nieces and nephews.
Mr. Korbakes was a Korean War veteran, US Army and a member of the Blue Island American Legion Post 50. He was a dedicated, hard working man and the owner of Korbakes Liquors. Over many years, customers soon became friends, as Mr. Korbakes, his wife Georgia and their children were always working together at the store.
Visitation for Peter was held Sunday, April 29, at the Krueger Funeral Home, 13050 Greenwood Ave., Blue Island. Funeral services were conducted Monday, April 30, at St. Spyridon Church. Fr. Telemahos Alikakos officiated. Interment took place at Evergreen Cemetery.
Roy Michael McDonough
May 20, 1976 – April 6, 2012
Roy Michael was born to Marie nee Tarro and the late Roy Patrick McDonough May 20, 1976 joining their five other children. Roy is survived by his loving mother Marie, adored by brother Joseph Tarro, sisters Anne, Pam (Tony) Raia, Terry and Kathy. Loving uncle to Amanda Groszek, Melody and Jon Tarro and Nicole Raia. Along with his loving family, Roy Michael leaves countless friends to cherish his memory.
Roy Michael graduated from St. Benedict School and went on to Brother Rice High School. He participated in both Blue Island East Little League and the Untouchables Football Team. While attending Brother Rice, Mike was a member of the track the team the year that the team won the State Championship.
Roy Michael was known to family as Mike and friends Roy, he preferred it this way. Most often stated it was too weird for family to call him Roy or his friends to call him Mike. Roy was an avid bicyclist and firm believer that it was better to be outdoors camping or fishing that it was to be indoors. As a friend recently quoted Roy was “Chicago’s Son”, he was energized to seek out and find Chicago’s hidden treasures.
From kayaking the Chicago River, relishing in the beauty of the Chicago skyline or accumulating miles biking every square inch of the city. Roy loved finding the gems of the city but also found as much enjoyment sharing his unique finds with others; the best BBQ joints, bike trails and any area in Chicago that had a beautiful view.
Roy attended Knox College, graduating in 1998. Many of Roy’s college friends remained close friends throughout his life. Once you became a friend of Roy’s, you were a friend for life. Roy would tease that he wasn’t a fan of children yet children seemed to find him. Most often they were quickly found wrestling on the floor or throwing a baseball around the room. Roy moved to Seattle Washington last year following his dream to work with an outdoors affiliated company, REI.
Though Roy departed this earth too early, he wanted everyone to make the most out of their day; to slow down, stop and enjoy a beautiful sunset, take in the beauty of the outdoors and explore the wonders of the city wherever you live.
A Memorial Mass was celebrated Saturday, April 21, at 10:00 am at St. Benedict Church. Fr. Ismael Sandoval officiated. Cremation was private.
Margaret T. Mendez
Margaret T. Mendez nee Harper, 83, passed from this life Friday, April 6, 2012 at Lakewood Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Plainfield.
Margaret was the beloved wife of the late Juan Mendez, who passed away November 24, 2003. She was the loving mother of Dolores (Rigoberto) Trevino, Felipa (Abel) Nava, Trinidad (Laura) Mendez and Deena Mendez, she is the devoted grandmother of fifteen and the dear sister of Viola Lopez.
Margaret Harper was born on October 3, 1928 in Peoria, Illinois to the late Estanella nee Ybarra and the late James E. Harper. She and her sisters, Josephine and Viola, lost their mother at a very early age and were raised by their father. In 1947, after the death of their father, Margaret and her sisters moved from Peoria to Davenport, Iowa. Over the course of the next eight years, she worked at various factory jobs and acquired a lifelong bond with her cousins, the Martinez family, and countless Cook’s Point resident. In 1955, she moved to Chicago. There she met Juan Mendez and they were married on October 11, 1958 at St. Anthony of Padua Parish. She worked for the Chicago Police Department as a crossing guard from 1964 to 1974. She was recognized on several occasions with awards for promoting children’s safety on her patrol. Her lifelong desire to become a teacher was realized on June 9, 1974 when she graduated with her Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education from the University of Illinois at Chicago Circle. She worked for the Chicago Public Schools from 1975 to 1995. She was assigned to George Pullman School and worked as a bilingual teacher/coordinator. She also obtained a Master’s Degree in Special Education from National Louis University in 1979. As a retiree, she and Juan would spend much of their time with their children and grandchildren.
