410 East Belvidere Rd, Grayslake, IL 60030
Call Us: 847-223-8122
Pre-planning consultations meeting your needs
Strang Funeral Chapel & Crematorium

operated since 1898

services we provide
Strang Funeral Chapel & Crematorium

operated since 1898

services we provide

Jacqueline Berger

Jacqueline Berger, a resident of Grayslake, passed away February 4, 2012 at Advocate Condell Medical Center in Libertyville. Friends of the family may visit Friday, February 8, 2013 from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. at STRANG FUNERAL CHAPEL & CREMATORIUM, 410 East Belvidere Road, Grayslake. A funeral services is scheduled for 10:30 a.m., Saturday, February 9, 2013 also at the funeral home. Interment will follow at Avon Centre Cemetery. For information, please call 847 223 8122.

Leopold Arispe, Jr.

Leopold Arispe, Jr., a 78-year-old Waukegan resident, passed away Mon. Feb. 4, 2013 at Vista East in Waukegan.  He was born in San Antonio, TX on June 27, 1934 to the now late Leo Sr. and Lorenza {nee Garcia} Arispe.  Leopold worked for McLean Fogg in Mundelein for over 20 years.  He loved his family, especially the children, and was an avid antique and classic toy car collector.  Leopold was a huge fan of classic Hollywood films, especially Laurel & Hardy.  Leopold was the beloved brother of Richard (Eva) Arispe, David Arispe, Olga (Jerome) Wengel, Rosie (Jimmy) Correa, Rueben (Becky) Arispe, Tony Arispe, and Marylou Torres; fond uncle of many.  His brothers Raymond and Robert Arispe preceded him in death.  Friends of the family may visit at STRANG FUNERAL CHAPEL & CREMATORIUM, 410 E. Belvidere Rd. Grayslake, IL 60030 from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. on Fri. Feb. 8, 2013.  The funeral service will commence at 11:30 a.m. on Sat. Feb. 9, also at Strang Funeral Chapel.  Interment will follow at Ascension Cemetery in Libertyville.  Memorial contributions to the family would be appreciated.  For further information, please call (847) 223-8122 or visit www.strangfuneral.org.

Dorothy E. Skalla

Dorothy Elizabeth Skalla, formally of North Chicago, Waukegan and Grayslake, Illinois passed away February 2, 2013. Dorothy was born to Murray and Vida Bangs Dow on May 1st, 1917 in Xenia, Illinois.  She grew up on a small family farm there and attended a one-room, country schoolhouse. Dorothy lost her mother at an early age and later lived with her aunt Mattie in Iowa for several years before moving to Highland Park where she worked as a nanny for the Le Vally family.  Dorothy graduated from Highland Park High School, worked various clerical jobs and later worked for Douglas Aircraft (located at present-day O’Hare) during WWII where she was an original “Rosie the Riveter”. After the war she met her future husband, Edward, and they were married on July 24th, 1948.  They settled in Waukegan and North Chicago where they raised their four children. Dorothy was especially active in her later years, golfing, playing bolina, bowling and singing alto in the Waukegan Symphony Chorus. The Christian faith was an important part of her life and she was a former member of Mother of God and Prince of Peace churches.  She was a volunteer at Victory Hospital and also enjoyed her many functions with the Park Place Senior Center, Steelworkers Retirees Club and KSKJ St. Mary Lodge #79.  Dorothy is survived by her children, Gregory (Tonia) Skalla of Wildwood IL, Donald Skalla of Williams Bay WI, and Mary-Jo (Gary) Loizzo of Grayslake IL; grandchildren David (Sheila) Shrofe and Nicole Loizzo; great-grandchildren Caitlin, Julia, and Patrick Shrofe; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceeded in death by her husband Edward and daughter Patricia (Wayne) Shrofe. She was also preceeded in death by all of her siblings: sister Helen Pearson, and brothers Harold, Duncan, Earl, Edwin and Russell Dow.  A visitation is scheduled for Wednesday February 6, 2013 from 4:00pm until 8:00pm at Strang Funeral Chapel & Crematorium 410 E. Belvidere Rd. Grayslake, IL 60030.  A funeral mass will be held on Thursday February 7, 2013 at 10:00am at St. Gilbert Catholic Church 301 E. Belvidere Rd. Grayslake, IL 60030.  Interment will follow at Ascension Catholic Cemetery in Libertyville, IL.  In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Dorothy’s name to the charity of your choice.  For more information please contact (847)223-8122 or log onto www.strangfuneral.org.

