In Loving Memory of Brian: Educator, Leader, Coach, Mentor

Brian J. Rogers, 59, a resident of Grayslake, IL, passed away May 23, 2024 at his home.  He was born July 8, 1964 to Robert and Dolores Rogers in Park Ridge, IL.

With heavy hearts, we mourn the loss of Brian (Bri, Rog, BRog) a remarkable individual who touched the lives of many. Brian was not just an educator, but a leader, coach, and mentor whose impact extended far beyond the classroom. His dedication to guiding and inspiring others left an indelible mark on all who had the privilege of knowing him.

A sports enthusiast through and through, Brian’s passion for the Cubs, Bears, and Duhawks was infectious. His unwavering support for his teams mirrored the steadfast support he provided to his family, friends, students, and colleagues. Brian’s love for sports was only surpassed by his love for his family, who brought him immense joy and fulfillment. His boys were his pride and joy.

In his moments of leisure, Brian found solace in fishing, golfing, and bird-watching. Nature was his sanctuary, and he cherished the peace and tranquility it offered him. Whether casting a line into the water, shaving off a few strokes off of his golf score, or marveling at the beauty of birds in flight, Brian found serenity in these simple pleasures.

Though Brian may no longer walk among us, his spirit lives on in the hearts of those he touched. His wisdom, kindness, sense of humor, and unwavering support will forever be cherished by all who were fortunate enough to have known him. May his memory be a source of comfort and inspiration during this difficult time.

Rest in peace, Brian. You will be deeply missed, but your legacy of love and guidance will endure for generations to come.

Brian is survived by his wife of 30 years, Socorro, his mother Dolores Rogers, his sons Michael Rogers and Daniel Rogers, and his siblings John (Marisa Calvi-Rogers) Rogers and Joan Schmidt.  He was preceded in death by his father Robert Rogers and his brother Edward Rogers.

A memorial visitation and service are scheduled for June 1, 2024 at Strang Funeral Chapel & Crematorium 410 E. Belvidere Rd. Grayslake, IL 60030 from 3:00pm until 6:00pm with the service commencing at 6:00pm.   For more information log onto www.strangfuneral.org or contact (847)223-8122.

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Victoria Libelia Lasso, age 90, a resident of Round Lake Beach, IL, passed away on May 23, 2024 surrounded by her loving family.  She was born on December 12, 1933 in Ecuador.

Victoria is survived by her children, Cecilia Knopfhart, Carlos Lasso, Mariana Lasso, Raul Lasso, Elena Lasso, Patricia Lopez, Maurico Lasso, Giovanni Lasso, and Liz Vazquez; her 23 grandchildren; and her 28 great grandchildren.  She was preceded in death by her husband, Adolfo Lasso; her son, Guillermo Lasso; and granddaughter, Fernanda Valdez.

A visitation and funeral service will be held at Lakeland Church, 440 N Hunt Club Road, Gurnee, IL 60031 on Saturday, May 25, 2024 from 9am until 11am with a funeral service commencing at 11am.  Interment will be held at Ascension Catholic Cemetery in Libertyville, IL.  All funeral arrangements were entrusted to Strang Funeral Chapel, 410 E Belvidere Road, Grayslake, IL 60030.  For more information, please call (847)223-8122 or visit www.StrangFuneral.org. 

Herbert S. Ardell III, 91, a resident of Grayslake, IL, passed away May 21, 2024 at his home.  He was born July 1, 1932 in Williamsport, PA to Herbert and Kathryn Ardell.

He grew up in Marlinton, WV.  After high School he joined the U.S. Army and served as a paratrooper in the 82^nd Airborne.  In 1964 he began work in the computer operations department at A.B. Dick Company in Niles, IL.  He retired in 1994 after a 30-year career. He was an avid photographer and enjoyed genealogy.

Herbert is survived by his children Ross (Caroline) Ardell, Stacy (Robert) Hall, Doug (Nancy) Ardell, and David (Liz) Ardell, his grandchildren Christopher (Krysten) Ardell, Matthew (Stephanie) Ardell, Hanna Hall, Hunter Hall, Elle Hall, Hailey Ardell, J.T. Ardell, and Grant Ardell, and his great-grandchildren Serai, Camden, Adrian, Amelia, and Colton.  He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother George Ardell.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be directed to the animal shelter or a charity of your choice.