Visitation for Margaret was held Wednesday, April 11, at the Krueger Funeral Home, 13050 Greenwood Ave., Blue Island. Holy Mass was celebrated Thursday, April 12, at St. Anthony of Padua Church. Fr. Mark Krylowicz officiated. Interment took place at St. Benedict Cemetery.
April 18, 2012
Pedro “Pete” DeAlba
Pedro “Pete” DeAlba, age 60, was born and raised in Blue Island, IL. He was the loving father of Brian DeAlba and Jason DeAlba; proud grandfather of Jacob DeAlba; and former husband of Kathleen Rusnak; dear brother of Sylvia (Ramiro) Garcia; beloved son of the late John and Hope DeAlba; dear brother of the late Christina Mendoza; fond uncle of Matthew, Maria, Gabriel and Toni. He was a lifelong Union Pipefitter Local 597.
Memorial Mass was at 12 PM on Monday, April 9, 2012 at St. Donatus Catholic Church 1939 Union Street, Blue Island, IL. Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Hallinan Funeral Home 2601 Vermont, Blue Island, IL. For more information please call 708-385-0850 or to sign Pedro’s online guest book go to www.hallinanfuneralhome.com.
Fidel Elizalde
Fidel Elizalde, 63, of Blue Island, passed from this life Saturday, March 17, 2012 at Northwestern Hospital. He was born April 24, 1948 in Mexico to the late Eulalia nee Bustos and the late Agustin Elizalde.
Fidel is the beloved husband of Martha Del Carmen Taboada who he married December 27, 1981. He is the loving father of Viridiana (Ruben) Alcaraz, Fernando Elizalde, Rocio Elizalde, Nidia Elizalde and Fidel Elizalde and the devoted grandfather of Ruben Alcaraz IV and Alyssa Alcaraz. Fidel is the dear brother of Augustin Gama, Maurilia Montalvo, MarthaJimenez and Fermina Elizalde.
Fidel was formerly employed by American Licorice Company and a former member of the St. Benedict Church Choir. He enjoyed gardening.
Visitation for Fidel was held Wednesday, March 21, at the Krueger Funeral Home, 13050 Greenwood Ave., Blue Island. Holy Mass was celebrated Thursday, March 22, at St. Benedict Church. Fr. Ismael Sandoval officiated. Interment took place at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery.
Arthur H. Huffman
Arthur H. Huffman of Blue Island died at the age of 90 on April 9, 2012, and was a U.S. Naval WWII Veteran. He was the beloved husband of the late Winifred R. Huffman; loving father of Bruce Huffman and Marsha (Barrett) Eby; fond grandfather of Matt, Bret and Tiffany.
Visitation was Friday, April 13, 2012, from 3 to 9 PM at Hallinan Funeral Home 2601 Vermont, Blue Island, IL. He laid in state Saturday, April 14, 2012, from 10AM until the time of Service, 11AM at First Lutheran Church, 2519 Grove St. (Grove & Ann St.), Blue Island, IL; Interment was at First Evangelical Lutheran Cemetery, Alsip, IL; info 708-385-0850 or www.hallinanfuneralhome.com.
Willie L. May
November 11, 1906 – March 28, 2012. Born in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, Willie’s family moved to Robbins where he attended Blue Island Community High School (now Eisenhower). There he was a star in track and field, later designated as one of the state’s most dominant sprinters, and also played football, basketball, and baseball . He went on to Indiana University winning seven Big Ten champions in hurdles and then a silver medal at the 1960 Olympic Games. In addition, he won a silver medal at the 1963 Pan American Games.
Athletic accomplishments and tributes for Mr. May are numerous. Some highlights: as a teacher and a coach, at Evanston Township High School, the Evanston Wildkits won 26 conference titles, 5 state trophies and the state title in 1979 under his tutelage. He became the first African American athletic director ETHS. In addition, he was a coach at Richard High School and inducted into Indiana’s Intercollegiate Hall of Fame, the Chicagoland Sports Hall of fame, the Illinois Track and Cross Country Coaches Association Hall of Fame, and Blue Island’s Hall of Fame.
Married to his wife Norma for 47 years, they have two daughters Kristian and Karen and two grandsons Myles and Chase.
Services were held at St. James AME Church in Chicago on April 7th. Contributions can be made to the Amyloidosis Foundation in Clarkston, MI 48346 or www.amyloidosis.org.
Patrick A. Nape Sr.
Patrick A. Nape Sr., 65, of Blue Island, passed from this life Friday, March 16, 2012. Patrick was born September 2, 1946 in Blue Island to the late Catherine A. nee Simon and the late James P. Nape Sr.