Blaine G. Young

Blaine G. Young passed away Wednesday, January 23, 2013. He was born in Chicago to Blaine Gladstone and Mae (Higgins). He was the youngest of three children including Mary and George who preceded him in death. Blaine and Nancy (Fraser) were married for 50 years and lived in Grayslake for over 40 years. A salesman for Federal Pacific in Des Plaines, he was a member of the Renwood County Club. He is survived by many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. Friends of the family may visit Saturday, February 2, 2013 from 10 to 11 a.m. followed by funeral services at STRANG FUNERAL CHAPEL & CREMATORIUM, 410 E. Belvidere Rd., Grayslake, IL 60030. Inurnment will be at a later date at First Presbyterian Church in Hilton Head, SC. Memorials may be made to the charity of choice in Blaine’s name. For information, call 847-223-8122 or visit www.strangfuneral.org.

Judith F. “Judy” Erdmann

Judith F. “Judy” Erdmann, a resident of Ingleside, passed away Wednesday January 23, 2013, at Northern Illinois Medical Center in McHenry, IL, at the age of 67. She was born August 24, 1945 in Bexar, AL to Daulton and Evelyn (nee: Riddings) Lindsey. Judy is survived by her husband of 45 years, Glenn, whom she wed on December 23, 1967 in Chicago, IL, her children Sandy (JT) Tillert of Ingleside and Kim (Don) Neis of Ingleside, her grandchildren Samantha and Brodie of Ingleside, and her siblings Mather (Geraldine) Lindsey of Hamilton, AL, Euna (Billy) Hughes of Hamilton, AL, and Mary (Harold) Hood of Tullahoma, TN. She was preceded in death by her parents Daulton and Evelyn Lindsey. Friends of the family may visit Tuesday, January 29, 2013 from 6 to 7 p.m. with a funeral service commencing at 7:00pm at STRANG FUNERAL CHAPEL & CREMATORIUM, 410 E. Belvidere Rd., Grayslake, IL 60030. Interment will be held privately. Memorials may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association. For information, call 847-223-8122 or visit www.strangfuneral.org.

William Peters

William H. Peters passed away at his home in Round Lake on Saturday, January 19, 2013 at the age of 63. He was born in Chicago, Illinois on November 5, 1949. He graduated from Grayslake High School in l968. He was retired at the time of his death. Bill was an accomplished guitar player and enjoyed playing for his family and friends. He was an avid Cub fan and enjoyed watching football, especially the Chicago Bears. He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Frances Peters; a brother, Robert C. Peters (died in action in Viet Nam); and a sister, Patricia Pickard. Surviving is a sister and brother-in-law, Sharon and Earl Smith of Hanover, Pennsylvania; three nieces; Debbie Cole, Becky Pomorin and Dona Behner; and a nephew, Andrew Pickard. Also surviving are several cousins and many good friends. Services for William will be held at the Strang Funeral Chapel, 410 East Belvidere Road, Grayslake on Saturday, January 26, 2013. A viewing will be held from 10 to 11 o’clock with the funeral service following at 11 o’clock. For information call 847 223 8122.

Richard G. Theisen

Richard G. Theisen, of Grayslake, passed away Mon. Jan. 21, 2013 in Libertyville.  Born in Chicago on Jan. 3, 1927 to the now late Joseph L. and Anna M. {nee Mann}.  Richard was a Catholic Priest and teacher in Chicagoland for over 25 years.  Beloved husband of Carol {nee Laursen} Theisen; loving step-father of four, step-grandfather of 10 and great-grandfather of one; dear brother of Robert (Mary) Theisen; brother-in-law of Muriel Theisen; fond uncle of many.  His brother Jerome Theisen and sister Patricia Thielen preceded him in death.  Visitation at STRANG FUNERAL CHAPEL & CREMATORIUM, 410 E. Belvidere Rd., Grayslake, IL  60030 from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. on Thu. Jan. 24, 2013.  Brief visitation at St. Gilbert Catholic Church, 301 E. Belvidere Rd., Grayslake, IL 60030 from 9 a.m. until the commencement of Funeral Mass at 10 a.m. on Fri. Jan. 25, 2013.  Interment will be held privately.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to either Catholic Charities, www.catholiccharities.net, or to the Hurricane Sandy relief effort, www.sandyrelief.org, please.  (847) 223-8122 or www.strangfuneral.org.

