Bettie M. Svitanek, nee Andrade, passed away peacefully at home in Round Lake Beach, IL, on January 10, 2015. To those who knew Bettie, she was very social and friendly. She was the hostess of many special gatherings and dinners at her house as she was an excellent cook.
Along with her culinary skills, she enjoyed food such as welsh rarebit, mock chicken legs, and especially, lobster tail and prime rib. Bettie also loved people! She always talked fondly of her cherished longtime neighbors in the community where she lived for over 60 years, her fun loving friends from the bowling league at Lakes Bowl, and her cherished associates/friends from Ammco Tools.
She loved all kinds of animals, but she led a special crusade to feed and look after feral cats in the neighborhood. Buddy, a shiny black cat with yellow eyes, was a motivating force behind Bettie’s happiness and resilience. Bettie was known to be an advocate for Spay and Stay where she met friends Sandy and Linda as well as a contributor to Save a Pet, both animal rescue organizations located in Grayslake. At times, she was a volunteer for Save a Pet and contributed her craft work for their fundraising efforts.
She was a loving wife, mother, sister, aunt, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Bettie had 25 delightful years of marriage to an adoring husband who she shared trips, dinners, indoor cats, and fishing with, both on the Chain of Lakes and on Lake Michigan. Christmas was one of their favorite shared holidays. We, too, always enjoyed her Christmas dinners out to a special restaurant with money saved in a special fund throughout the year.
Family was so very important to her. Bettie was known to video record with narration her grandchildren’s birthday and holiday parties. She would be a number one fan at their soccer games and music concerts. Additionally, she crocheted many baby blankets and afghans for family members. She was always there for her children with encouragement, kindness, and love. She would exchange video recordings with Cheryl at holidays and exchange audio cassettes with Tom when he was stationed in Korea to let him know she was thinking of him. She was a painter, singer, guitarist, and keyboardist. She and her brother Edward shared their talents in keyboards. They had a gift of music. Often we would hear Bettie play songs like America’s “A Horse With No Name” and many others.
Bettie is survived by a daughter, Cheryl Contri of Brunswick, Ohio; a son Thomas (Kathleen) Contri of Spring Grove, Illinois; four grandchildren, Benjamin Contri of Waukegan, Illinois, Stephanie (Rob) Hagele of Brunswick, Ohio, Anthony Contri of Chicago, Illinois, and Carly Contri of Chicago, Illinois; two great-grandchildren, Giselle and Gabby; special niece Debbie Wells; great-nephew, Chris Johnson; and former daughter-in-law and friend, Sherry Walleck.
She was preceded in death by her husband, John, in 2002; her parents; brother, Edward and sister-in-law, Delores.
We would like to thank the Advocate Hospice team and caregivers from Home Instead of Grayslake for their special care and friendship shown to Bettie in her final months. As she would tell you today, “I had a good life.”
Interment will be private. A “Celebration of Life” gathering may be announced at a later date. Memorials may be made in her name to Save a Pet or Spay and Stay, Grayslake, Illinois. Strang Funeral Chapel, 410 East Belvidere Road, Grayslake, IL

Jane Peterka, 92, a resident of Grayslake, passed away Friday January 9, 2015, in Libertyville, IL. She was born October 28, 1922 in Chicago, IL. Jane is the cherished mother of James (Stephanie) Peterka, Don (Yvonne) Peterka , Glenn (Laura) Peterka, beloved Grandmother of James (Elizabeth) Peterka, Kelsey Peterka, Corey Peterka, loving Great Grandmother “GG” of Anne and Olivia Peterka. A visitation is scheduled for Sunday January 11, 2015 from 4:00pm until 7:00pm at Strang Funeral Chapel & Crematorium 410 E. Belvidere Rd. Grayslake, IL 60030. A funeral is scheduled for Monday January 12, 2015 at 10:30am at the funeral chapel. The interment will be held at Maryhill Cemetery in Niles, IL. For more information please log onto www.strangfuneral.org or call (847)223-8122.

Marvin L. Czuczor, 76, a resident of Round Lake Beach, passed away Monday January 5, 2015 in Buffalo Grove, IL. He was born August 23, 1938 in Chicago, IL to Alex and Alice Czuczor. Marvin was a veteran of the US Army having served in Korea during peacetime. He was a member of the Round Lake American Legion and had worked at Deublin Company in Waukegan for over 30 years. He enjoyed fishing, throwing darts, and gardening. Marvin is survived by his wife of 49 years, Barbara, his children Cynthia Alice Czuczor and Douglas (Robin) Czuczor, his grandchildren Candace Paulsen, Carissa Paulsen, Justin D. Myers, and Tyler L. Czuczor, and his great-grandchildren Julie Lindenmuth, Michael Lindenmuth, and Neveah Farah. He was preceded in death by his parents and his twin sister Marlene. A visitation is scheduled for Friday January 9, 2015 from 4:00pm until 8:00 p.m. with the funeral service commencing at 8:00pm at Strang Funeral Chapel, 410 E. Belvidere Rd., Grayslake, IL 60030. Interment will be held privately. Memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society. For more information please log onto www.strangfuneral.org or contact (847)223-8122.