All funeral arrangements were privately held and entrusted to Strang Funeral Chapel & Crematorium 410 E. Belvidere Rd. Grayslake, IL 60030.  For more information log onto www.strangfuneral.org or contact (847)223-8122.

Elaine Kathleen Smith Schultz, 90 passed away on Thursday, April 25, 2024 at Library Lane Senior Apartments in Grayslake, IL surrounded by her daughter, son, and daughter-in-law.  She was born January 13, 1934 to Oden Weaver and Louise (nee: Stewart) Smith.

She was known as Kathleen, Kate, and Katie.

Kate is survived by her children Kurt (Jessica) Schultz of Seattle, WA, Brett (Joan) Schultz of Grayslake, IL, and Heidi Schultz of Lindenhurst, IL, her grandchildren Lauren (Vince) Perovic of Healdsburg, CA, and Corinne Schultz of Arlington Heights, IL.  She was preceded in death by her parents, her brother Oden Smith, and her sisters Marilyn Carlisle and Florence Flanagan.

Born and raised in Illinois, she spoke often of her great affection for her Mother, Daddy, brother Oden (Odie) and two sisters, Marilyn, and Florence.  Her fond family memories stretch from infatuation with “Hollywood” and the movies, to going on day and weekend trips to lakes and forest preserves to picnic and swim.

Kate graduated from York High School in 1951.  She married her high school sweetheart, Jack Schultz on April 12, 1953, taking a brief leave from the Korean war.

Kate made a lovely home in Lombard and enjoyed being a mother. She was engaged with their school activities, piano and drum lessons, cub scouts, boy scouts, brownies, girl scouts, and park district baseball leagues.  She sewed costumes for Heidi’s ballet and tap dance recitals, and even sewed her own costumes for the annual music competitions with her local Sweet Adelines barbershop harmony and a cappella chorus.  She loved music of all genres and was quick to join in the fun to go listen to the local band “Mad Fox” in the mid- late 70’s with two of her dear bus driver girlfriends and several other bus driver friends- a couple of whom actually performed in the band.

Kate loved to encourage others, had a great laugh and was playful with a quick wit and joyous sense of adventure.   The family spent most holidays and vacations traveling from Lombard up to Crystal Falls, MI to be in the great north woods from 1962 until she finally moved in 1981 to make Crystal Falls her permanent home.   She was a kind and independent, strong woman.  For 36 years she drove down several times each year to visit Brett’s family in Illinois.  Kate adored her two granddaughters Lauren and Corinne very much.  She also traveled to spend time with Heidi in Southern California and Kurt in the Seattle area.

Kate was a dedicated, hard worker all of her life in roles as an administrative assistant, school bus driver, assembly technician, eventually retiring as a custodian from the Forest Parks Schools in 1999.  She later worked again at the deli of “The Jubilee” in town (Crystal Falls.)  Katie loved being with her friends- out of doors at the parks and lakes or playing cards and watching Packer games, laughing, or singing Karaoke.  She enjoyed the parades and festivities of the local community, even performing in multiple Annual Variety shows at the Crystal Theatre.  Her friends knew her as “a ray of sunshine, never judging others and always willing to go with the flow!” 

Katie achieved her dream of having a log cabin built to live in.  She became an avid deer hunter.  Katie held a profound appreciation for nature – embracing all of its glory from her cozy log cabin and spoke often of experiencing amazing sunrises, sunsets, and the northern lights.  She witnessed Haley’s comet vividly with her naked eye.  She loved the peace and solitude of her property, hiking with her dogs Thor and Orion through the pine and cedar forests, over the streams and meadows.  She fed many deer and wild turkey in the fall and winter months, and loved watching the birds, owls, hawks and eagles from her deck or dining room window all year long.  One of her favorite cabin life memories was when she had the unique pleasure to joyfully watch a mother black bear and her 3 cubs frolic and play in her yard as mama bear then stood on her hind legs to eat from the choke cherry tree and feed some to her cubs.

Kate had a very strong faith in the Lord throughout her life and was a member of Faith Fellowship Bible Church in Crystal Falls, MI.

A memorial visitation and service is scheduled for June 23, 2024 at Independence Grove Forest Preserve Visitor Center Bldg. 16400 W. Buckley Rd. Libertyville, IL 60048. The visitation will be held from 11am until 12:30pm when a memorial service and time of sharing will be begin. A social gathering will follow the memorial service from 1:15pm until 2pm.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the “Memorial Garden” at Kate’s church:  Faith Fellowship Bible Church, 1314 Old US Hwy 2, Crystal Falls, MI 49920.