Patrick is the beloved husband of Mary nee Wallace, whom he married in July 2002, and the late Christine nee Peterson. He is the loving father of Brian M. (Monica) Nape, Patrick Jr. (Toni) Nape,Meghan D’Amico, Sean Walsh, Bridget Walsh and Brendan Walsh. Patrick is the proud grandfather of twelve and the dear brother of the James Nape Jr., Henry (late Helen) Nape, Catherine (Charles) black, the late Janet (Howard) Farning, the late Thomas (Lenora) Nape, Delores (Allen) Kowhne, Leo (Patricia) Nape, Joseph (Eileen) Nape and Nancy Guide. He is the fond uncle of many nieces and nephews.
Patrick was a United States Army veteran, serving in Vietnam. He was a retired employee of Ford Motor Company, Torrence Plant. Patrick enjoyed to garden and barbecue.
Visitation for Patrick was held Monday, March 19, from 1:00 pm until the time of service at 4:00 pm at the Krueger Funeral Home, 13050 Greenwood Ave., Blue Island, IL. Cremation was private.
Gertude M. Schaeffer
Gertrude M. Schaeffer nee Fredricksen, 96, of Smith Village of Chicago, formerly of Blue Island, passed from this life Wednesday, March 21, 2011.
Surviving Gert are her sister Marian Smith of California and her brother-in-law Paul Erickson of Florida, as well as many nieces and nephews and their children. Gert was preceded in death by her husband Gerard Schaefer and her siblings William (Mildred) Fredrickson, Herbert (Ruth) Fredricksen, Margaret (Ray) Williams, Dorothy Erickson and Lois (Ken) Hollinger.
Mrs. Shaeffer volunteered at St. Benedict School for over thirty years, both in the school office and in charge of the milk program. She was a member of the St.Benedict’s Prayer Circle for eighteen years and was president of St. Benedict Women’s Club for two terms. Gert was “Woman Of The Year” for Southside Catholic Women’s Club in 1990’s. Gert worked for two years as a receptionist for Washington & Jane Smith Home, now named Smith Village, where she resided. For four years she was president of the Resident Council at Smith Village. Family and friends will miss her friendliness and cheery smile.
Visitation for Gert was held Monday, March 26, from 9:00 am until 10:15 am at the Krueger Funeral Home, 13050 Greenwood Ave., Blue Island, followed by Holy Mass at St. Benedict Church. Fr. Ismael Sandoval officiated. Interment took place at St. Benedict Cemetery.
March 7,2012
Rita Maria Gonzales
Rita Maria Gonzales, passed from this life on February 26, 2012, at the age of 37. She was a lifelong resident of Calumet Park, Illinois. She was the loving mother of Salomon Geraldo Perez, Jr.; loving daughter of Harry J. Gonzales, Sr. and the late Magdalene Gonzales; dear sister of Harry J. Gonzales, Jr.; Goddaughter of Connie Gonzales and Gregory Gonzales; niece, aunt, cousin and friend of many. She was a graduate of Harold L. Richards High School and a longtime waitress at the Pepe’s on 116th and Western.
Visitation will be Friday, March 2nd, 2012 from 3 to 8 PM and Saturday, March 3rd, 2012 at 10:00AM from Hallinan Funeral Home 2601 Vermont, Blue Island, IL; to St. Donatus Catholic Church for Mass at 11:30AM, on Saturday, March 3rd, 2012. Interment will be at St. Benedict Cemetery, Crestwood, IL. For more information please call 708-385-0850 or sign the online guestbook at www.hallinanfuneralhome.com.
Victoria P. Paez
Victoria P. Paez, 86, long time resident of Blue Island, formerly of Roseland (Chicago, IL); beloved wife of the late Pedro B. Paez, loving mother of Paula (Isam) Odeh, Mary S. Monstovich, Angela (Thomas) Breese, Carmen Gall, Michael (Marilyn) Paez, Al Paez, Velia (Tom) Zager and the late Joseph F. Paez; fond grandmother of 18; adoring great-grandmother of 29.
Visitation will be Wednesday, February 29, 2012 from 4 PM to 8 PM at Hallinan Funeral Home 2601 Vermont, Blue Island, IL; Visitation Thursday, March 1, 2012 at 10 AM until the time of Service 11AM at Crestwood Christian Center 4925 Midlothian Turnpike, Crestwood, IL; Interment Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, Alsip, IL; info 708-385-0850 or www.hallinanfueralhome.com.