James “Jim” R. Norkus, 53, of Round Lake, IL passed away on Tuesday January 6, 2015 at Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago.
Originally from Mount Prospect, IL Jim attended St. Alphonsus grade school and John Hersey high school. Jim was a Regional Manager at Staples in the Chicago area where he worked for the past 11 years.
An avid music lover and diehard fan of all Chicago sports teams, Jim led an active life touching the lives of so many.

Survivors include his wife, Dawn; Children, Sarah and Michael; Step Children, Elizabeth and Matthew; Parents, Arlene and Ray; Brother, John and Sister, Gail.

A memorial service and celebration of Jim’s life will be held on January 11, 2015 from 1:00pm until 4:00pm with a memorial service commencing at 4:00pm at Strang Funeral Chapel & Crematorium 410 E Belvidere Rd, Grayslake, IL. For more information please call 847-223-8122 or visit strangfuneral.org where friends can leave an online condolence for his family.

Pietro Coniglio, 81, of Grayslake, passed away on December 18, 2014 in Libertyville at Condell Hospital. Pietro was born on July 23, 1933 in Italy to Salvatore , and Giuseppina Coniglio nee Pira. Friends may visit with the family on Friday December 26, 2014 from 4:00 P.M. till 8:00 P.M. at the Strang Funeral Chapel 410 East Belvidere Rd, Grayslake, IL, 60030. There will be a funeral mass on Saturday December 27, 2014 at 9:00 A.M. at St. Gilberts Catholic Church, 301 East Belvidere Rd, Grayslake, Il, 60030. Interment will follow mass at Ascension Cemetery, Libertyville. For information please call Strang Funeral Chapel (847)223-8122

Calvin Glen Cox II, age 19, of Wadsworth, went home to Jesus December 9th, 2014, at MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, surrounded by family. He bravely battled NUT Midline Carcinoma, an extremely rare and fatal, adolescent lung cancer in non-smokers. Calvin was born March 19th, 1995 in Lake Forest, the third child of Calvin and Susan Cox. He attended College of Lake County pursuing a double major in Chemical Engineering and Music. He received “Semester Honors for Academic Excellence” for each semester at CLC and was in his fourth semester. Calvin had a beautiful voice and sang many genres. He was a member of the College of Lake County Choir, the Music Source Professional Rock and Roll Band and in a metal band with friends. He was an accomplished musician, accompanying his self with guitar and keyboard. He enjoyed classical, rock, and his favorite band “Iron Maiden” concerts. Calvin received “Renaissance Man Award” from teachers for his versatility. He wrote poetry, stories, music and acted in plays. His works were published in a school magazine. He was a lifelong tinkerer, delighting us with his contraptions and alternative ways of doing things. Cal had a keen sense of duty and carried his weight in every organization he joined. He was the secretary of the Psychology Club at CLC and received the Silver Circle of Achievement Award for his contributions to the club. A gentle soul, Cal conducted his life in a caring manner. He completed the American Red Cross program to help if needed in CPR and First Aid. He received a “Recognition Award” for his service to The N.E. Farmsteads growing vegetables for the food pantry. An animal lover, he received a “Recognition Award” from the Humane Society for caring for cats at the shelter. He lifted weights daily and was extremely strong. His other activities include Yoga, running 5 K races for charity, and snowboarding in the Green Mountains of New Hampshire. He was a member of the Warren High School Wrestling Team and also enjoyed archery, target shooting, fishing and Tai Kwon Do. Ralph Waldo Emerson said “It is not the length of life that counts but the depth.” In his short time Cal fathomed the depths of a life well lived. Calvin is sadly missed by his parents, Calvin and Susan; sisters, Kjersten, Susanne and Alyssa; grandmother, Vivian Gwaltney; a host of aunts and uncles, cousins and friends. He was preceded in death by his grandfather, Russell Gwaltney; grandparents, Darius and Evelyn Cox; and cousin, Keith Cox. Please join the family for a visitation and memorial service Saturday, December 20 at Bethel Lutheran Church, 5110 Grand Avenue, Gurnee, IL. 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Pastor Ben Squires will officiate a celebration of Calvin’s life. Donations can be made to Bethel Lutheran Church. Arrangements were entrusted to Strang Funeral Chapel & Crematorium(www.strangfuneral.org) (847)223-8122.

Robert M. Schlesser, 49, a resident of Round Lake Beach, passed away Monday December 15, 2014 in McHenry. He was born August 16, 1965 in Highland Park to Robert and Adeline (nee: Warnke) Schlesser. Robert was an avid Bears and Cubs fan, loved to grill out, woodworking, and watching Dr. Who. Robert is survived by his wife of 25 years, Melanie, whom he wed on September 9, 1989 in Libertyville, his children Garrett, Rachael, and Samantha “Sam” all of Round Lake Beach, his sisters Pamela (Chris) Newmann of Madison, and Bonnie (Walker) Norniella of Waukegan, 4 nephews, and 3 nieces. He was preceded in death by his parents. Friends of the family may visit on Friday December 19, 2014 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. with a memorial service commencing at 7:00pm at Strang Funeral Chapel & Crematorium, 410 E Belvidere Rd. Grayslake IL 60030. Interment will be held privately. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the family. For more information please log onto www.strangfuneral.org or call (847)223-8122.