Richard Louis Scholz

Richard Louis Scholz, a resident of Grayslake, passed away Tuesday January 15, 2013 at his residence at the age of 86. He was born February 25, 1926 in Chicago, IL. Richard was a World War II veteran having served with the US Navy. Richard is survived by his wife Margie Lavern Scholz, whom he wed on May 28, 1960, his children Steve (Linda) Scholz, Michael (Linda) Scholz, and Randolph (Olga) Scholz, and his grandchildren Theresa, Ryan, Cory, Casey, Jennifer, Olivia, and Andrew. A visitation is scheduled for Thursday January 17, 2013 from 4:00pm until 8:00pm at Strang Funeral Chapel 410 E. Belvidere Rd. Grayslake, IL 60030. A funeral service is scheduled for Friday January 18, 2013 at 10:00am at the funeral chapel. Interment will follow at Irving Park Cemetery in Chicago, IL. For information, please call (847) 223-8122 or visit www.strangfuneral.org.

Anna M. Toll

Anna M. Toll, a resident of Palatine, passed away Monday January 7, 2013, at the age of 94. She was born September 27, 1918 in Libertyville to Edwin and Martha Krase. Anna was a lifelong member of St. Andrews Episcopal Church in Grayslake, where she was also a kindergarten teacher for 25 years. Anna is survived by her daughter Martha Callahan, her grandchildren Kerri (Michael Linck) Callahan, Ryan Callahan and Adam (Kim) Ruiz, her great-grandchild Dakota and Jacob, her sister Donna (Robert) Jennings of Georgia, and her many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Richard L. Toll and her daughter Jacqueline Maxwell. A memorial visitation is scheduled for Saturday January 26, 2013 from 11:30am until 1:00pm with a memorial mass commencing at 1:00pm at St. Michaels Church 647 Dundee Ave. Barrington, IL. Interment will immediately follow at Lakeside Cemetery in Libertyville, IL. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Assoc. 225 N. Michigan Ave. Suite 1700 Chicago, IL 60601. All funeral arrangements were entrusted to STRANG FUNERAL CHAPEL & CREMATORIUM, 410 E. Belvidere Rd. Grayslake, IL 60030. For information, please call (847) 223-8122 or visit www.strangfuneral.org.

Shirley A. Bero

Shirley Alice Bero, a 76-year-old Grayslake resident, passed away Sun. Jan. 13, 2013 at Advocate Condell Medical Center in Libertyville.  She was born in Chicago on June 24, 1936 to the low late Robert and Alice {nee Andrews} Brown.  Shirley was the beloved mother of Daniel and Cynthia Bero.  Friends of the family may join them at STRANG FUNERAL CHAPEL & CREMATORIUM, 410 E. Belvidere  Rd. Grayslake, IL  60030 on Sat. Jan. 19, 2013 from 1 p.m. until 3 p.m., with the funeral service commencing at 3 p.m.  Interment will be held privately at Northshore Garden of Memories in North Chicago.  For further information, please call (847) 223-8122 or visit www.strangfuneral.org.

Verna D. Bork

Verna Bork, an 88-year-old longtime Lake County resident, passed away Mon. Jan. 14, 2013 at Advocate Condell Medical Center in Libertyville. She was born in Avon, IL to the now late Clement and Delia {nee Porchmann} McElhiney. Verna was the beloved mother of Joyce (Allen) Greenspon, Joseph (the late Carol) Hommrich, William (Joan) Hommrich, John (Pam) Hommrich, and Chris Bork; the cherished grandmother of 10; doting great-grandmother of eight and great-great-grandmother of three; the dear sister of Robert (Margaret) McElhiney and Lawrence (Terri) Youell; fond aunt, great-aunt, and cousin of many; special friend of Margie Riviotta and Marilou Hommrich. Her husbands John Hommrich and William Bork, and her grandson Joseph W. Przybylo preceded her in death. Friends of the family may visit at STRANG FUNERAL CHAPEL & CREMATORIUM, 410 E. Belvidere Rd. Grayslake, IL 60030 on Sun. Jan. 20, 2013 from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m., with the funeral service commencing at 2 p.m. Interment will be held privately. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Verna’s name may be made to your favorite charity. For further information, please call (847) 223-8122 or visit www.strangfuneral.org.