February 22, 2012
Russell W. Borrowdale
Russell W. Borrowdale, 84, formerly of Blue Island and Monee, passed from this life January 23, 2012 at Manor Care West in Palos Heights.
Russell was born June 19, 1927 in Chicago to the late Edna nee Renner and the late Russell Wier Borrowdale. He is the husband of the late Dorothy nee Hatley and is beloved father of Barbara Fallon, Russell (Betty Lou) Borrowdale and Sandra Borrowdale. Russell is the loving grandfather of Wendy, Christine, Jennifer and Russell. He is the dear brother of June Pentecost, Richard Borrowdale and the late Robert Borrowdale.
Russell was a WWII United States Army veteran. He was formerly employed by The Borrowdale Company, which was owned by his father. Russell enjoyed traveling and had a sense of adventure.
Visitation for Russell was held Saturday, January 28, 2012 from 12:00 noon until the time of service at 3:00pm at the Krueger Funeral Home, 13050 Greenwood Ave., Blue Island. The Rev. Eric Hillabrant officiated. Cremation was private.
Frank A. Gorcowski
Frank A. Gorcowski, 69, formerly of Calumet Park, passed from this life Sunday, January 29, 2012 at Palos Community Hospital.
Frank was born July 15, 1942 in Chicago to the late Corrine nee Werkowski and the late Frank A. Gorcowski. He is the beloved husband of Barbara nee Marek and the loving father of Kimberly Gorcowski, Brian (Kathy) Gorcowski and Kathleen (Michael) Kelley. Frank is the devoted grandfather of Ryan, Nick, Mackenzie and Shaylin. He is the dear brother of Madge (Jim) Eisenbath and the fond uncle of many nieces and nephews.
Frank was formerly employed by International Harvester, West Pullman Works. He was a former member of the Troublemakers Club and was a former active member of the Calumet Park Rams Football team. Frank was a Nascar and Chicago White Sox fan who also enjoyed collecting baseball cards.
Visitation for Frank was held Wednesday, February 1, 2012 at the Krueger Funeral Home, 13050 Greenwood Ave., Blue Island. Holy Mass was celebrated Thursday, February 2, at St. Isidore Church. Fr. Eze Umunnakwe and Fr. Greg Rom officiated. Interment took place at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery.
Joseph M. Savino
Joseph M. Savino could rightly claim the mantle of self-made man. The third child of Antonio and Carmela (Turtora) Savino, and the first to be born in the United States, he grew up in the Chicago suburb of Blue Island in a neighborhood populated by families from his parents’ home town of Ripacandida in Italy’s Basilicata province, and did not speak English until he entered the first grade. From these beginnings, he graduated high school with honors and went to work as a draftsman. Over some resistance from his widowed mother, he became the first in his family to attend college as a scholarship student at Purdue University, where he majored in mechanical engineering, obtaining his Ph.D. Upon completing his doctorate in 1955, he went to work at what is now NASA Glenn, starting in the field of fluid mechanics. Highlights of his thirty-five years at NASA as engineer and post-retirement years as a consultant included participation in the wind energy and technology transfer programs. He had a reputation for being a clear and readable technical writer. He was fond of telling people he got paid to have fun.
Joe defined for himself two life-changing events: discovering work he loved, and meeting the woman he married. Joseph and Marilyn (née Sadock) were the parents of six, whom they bought up in Berea, OH, choosing a college town as a desirable place to raise children. Together they enjoyed travel, bicycling, theater, and dancing. Joe was especially proud of his role in making Berea bike-friendly and developing a bike safety program for children. Joe had a special love of classical music, and while not a musician himself, he made sure his children had the opportunity to play. He frequently attended performances at he B-W Conservatory over the years.
Joseph Savino was born November 6, 1928 in Altoona, Pennsylvania. His last months were spent at Kemper House in Olmsted Falls. He died on January 23, 2012. He was predeceased by his wife of 51 years, Marilyn, daughter Rachel, granddaughter, Katy Dobbs, brother, Hank and sister, Mary. He is survived by his children, daughters, Juliana Sadock Savino, Teresa Savino (Roy), Mary Dobbs (Michael), sons Christopher, Michael (Beth), brothers Danny and Anthony (Annamaria) and eleven grandchildren, Jenni Frcho, Fred Cumberworth, Rosalie and Molly Carlson, Jeff and Charlie Dobbs, James and Avery Tishue, Constance and Maya Savino, and Sam Savino.