All funeral arrangements were entrusted to Strang Funeral Chapel & Crematorium 410 E. Belvidere Rd. Grayslake, IL 60030.  For more information log onto www.strangfuneral.org or contact (847)223-8122.

Robert J. Rutecki, 80, a resident of Round Lake Park, IL, passed away May 10, 2024 at Advocate Condell Medical Center in Libertyville, IL.  He was born June 16, 1943 in Chicago, IL to John and Mildred Rutecki.

Robert was a Vietnam War veteran having served with the US Army.  He worked for the Round Lake Schools for over 20 years as a custodian.  Robert enjoyed nature, was fun-loving, had a good sense of humor and was a doting grandfather.

Robert is survived by his children Teresa (Brian) Korbel and John Rutecki, his granddaughters Jessica (Keane) Anthony and Andrea Korbel, and his sisters Aurelia (Thomas) Keevers, Deborah (Tom) Harazin, and Cynthia (David) Ernst.  He was preceded in death by his parents and his wife Lauren.

A graveside service will be held on Sunday, May 19, 2024 at Avon Centre Cemetery at the corner of Shorewood Rd. and Route 83 in Grayslake at 12:00pm.  All funeral arrangements were entrusted to Strang Funeral Chapel & Crematorium 410 E. Belvidere Rd. Grayslake, IL 60030.  For more information log onto www.strangfuneral.org or contact (847)223-8122.

Lettie Jane Leininger (nee Rentschler) passed away on Saturday, May 11, 2024 at the age of 94.  Lettie was born in Rochester, Indiana on February 17, 1930 to Clarence and Virginia Rentschler, the oldest of four daughters.  She grew up on a farm outside Fulton Indiana and attended Manchester College receiving a Bachelors degree in Home Economics.  She married Donald W. Leininger on October 30, 1955.  Don and Lettie celebrated 65years of marriage in 2020 just prior to Don’s passing.

As a youth, she learned to sew becoming an accomplished seamstress and competing in 4H dress sewing competitions winning at the county fair and competing at the state fair. Sewing was a hobby that Lettie cherished through her life creating clothes for family, friends and herself.  She was also an avid gardener with particular focus on a variety of flowering plants.  Lettie had a deep faith and was a member of several Baptist congregations throughout her life.

Upon graduation from college, Lettie taught Home Economics in a school at Ligonier, Indiana.  After marrying Don, the couple moved around the country in support of Don’s career as an Officer in the U.S. Air Force.  That period of time included assignments in South Carolina, Germany, Alaska, Massachusetts, Louisiana, Indiana, California and Florida.  After Don retired from the service, they settled in Gurnee, Illinois and spend the remainder of their years in northern Illinois. 

Lettie considered her greatest accomplishment to be the birth and raising of her and Don’s three children, Dan, Julie and Chris.  Lettie was a stay at home mom during the children’s formative years devoting all of her energies to her family. As her children grew older, Lettie returned to the working world in sewing/fabric and greeting card retail management. She retired from this second career in the late 1990s.

During early retirement, Lettie and Don traveled to Europe and around the U.S. and especially enjoyed spending time with grandchildren.  In addition to sewing and gardening, Lettie spent time on puzzles and playing bridge.  She was also an active member of the Exchange Club.

Lettie was preceded in death by her parents and husband.  She is survived by her children, Dan (Jen) of Layton, UT, Julie (Ron Vander Weele) of Chicago, IL and Chris of French Lick, IN; and grandchildren Megan, Allison, Emily, Will, Max, Abe and Van and great-grandchild Henry.

All funeral arrangements were entrusted to Strang Funeral Chapel, 410 E Belvidere Road, Grayslake, IL 60030.  For more information, please call (847)223-8122 or visit www.StrangFuneral.org.

Our beloved mother, Marvis Leone Brinegar, born January 8^th, 1939, in Milaca, Minnesota. She passed away, May 10^th, 2024, in Lindenhurst, Illinois.

Marvis was born to Carl Albert Borg and Clara Belle Johnston, had five sisters – Doris, Joyce, Barbara, Melva, and Gloria.

Marvis and her sisters, Barbara and Melva, were adopted in 1945 by Nels Mikel Flatebo and Olyve Genevieve Manee. She grew up in Windom, Minnesota where she attended and graduated from Windom High School in 1957.