Virginia R. Damos

Virginia Ruth Damos (nee Whitson) died on January 8, 2013.. She was born on April 14, 1924 in Waukegan to Vera and Clair Whitson. She was preceded in death by her husband Thomas, her brothers Clair and Frank Whitson, and her sister Lois Downer. She is survived by her daughter Diane, her son-in-law Bryan Coolican, six nieces, and eight nephews, and 29 great nieces and nephews.
Virginia graduated from Waukegan Township High School in 1942 where she was the class president for her junior and senior years. She then attended the Jan McAlister School of Nursing at Victory Memorial Hospital and trained at the University of Chicago and Cook County Hospital. She graduated in 1945 as a registered nurse. She held various nursing positions before returned to Victory Memorial Hospital where she worked for 32 years. She was Director of Surgery for the last 23 years of her career.
She was active at both the local and national level of the Association of Operating Room Nurses (AORN). Virginia served for 6 years on the local AORN board and was president of the local chapter from 1973 to 1974. At the national level she served on the board for 2 years and was the general chairman of the 1973 Congress. She was the AORN liason to the American College of Surgeons Committee on Operating Room Environments for 4 years. She traveled extensively in Europe examining operating room procedure. In 1990 she was selected as the National Operating Room Manager of the Year by the advisory board of the National Operating Room Manager.
She was a life-long member of the First United Methodist Church of Waukegan.
Services will be held at the Strang Funeral Chapel at 410 E. Belvidere Road, Grayslake, Il.at 11 AM on Saturday, January 12th, 2013. Visitation will begin at 9:30 AM.

Robert C. Kuzelka

Robert C. Kuzelka, a resident of Grayslake for 25 years, passed away Tuesday January 8, 2013 at the age of 79. He was born February 21, 1933 in Chicago, IL to Charles and Marie Kuzelka. Robert was a veteran of the Korean War having served for the US Navy aboard the USS Hickory and the USS Olmstead. He was a member of the United Protestant Church and the Gages Lake Bible Church, and the Grayslake American Legion. Robert loved to travel in his motor home, collected stamps, and loved animals, gardening, and fishing. Robert is survived by his wife of 25 years, Vivian, his sister Carol Davis of Wisconsin, his children Richard (Collene) Kuzelka, Dennis (Dawn) Kuzelka, and Patricia White, his step-children Daryl (Mary) Stang and Rita (Ken Pfad) Stang, his 15 grandchildren, and his 4 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his first wife Laverne, his parents, his granddaughter, and his best dog Buddy Boy. A visitation is scheduled for Saturday January 12, 2013 from 9:30am until 11:00am with a funeral service commencing at 11:00am at STRANG FUNERAL CHAPEL & CREMATORIUM, 410 E. Belvidere Rd. Grayslake, IL 60030. Interment will immediately follow at Pine View Memorial Park in Waukegan. Memorial contributions may be made to the Grayslake Paramedics or to Save-a-Pet. For information, please call (847) 223-8122 or visit www.strangfuneral.org.

Gertrude M. “Gert” Zieman

Gertrude M. “Gert” Zieman, an 84-year-old longtime Grayslake resident, passed away at home late Thursday evening, Jan. 3, 2013.  She was born in Chicago on Feb. 4, 1928 to the now late Frank and Daisy Heynis.  When she was able, Gert attended United Protestant Church in Grayslake.  She loved to knit and crochet.  Gert was the loving mother of Diana (Scott) Kiederlen, Rick (Kathy) Zieman, Terry (Gregory) Kopier, Carol (Pat) Richardson, Larry (Ricki) Zieman, and Gary Zieman; the doting grandmother of Denise (Jeff) Schaffnit, Brian (Tracy) Zieman, Sarah (Brock) Rice, Kate (Matt) Olson, Nicole Kopier, Erik Kopier, Patrick Richardson, Ty Zieman, and Sean Zieman; cherished great-grandmother of Carter, Ella, and Macy Schaffnit, Brandon, Julianna, Timothy, Andrew, Michael, and Gabriel Zieman, Allison Rice, and two more on the way; the dear sister of Frank (the late Sally) Heynis, Betty (Norm) Hertel, Spen (Joan) Heynis; fond sister-in-law of Christa Heynis;  lifelong friend of Edeltraude “Eddie” Rudolph; special friend of “Saint Martha” Phiri.  Gert was preceded in death by her husband Richard “Dick” Zieman Sr., grandson Alex Richardson, and siblings Patsy, Harold, and Dorothy.  Friends of the family may join them for a memorial visitation at STRANG FUNERAL CHAPEL & CREMATORIUM, 410 E. Belvidere Rd. Grayslake, IL 60030 from 1 p.m. until 3 p.m. on Sat. Jan. 12, 2013.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Midwest Palliative and Hospice CareCenter, www.carecenter.org.  For information, please call (847) 223-8122 or visit www.strangfuneral.org.