On a more personal note: my dad’s highest compliment to me was :you would have been a really good engineer” – he really could not understand how, given the choice, anyone would want to be anything else-and yet it was his reverence for music that undoubtedly influenced me to take that up. When we were coming up he had a small but well chosen record collection, and I remember how he would balance an LP gingerly on his splayed fingertips and warn us neither to touch the needle nor “jump the record” by running around too much. Two records made me cry so much as a kid that he only played them at night, Vivaldi’s Seasons and Beethoven’s Eröica Sym. The Eröica scared the hell out of me and I think I was well into my twenties before I listened to it in a live performance or voluntarily at all,
It still does.
Oh, and he was-even in his slack-jawed throes-wicked handsome. He and my mom were a gorgeous couple. By Juliana Sadock Savino
JANUARY 11, 2012
Verna A. Carrier
Verna A. Carrier nee Watson, 95, formerly of Blue Island, passed from this life Wednesday, December 28, 2011 at her residence.
Verna was born November 21, 1916 in Canada to the late Mahalia Gill and the late Albert Watson. She was the beloved wife of the late Vern Carrier. Marion is the loving mother of Rich (Vivian) and Sallie (Bob) Stachyra. She is the cherished grandmother of Jeffrey Carrier, Amie (Rey) Topete, Tiffanie Caputo, Aaron (Erin) Caputo, James Stachyra, Lisa (Mike) Gaidar and Nichole (Bob) LaRusso and the proud great grandmother of Mariah, Layla, Evangeline, Elijah, Michael, Ava, Brittani and Andrew. Verna is the dear sister of the late Elsie Howes and the late Fred Watson.
Verna was formerly employed by Illinois Bell in Marquette Park and a former member of TOPS, which used to meet at Memorial Park. She was devoted to her family and enjoyed spending time with them.
Visitation for Verna was held Friday, December 30, from 9:00 am until the time of service at 11:00 am at the Krueger Funeral Home, 13050 Greenwood Ave., Blue Island. The Reverend Rey Topete officiated. Interment took place at Mt. Greenwood Cemetery.
Marion E. De Ruiter
Marion E. De Ruiter nee Bethman, 89, formerly of Blue Island and Midlothian, passed from this life December 12, 2011 at MetroSouth Medical Center.
Marion was born May 27, 1922 in Chicago to the late Frances nee Dagenais and the late Frederick Bethman. She is the beloved mother of Diane F. DeRuiter (Dr. Michael Johnson). Marion is the dear sister of Walter Bethman and the late Frederick (Betty) Bethman and the fond aunt of Michael (Christie) Bethman, Thomas (Arleen) Duffy and Robert (Nancy) Bethman. She is the devoted great aunt of Dylan and Summer Bethman.
Marion was formerly employed by Sears for more than thirty years. She has been a member of the American Legion Auxiliary for over thirty years and is a member of the St. Benedict Womens Club.
A visitation for Marion was held on Thursday, December 15, from 8:30 am until the time of chapel prayers at 10:15 am at the Krueger Funeral Home, 13050 Greenwood Ave., Blue Island. Holy Mass was then celebrated at St. Benedict Church. Fr. Ismael Sandoval officiated. Interment took place at St. Benedict Cemetery.
Jesus H. Esparza
Jesus H. Esparza, 93, of Blue Island, passed from this life Sunday, January 1, 2012 at MetroSouth Medical Center.
Jesus was born October 8, 1918 in Mexico to the late Juana Esparza Maldonado and the late Luz Esparza Castaneda. He is the beloved husband of Maria Ines nee Montoya. They have been united in marriage for seventy-two years, and from this beautiful union eleven children were born. Jesus is the loving father of Alicia (the late Jesus) Esparza, Luis (Oralia) Esparza, Ofelia (Manuel) Eudave, Jesus (Isabella) Esparza, Basilia (Heliodoro) Esparza, Manuel (Nancy) Esparza, Javier (Judy) Esparza, Horacio (Teresa) Esparza, Maribel (Jose) Lopez, Leonel (Michelle) Esparza and Maria Ines (Jose) Alvarado. He is the proud grandfather of fifty-one, devoted great grandfather of fifty-five and cherished great great grandfather of two. Jesus was preceded in death by four siblings. He leaves many other family members and friends to honor his memory.
Visitation for Jesus was held Wednesday, January 4, from 3:00 pm until 8:00 pm at which time Holy Mass was celebrated at the Krueger Funeral Home, 13050 Greenwood Ave., Blue Island. Services will also be held in Aguascalientes, AGS, Mexico. Interment will be at Jardines Eternos.