Shortly after graduating high school, Marvis moved to Chicago, Illinois for work where she met and married Clarven Brinegar on February 5, 1959. They moved to Round Lake Heights, Illinois in 1961 where they raised their seven children – Clarven Brinegar Jr. (Laura), Elizabeth Richardson (Reed), Daniel Brinegar, Renee Brinegar, Heidi Molinari (Mark), Andrew Brinegar (Patricia), and Amber Brinegar (Roger).

In 1983, Marvis and her sisters reunited with their biological family with the help of their adoptive father. She was able to meet several aunts, uncles, and cousins. She later also reunited with her father and her two older sisters Doris and Joyce.

During her lifetime in Round Lake Heights, Marvis volunteered for the Republican Party ensuring elderly people had rides to the polling locations. She was a den mother in the Boy Scouts for many years. She worked for Baxter Labs and was also a brake press operator for Stack-On Products until she retired in 2004. Additionally, she volunteered as a Sunday School and Vacation Bible school teacher at Good Shepard Lutheran Church in Lake Villa, Illinois.

Marvis married Lynn Gamble April 15^th, 1983, in Waukegan, Illinois. They enjoyed traveling and volunteering with the VA visiting veterans. They remained married until his death on July 22, 2003.

Marvis was a proud and supportive grandmother to her seventeen grandchildren – Rebecca Venk (Ryan), Cory Brinegar, Amanda Patterson (Devon), Regan Garrido (Vinny), Annyssa Molinari (Marlon), Brad Brinegar (Shannah), Rachelle Richardson, (Dustin), Tiffany Vilchis (Cody), Jessica Catalano, Kyle Brinegar, Arielle Blobner (Zac), Melanie Brinegar, Natalie Brinegar, Dakota Brinegar, Sierra Brinegar, (Ryan), Montana Brinegar, Houston Brinegar.

Her nineteen great-grandchildren always made her smile, when they called her GiGi – Destynee Patterson, Tina Timms Brinegar, Jett Bellows, Aaleyiah Patterson, Hayes Venk, Elijah Karczewski, Mateo Flores, Bradley Brinegar, Rowa Bellows, Devon Patterson, Olivia Catalano, Halle Venk, Khloe Brinegar, Blake Brinegar, Edith Garrido, Canyon Brinegar, Julian Jones, Lily Jeffrey, and Maverick Jones.

She is also survived by her numerous nieces, nephews, cousins whom she met up with yearly at our family reunions, and longtime friends Phyllis Larson, Kathy Germann and Elaine Portzen, who she has been best friends with for 63 years, and her favorite fur child Buttons Sophia, the cat.

She was proceeded in death by, both sets of parents that she was blessed to have Clara Johnston, Carl Borg, Gen Flatebo, and Nels Flatebo; sisters Gloria Borg, Barbara Johnson, Joyce Thompson, Doris Thompson, and Melva Karkut. Husbands Clarven Brinegar Sr and Lynn Gamble, son, Daniel Brinegar, and grandsons Cory Brinegar, Houston Brinegar.

For any memorials, Marvis had hoped you would send them in her name to organizations that provide meaningful services and are important to you.

The inurnment graveside service will be held on June 22, 2024 at 11:00am at Avon Centre Cemetery located at the corner of Shorewood Rd and Route 83 in Grayslake, IL. 

All funeral arrangements were privately held and entrusted to Strang Funeral Chapel & Crematorium 410 E. Belvidere Rd. Grayslake, IL 60030.  For more information log onto www.strangfuneral.org or contact (847)223-8122.

Donna Epstein (nee Twitchell), born on June 3, 1951, passed away on May 12, 2024.  Donna grew up in Seward, Alaska, where she lived until 1964 when a major earthquake destroyed their home. She moved to Anchorage, where she met the love of her life, Ira Epstein from Skokie, Illinois.  He was a Sergeant in the U.S. Air Force at Elmendorf Air Force Base.  They were married on July 12, 1969.  They lived in Anchorage until October 1973 when they moved to Illinois.  They had three children, Blair, Kjerstin Gatlin, and Kandace Williams; and four grandchildren, Liam Williams, Chance Culp, Chasidy Culp, and Jessie Culp.  Donna was preceded in death by her husband, Ira on January 10, 2007; and son, Blair on September 19, 2022.

Donna enjoyed playing Mahjongg and Bunco.  She belonged to the Dining Divas group and Red Hatters.  She enjoyed spending her spare time knitting winter scarves for veterans and homeless in Lake County and Operation Gratitude for the military.