Helen M. Mount

Helen M. Mount

Helen M. Mount, a resident of Lake Villa, passed away Monday December 31, 2012 at the age of 82. She was born January 8, 1930 in Chicago, IL to Walter and Sophie (nee: Menich) Milichevich. Helen moved from Chicago at the age of 15 when her father bought a farm in Milburn. She later became a resident of Lake Villa for 40 years before moving to Park City in 1989. She moved back to Lake Villa in 2000 to be a part of the Cedar Village community. Helen worked for Frandsen Bros. Tool and Mfg. Co. of Grayslake from 1951 until 1977 and Dill Bros. Mfg. Inc. of Zion from 1977 until her retirement at the age of 65 in 1995. Helen is survived by her daughters Pamela S. Duncan of Phoenix, AZ, Donna M. Simmons of Lake Villa, IL, Margaret A. (Glen) Stilke of Lake Villa, IL, and Jennifer L. Spain of Paddock Lake, WI, her 7 grandchildren, her 5 great-grandchildren, her 4 nieces and nephews, and her son-in-law Kent Littlejohn of Rolling Meadows, IL. She was preceded in death by her parents, her sisters Mildred Holton and Dorothy Thompson, her nieces Valli Powers and Cathy Holton, and her best friend who was like a sister Betty J. Bell. A memorial visitation is scheduled for Sunday January 6, 2013 from 2:00pm until 3:00pm with a memorial service commencing at 3:00pm at STRANG FUNERAL CHAPEL & CREMATORIUM 410 E. Belvidere Rd. Grayslake, IL 60030. www.strangfuneral.org.

Elevi Torres

Elevi Torres of Mundelein passed away Monday, December 31, 2012 in Chicago.  Friends of the family may visit Saturday, January 5, 2013 from 12:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. at STRANG FUNERAL CHAPEL & CREMATORIUM, 410 East Belvidere Road, Grayslake, IL 60030.  For information, please call 847-223-8122 or visit www.strangfuneral.org.

Frances Aleckson

Frances Aleckson, a 90-year-old Round Lake resident, passed away Tues. Dec. 25, 2012 at Winchester House in Libertyville. She was born in Chicago, IL to the now late Francis and Isabelle {nee Crowe} Howell on June 1, 1922 and raised by her now late grandparents John and Harriet Crowe. Frances was the loving mother of Bob (Dana) Aleckson, Paul (Susan) Aleckson, Pam Dedrick, and Mark Aleckson; the beloved grandmother of Steven (Jen) Aleckson, Mike (Heather) Aleckson, Kristen (Craig) Swanson, Robert Dedrick, Kerry Heiple, Kaylee “Gracie” Aleckson, and Barbara (Max) Hazen; cherished great-grandmother of Charlie, Grace, Kristen, Alton, Hanna, Ethan, and Jackson; the dear sister of John and Christopher McClory; fond mother-in-law of Judy Aleckson. Her husband John W. “Bill” Aleckson and son John A. “Andy” Aleckson preceded her in death. Friends of the family may join them for a memorial service commencing at 3 p.m. on Fri. Jan. 4, 2012 at The Chapel, 25270 W. IL RT 60, Grayslake, IL 60030 (847) 201-2777. Arrangements were entrusted to STRANG FUNERAL CHAPEL & CREMATORIUM in Grayslake. www.strangfuneral.org.

Harold “Ross” Martin

Harold R. “Ross” Martin, an 84-year-old Saddlebrook Farms (Grayslake) resident, formerly of Wayzata, MN passed away unexpectedly early Thursday morning, Dec. 27, 2012 at Advocate Condell Medical Center in Libertyville.  He was born in Toronto, Canada on September 12, 1928.  Ross worked for Moore Business Forms for 46 years, in both the United States and Canada, retiring in 1993.  He was the beloved husband of 61 years to Joan {nee Ockenden} Martin; the loving father of Craig (Nancy) Martin, Randy (Louise) Martin, and Jeffrey (Rica) Martin; the doting “Papa” of Andrew Martin, Kristy (Sam) Guenther, Melanie (Chad) Johnson, Shannon (Adam) Howen, Kira (Mark Stewart) Martin, and Trevor Martin; the cherished great-grandfather of Trinity, Ethan, Austin, Hailey, and Brooke; the fond uncle and dear friend of many.  His brother Jack Martin preceded him in death.  Friends of the family may join them for memorial visitation on Wed. Jan. 2, 2012 at STRANG FUNERAL CHAPEL & CREMATORIUM, 410 E. Belvidere Rd. Grayslake, IL  60030 from 3 p.m. until 4 p.m., with a memorial service commencing at 4 p.m.  For further information, please call (847) 223-8122 or visit www.strangfuneral.org.