Entombment will be held at Warren Cemetery, 1475 N. Cemetery Road, Gurnee, IL 60031 on Thursday, May 16, 2024 at 1pm.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Save A Pet, PO Box 266, Grayslake, IL 60030 or Wounded Warriors, National Processing Center, PO Box 758541, Topeka, KS 66675-8541. All funeral arrangements were entrusted to Strang Funeral Chapel, 410 E Belvidere Road, Grayslake, IL 60030. For more information, please call (847) 223-8122 or visit www.StrangFuneral.org.    

    

Grazyna “Grace” C. Niemczura, 83, a resident of Grayslake, IL, passed away Saturday, May 11, 2024 at Hillcrest Nursing Center in Round Lake Beach, IL.  She was born October 15, 1940 in Poland to Jozef and Stefania Niemczura.  

Grace being a U.S.A. citizen, she came to the United States in 1957, graduated from the University of Illinois (Chicago) in 1964 with a Bachelor of Science degree in pharmacy and pursued her career in various private and hospital pharmacies.  She retired from Ravenswood Hospital in Chicago, part of the Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center group, after 21 years there, in 2006.

Grace is survived by her cousins Susan (Kermit) Hayes, Valerie (Kenney Mencher) Kiszka, and Julian Niemczura and many other cousins here and in Poland.  She was preceded in death by her parents.

A life-long animal lover, Grace especially loved her 5 dogs, Tabitha, Samantha, Lady, Bailey and Marlo, and has now joined her faithful companions going over the rainbow bridge.

All funeral arrangements were privately held and entrusted to Strang Funeral Chapel & Crematorium 410 E. Belvidere Rd. Grayslake, IL 60030.  For more information log onto www.strangfuneral.org or contact (847)223-8122.

Helen Monica (Donahue) Hintz, age 86, a resident of Grayslake, IL, passed away on April 29, 2024, at her home.  She was born on August 25, 1937, in Stillwater, MN to John and Agnes (Lavelle) Donahue.  She was the baby of eight siblings and was raised in Erin Prairie, WI on the family farm. Helen graduated from New Richmond High School in 1955.  She went on to the College of Saint Benedict in St. Joseph, MN from which she graduated in 1957.

An avid bridge player, Helen rarely missed the opportunity to play a round.  She held a deep love of nature and gardening.  She made it a point to look up every day and could marvel at clouds for hours.   Helen enjoyed talking on the phone with her much loved family and friends.  She appreciated a good cup of coffee or tea and was a self-proclaimed ‘baby nut’ who loved spending time with her grandchildren.  She enjoyed shopping and traveling and took many trips with friends and family. 

Helen had a sincere attitude of gratitude and spent every day truly thankful for everything, and everyone. with which she had been blessed.  

Helen was a member of Saint Mary of the Annunciation Catholic Church.

Helen is survived by her children, Jim Hintz and Monica (Angus) MacMillan, her grandchildren, Molly and Heidi Hintz, and Liam and Griffin MacMillan.  She is further survived by her sister, Marguerite (Rite) Maloney, many nieces and nephews, several dear cousins, and numerous friends.  She was preceded in death by her husband, Donald; and her siblings, Jim, Mary (Hoffman), Paul, Pat, Tom and Frank.

A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Mary of the Annunciation Catholic Church, 22333 W Erhart Road, Mundelein, IL 60060 on Saturday, May 18^th at 11am, followed by a luncheon at Crossroads Restaurant and Bar, 1021 IL-83, Mundelein. All funeral arrangements were entrusted to Strang Funeral Chapel, 410 E Belvidere Road, Grayslake, IL 60030.  For more information, please call (847)223-8122 or visit www.StrangFuneral.org. 

Robert “Bob” Michael Rozzoni, 78, passed away peacefully on May 5, 2024 at Advocate Condell Medical Center in Libertyville, IL with his wife, Barbara, at his side.  He lost a courageous battle with lung cancer.  Bob was born in Racine, WI on October 8, 1945 to Mario and Anna (nee Greco) Rozzoni.  He was united in marriage to Barbara Wodicka (whom he affectionately called “the love of his life”) on March 16, 1968 at St. Johns Nepomuk Catholic Church in Racine, WI.

Bob is survived by his wife, Barbara of 56 years; daughter, Amy; and grandsons, Hunter and Joseph, all of Grayslake, IL.  He is also survived by his brothers, Arthur “Artie” (Trudy) Rozzoni, and Mark (Linda) Rozzoni; sisters-in-law, Karen (Joseph) Hock, Sheryl (Harold) Jocoby, and Jennifer Gregory; brothers-in-law, Harold Wodicka and Kevin (Josef Bressani) Wodicka; as well as many nieces, nephews, and friends.  Bob was preceded in death by his beloved nephew, Eric Joseph Wodicka.

Bob retired from Navistar International as IT project Manager.  He was a Vietnam Veteran, having served four years in the United States Air Force.  His greatest joys were watching his grandsons grow up, attending family gatherings, sharing his days talking with neighbors, and playing an occasional golf game with friends.

The family offers its sincerest gratitude to the doctors, nurses, and staff at Northwestern Medicine Grayslake ER, Lake Forest Hospital, Advocate Condell Medical Center ER & ICU, Advocate Hospice, and especially Dr. Dammrich and Dr. Coleman from the Oncology Department- they are truly the angels that walk among us!

A Visitation will be held at Strang Funeral Chapel, 410 E Belvidere Road, Grayslake, IL 60030 on Thursday, May 16, 2024 from 10:00am until 12:00pm.  A luncheon will follow at Roma Lodge, 7130 Spring Street, Racine, WI 53406 at 1:00pm.  In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be directed to the American Lung Association, American Cancer Society, or a charity of your choice.  For more information, please call (847)223-8122 or visit www.StrangFuneral.org. 

Steven Glenn Feltner, 54, tragically left us on Sunday May 5th, 2024. He was born on February 9th, 1970 in Waukegan, Illinois to Drenda Saylor (Feltner).

Steven lived a full life and never met a stranger that didn’t become a friend. He loved his family, ice fishing, boating, camping and grilling. Never without a Marlboro and music, Steve brought life to every party. He made it a point to make everyone feel like family and fed every kid he possibly could. His memory will live on through his children, grandchildren, family and the countless friends he made along the way. He will be missed dearly.

Steven is survived by his children Austin Michael Feltner, Lauren Elise Head (Feltner) Caitlyn Danielle Feltner, his grandson Everett Timothy Head, his beloved mother, Drenda Saylor (Feltner), and his loving brothers Scott Saylor and Aaron Saylor. He is preceded in death by his beloved Papaw, Florian Feltner and Granny, Elizabeth Feltner (Wilkerson) and many other loving relatives.

A visitation will be held at Strang Funeral Chapel, 410 E Belvidere Road, Grayslake, IL 60030 on Monday, May 13, 2024 from 4pm until 8pm and Tuesday, May 14, 2024 from 10am until 11am.  A funeral service will be held at the funeral chapel on Tuesday, May 14, 2024 at 11am.  Interment will be held at Avon Centre Cemetery in Grayslake, IL. For more information, please call (847) 223-8122 or visit www.StrangFuneral.org.   

Arline June (nee: Jarrett) Norkus, 91, a resident of Grayslake, IL, passed away May 6, 2024 at her home.  She was born January 8, 1933 in Chicago, IL to Walter and June Jarrett. 

Arline is survived by her husband of 66 years, Raymond Louis, whom she wed on October 19, 1957 in Glenview, IL, her children John (Taffi) Norkus and Gail Norkus, her grandchildren Sarah Norkus and Michael Norkus, her 2 great-grandchildren, and her brother Walter Jarrett.  She was preceded in death by her parents and her son James Norkus.

A visitation and funeral mass is scheduled for Friday, May 10, 2024 at St. Gilbert Catholic Church 301 E. Belvidere Rd. Grayslake, IL 60030 from 10:00am until 11:00am with the funeral mass commencing at 11:00am.  Interment will follow at All Saints Cemetery in Des Plaines, IL.  All funeral arrangements were entrusted to Strang Funeral Chapel & Crematorium 410 E. Belvidere Rd. Grayslake, IL 60030.  For more information log onto www.strangfuneral.org or contact (847)223-8122.

Sharon M. Gregory, 72, a resident of Lake Villa, IL, passed away peacefully at her home on May 1, 2024.  She was born August 7, 1951 in Chicago, IL to Gerald and Nora Lee Kopanksi.