Bonnie B. Wolff

Bonnie B. Wolff, 72, a resident of Grayslake, IL passed away December 19, 2012 in Libertyville, IL. She was born November 5, 1940 in Chicago, IL to Frank and Alta Henry. Bonnie was a member of the United Methodist Church in Antioch, IL and the Antioch Woman’s Club. She was also a member and active participant at the Antioch Senior Center and the Illinois CPA Society. Bonnie is survived by her husband of 46 years, Michael Wolff, her children Greg (Tracey) Wolff of Denver, CO and Sherri Wolff of McHenry, IL, her granddaughters Zoë Wolff-Murken of McHenry, IL and Grace MacDonald Wolff of Denver, CO, her brother Toby (Susan) Henry, her sister Francine (Zenko) Dykyj, her 11 nieces and nephews, and her 7 grandnieces and grandnephews. She was preceded in death by her mother Alta Henry, her father Frank Henry, and her sister Regina Kreutzer. A visitation is scheduled for Friday December 28, 2012 from 4:00pm until 8:00pm at Strang Funeral Chapel & Crematorium 410 E. Belvidere Rd. Grayslake, IL 60030. The funeral service will be held on Saturday December 29, 2012 at 10:00am at the funeral chapel. Interment will follow at Highland Memorial Park in Libertyville, IL. In Lieu of Flowers Memorial Contributions may be made to National Breast Cancer Foundation, 2600 Network Blvd. Suite 300, Frisco, TX 75024. For more information please contact (847)223-8122 or log onto www.strangfuneral.org.

Alex Lancaster

Alex Lancaster, 12, was taken suddenly from the world on December 12, 2012 when he was practicing a Batman stunt in his bedroom that went horribly awry. Alex was a 6th grader at Big Hollow Middle School in Ingleside, IL where he was a member of the Honor Roll, active in Newspaper Club, Ski Club, Set Design, and Backstage Crew. When he wasn’t busy with school, Alex loved to build Legos, make movies, read, play with his dog, Pepper, wrestle with his siblings, research new Lego creations or movie styles on the computer, goof-around with his dad, hang with friends, talk with his mom, create things with his grandfather, or play games with his grandmother. Alex also attended The Zone Youth Group at The Chapel in Grayslake, Illinois. Alex leaves behind his mother and father, Jude and Kristina Lancaster, his siblings Emma and Mason Lancaster, all of Round Lake, Illinois. He is also survived by his maternal grandparents, Bill and Judy Geister of West Dundee, Illinois; his paternal grandparents, FW and Cesaria Lancaster of Urbana, Illinois; 4 uncles, 6 aunts, 13 first cousins; countless extended family members; and friends of all ages who loved him deeply. Services will be held on Sunday December 16, 2012 at The Chapel 25270 W. Route 60 Grayslake, IL 60030. A private family visitation is from 1:00pm until 2:00pm, with a public visitation from 2:00pm until 6:00pm and a Celebration service immediately following at 6:30pm. The family is asking that we honor his love of cool and funny sayings on t-shirts. Please don’t wear suits or anything Alex would deem “fancy” and, if you are so inclined, we’d love to see a sea of comical t-shirts that make us smile at his Celebration. As requested by his siblings, all who attend are asked to bring a Lego set in honor of Alex which will be donated this Christmas to children of the area to help spread holiday cheer, as well as to instill in others the love of creating held by Alex. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alex Lancaster Scholarship Fund, c/o Dr. Christine Demory, Big Hollow School, 26051 W. Nippersink Road Ingleside, IL 60041. The family, working with Big Hollow, will establish a special annual Editor’s Award in Alex’s name for the Newspaper Club, an Alex Lancaster Scholarship Program for the Ski Club, as well as various other projects to improve Big Hollow School from a student’s point of view. All funeral arrangements were entrusted to STRANG FUNERAL CHAPEL & CREMATORIUM, 410 E. Belvidere Rd. Grayslake, IL 60030. For further information, please call (847) 223-8122 or visit www.strangfuneral.org.