Sharon dedicated her career to A Safe Place (Waukegan/Zion, IL) as a director for more than 20 years before she retired.  Sharon was involved in multiple Lutheran churches during her life, whether it be serving on the board, serving on different committees, training new church secretaries, and  numerous other volunteer opportunities throughout the years. She also enjoyed traveling our country and the world with her late husband Nick and their great friends. Sharon had a passion for pierogi and barley soup, plants, flowers and crocheting. She deeply loved her siblings, children, family, friends most of all her grandchildren.

Sharon is survived by her children Thomas Gregory and Faith Stewart, her grandchildren Emmie (Tony) Lavelle and Carson Stewart, her siblings Donna (Michael) Lohse, Laura (Glenn) Niezgoda, and John Kopanski, and many nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband Nicholas Gregory.

A memorial visitation and service will be held at Joyful Harvest Lutheran Church 5050 N. Johnsburg Road Johnsburg, IL 60051 on May 16, 2024 from 9:00am to 10:00am with the memorial service commencing at 10:00am.  Inurnment will follow at Avon Centre Cemetery in Grayslake, IL.  In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the church or A Safe Place https://asafeplaceforhelp.org/.  All funeral arrangements were entrusted to Strang Funeral Chapel & Crematorium 410 E. Belvidere Rd. Grayslake, IL 60030.  For more information log onto www.strangfuneral.org or contact (847)223-8122.

Lorraine A. Johnson of Grayslake Illinois passed away on April 26, 2024, surrounded by her devoted family. Lorraine was the beloved wife of William James Johnson(deceased), a retired Chicago Firefighter.  Loving mother of Patricia (Tom) McGovern, Linda (Bill) Foley and David (Janet) Johnson, proud grandmother of Melissa and Cody Johnson and Heather (Rob)Bendorovich and great grandmother of Brooklyn and Bailey Bendorovich.

Lorraine, a retired realtor, business and civic leader was a woman of vision.  She was responsible for a long string of accomplishments in Metropolitan Chicago.  Lorraine was one of Chicago’s most prominent real estate brokers and President of Century 21 William Johnson Realtors, Inc. for 39 years. Her proudest real estate accomplishments came when Lorraine was installed as the first woman in 103 years to lead The Chicago Board of Realtors as their president.  Her Installation in 1987 was the culmination of years of dedicated service to the real estate industry. Lorraine held key positions with the Illinois Association of Realtors as well.  The late mayor of Chicago, Jane Byrne, appointed Lorraine as Energy Chairman for the City of Chicago, for which Lorraine undertook a project with Commonwealth Edison and Peoples Gas to educate Chicago’s low-income residents concerning energy conservation and safety.

Lorraine earned special recognition from the National Association of Realtors.  She was elected Realtor of the year in 1988 for her legendary accomplishments, both in real estate and civic leadership. Lorraine was selected by Cook County Recorder of Deeds Carol Mosley Braun to serve on a Blue Ribbon Committee in an effort to implement changes to the office of Recorder of Deeds in City Hall.  Lorraine was a member of the State Licensing Law Committee.  She taught for the Realtors School for Licensing.  She lectured for Chicago’s Public Library and public schools. Lorraine also served as an officer, director and president of the Northwest Chicago Real Estate Board. On June 5, 1983 Lorraine answered a call from the Archdiocese of Chicago and was commissioned a minister of Care and Communion to the sick. Lorraine was an active member of St. Gilbert Catholic Parish in Grayslake, Illinois.  She happily retired from all real estate activities in 1999 to enjoy her wonderful family.

A visitation and funeral Mass is scheduled for May 9, 2024, at St. Gilbert Church 301 E. Belvidere Road Grayslake, Illinois 60030 from 10:30am until 11:00am with the mass commencing at 11:00am.

Gravesite Internment Ascension Cemetery 1920 W. Buckley Road Libertyville, Illinois 60048.  In Lieu of flowers, donations to the Chicago Fire Department would be appreciated.  All funeral arrangements were entrusted to Strang Funeral Chapel & Crematorium 410 E. Belvidere Rd. Grayslake, IL 60030.  For more information log onto www.strangfuneral.org or contact (847)223-8122.

Steven Kinderman, 67, a resident of Round Lake Beach, IL, passed away May 1, 2024 at his home.  He was born April 23, 1957 in Chicago, IL to Richard and Marjorie Kinderman.

Steven is a fan of martial arts, and in 1989 he became a black belt in Tai Kwon Do.

Steven is survived by his wife of 41 years Donna (Hansen) Kinderman, his children Steven S. Kinderman, and Karen M. Kinderman, and his brother Richard P. Kinderman. He was preceded in death by his parents Richard and Marjorie Kinderman.

A visitation will be held on Monday May 6, 2024 from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm at Strang Funeral Chapel & Crematorium 410 E. Belvidere Rd. Grayslake, IL 60030. All funeral arrangements were entrusted to Strang Funeral Chapel & Crematorium 410 E. Belvidere Rd. Grayslake, IL 60030.  For more information log onto www.strangfuneral.org or contact (847)223-8122.

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Kathleen Claire Sweeney, age 84, a resident of Grayslake, IL, passed away on April 10, 2024 at Northwestern Lake Forest Hospital.  She was born on April 4, 1940 in Milwaukee, WI to Margaret G. (nee Sargent) and Clair A. Sweeney.

Kathleen is survived by her friends, Nancy Torres and Lois Brondy.  She was preceded in death by her parents and sister, JoAnn Sweeney.

A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Gilbert’s Catholic Church, 301 E Belvidere Road, Grayslake, IL 60030 on Saturday, May 4, 2024 at 11am.  Inurnment will be held at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery in Hales Corner, WI.  All arrangements were entrusted to Strang Funeral Chapel, 410 E Belvidere Road, Grayslake, IL 60030.  For more information, please call (847)223-8122 or visit www.StrangFuneral.org.

Joseph C Calcese Jr,, 62, a resident of Round Lake Beach, Il, passed away April 27, 2024 at Advocate Lutheran General Hospital in Park Ridge IL.  He was born May 25 1961 in Chicago, IL to Joseph and Georgette.

Joe was an amazing husband, grandfather, brother and friend.  His presence could fill a room. He had a heart of gold, was a great story teller and had an amazing sense of humor. He was a blessing to everyone that knew and loved him.

Joseph is survived by his wife of 14 years, Cheryl Calcese; his sister, Candace Opon; and his mother, Georgette Lewakowski.

Joseph was preceded in death by his father, Joseph C Calcese; his son, Joseph C Calcese; and his brother, Anthony Calcese. 

 All funeral arrangements were entrusted to Strang Funeral Chapel & Crematorium 410 E. Belvidere Rd. Grayslake, IL 60030.  For more information log onto www.strangfuneral.org or contact (847)223-8122.

Glenn Pekelsma, 84 years old, died January 17, 2024, at home in Third Lake, Illinois. Glenn was born September 28, 1939, in Chicago, the son of Lloyd Michael Pekelsma and Mildred Ruth (Erickson) Pekelsma.

Glenn’s parents found Third Lake because of the U. S. Navy. His dad’s tour of duty from the Korean War was to finish at Great Lakes Naval Training Center but there wasn’t any housing to accommodate a family of seven. Through family friends and some luck, they stumbled upon a house in Third Lake. His parents passed away at the turn of the century and his siblings left, but Glenn never left Third Lake. He fell in love with a summer-time city girl at 12 years of age. He and Gloria Tenebrini married in 1960 and raised their children there. Glenn attended Grayslake Community High School (as did his three children, his two brothers and his three sisters), graduated in 1957, and was a member of the football and baseball teams all four years. The winters were spent playing hockey on many of the local lakes and, in later years, in various rinks in northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin. His love of hockey was such that he played until he was 65 years old. Glenn attended Ripon College for a year before dropping out and working in construction.He began as a bricklayer, a job he loved. He learned quite a lot about the trades from the excavators, carpenters, cement finishers, electricians, plasterers, and plumbers with whom he worked during his apprenticeship. Later he turned to carpentry. There were some lean winters, but he and Gloria weathered them and prospered. In 1972 they moved into a beautiful stone house in which they lived the rest of their lives.

Anyone that knew Glenn knew him as “Pops.” Over 60 years of shaping young peoples’ lives, he coached everyone, from his children to strangers to every Grayslake hockey kid in between. Some of his kids were from his son’s years starting in 1979. Their kids now have kids who have kids. His legacy always will be ‘Pops’ with his firm voice and gentle heart.

Glenn is survived by his children, Jeffrey (Robin) Pekelsma, Christine (Tom) Hanchin, Jenny (Steve) Kane, by his eight grandchildren and by his four siblings.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Gloria (in 1997), and his sister Ruth (in 1968).

A Celebration of Life for Glenn will be held on Saturday June 1, 2024 from 2:00-5:00 P.M.

at the Fogcutter, 36021 N. US Hwy 45, Lake Villa, IL 60046.