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

Mildred T. Laux

Mildred T. Laux, a first-generation American, was born in Chicago on July 30, 1927, to Nick Barsukewicz and Helen Krenz Barsukewicz. She died August 16, 2023, at the age of 96.

Mom lived a full life. A city girl who grew up in Chicago, she was adept at riding the bus with one hand holding the strap and the other holding the newspaper, folded to a perfect shape for reading. She worked as a candy wrapper at the Mary Jane/Bit-O-Honey factory and in the steno pool at USF&G.

She met her husband Leonard when he did his basic training at Great Lakes Naval Base. Mom’s neighbors hosted Sunday dinners for some of the sailors. Mom attended the one Dad attended, and the rest was history. After he was discharged from his WWII Navy service, they married on September 22, 1945 and were married until Dad’s death in 2003.

They built their home on Valley Lake in Wildwood in 1952 and loved it and their neighbors so much they never moved away. They hosted picnics, barbecues and swimming fun, and their annual Halloween parties were legendary. 

Mom was an active member of St. Gilbert Catholic Church for more than 70 years, and we kids all attended St. Gilbert school. For a time in the 60s and 70s, Mom and her friends from church gathered at one another’s homes to tear up bed sheets to roll as bandages for medical missions worldwide.   

Mom and Dad traveled widely, including a few trips to Europe, Canada and Mexico, and all across America, camping in the mountains and on the beaches and dozens of places in between. She was an avid beachcomber and brought home shells and rocks and interesting bits of driftwood. 

She loved being home, though. She adored spending time with her grands and great grands. She enjoyed her garden and patio in the summer and would ice skate on the lake in winter. Mom taught us all to play Canasta, to our loss, because she had the uncanny ability to produce a wild card or a red three whenever she needed one. 

She was the undisputed queen of paddleball (the one with a small rubber ball on an elastic string). Mom was a prankster and could be counted on to up the ante. If we had a squirt gun fight, she’d come out with the hose. She bought a metal detector and Dad lost his mind when he came home from work to see holes dug up all over the yard. 

She was politically active and served her community as an election judge for more than 20 years. She read, listened to or watched the news every day.

She was preceded in death by her husband Leonard and grandsons Christian Wulff Laux and Barclay Laux. 

She is survived by her children: Jerry (Shirley), Donna (Gill Winograd), Larry (Nina Wulff) and Diane, her grandchildren Kim Wagner (Aaron), Barclay’s wife Kelly, Leah Morrell (Tom), Jake (Katie), Jesse (Katherine Barnes), and great-grandchildren Reed, Brooke and Paige Wagner, Andrew Fairchild and Dylan Laux, and many nieces and nephews.

Mom is also survived by her dear brother Wally Barz of Dallas.

Visitation will be held Sunday, August 20, 2023 at Strang Funeral Chapel at 410 E Belvidere Rd, Grayslake, IL from 3-7 pm. and Monday, August 21 from 8:30-9:30 am. Funeral Mass will follow at St. Gilbert Catholic Church, 301 E Belvidere Rd, Grayslake, IL at 10 am. 

We had her for a long time, but it just wasn’t long enough. Godspeed, Mom.

To view livestream of the mass click here: https://youtube.com/channel/UCMP0PFhS_wyXxgsTzbPEEyw

Roald A. Havnen

Roald Alan Havnen, 47, a resident of Amarillo, TX passed away August 15, 2023 at his home.  He was born January 19, 1976 in Libertyville, IL to Richard and Linda Havnen.

Roald was a member of St. Hyacinth Church in Amarillo.

Roald is survived by his father Richard Havnen, his brothers Eric Havnen of Amarillo, TX and Jeremy Havnen of Rosharon, TX, and his nieces and nephews Luke Havnen, Tyler Havnen, Tamara Havnen, Katherine Havnen, Talia Havnen, Jason Havnen, Richard Aug, and Kylee Havnen.  He was preceded in death by his brothers Jason and Cullen Havnen, his sister Tamara Aug, and his mother Linda Fick.

A visitation will be held at Strang Funeral Chapel, 410 E. Belvidere Road, Grayslake, IL 60030 on Tuesday, August 22,2023 from 4:00pm until 8:00pm.  A funeral mass will be held at St. Gilbert Catholic Church 301 E. Belvidere Rd. Grayslake, IL 60030 on Wednesday, August 23, 2023 at 10:00am.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Eternal Word Television network 5817 Old Leeds Rd. Birmingham, AL 35210 or charity of your choice. For more information, please call (847)223-8122 or visit www.StrangFuneral.org

To view the funeral mass via livestream click here:https://youtube.com/channel/UCMP0PFhS_wyXxgsTzbPEEyw

Carol L. Jones

Carol L. Jones, a resident of Grayslake, IL, passed away August 11, 2023 at Hillcrest Nursing Center in Round Lake Beach, IL.  She was born March 27, 1942 in Cook County to Marshall and Rose D. (nee: McCreary) Radtke.

Carol is survived by her son David C. (Elizabeth) Jones of Grayslake, her granddaughter Allison Jones, and her siblings Marsha “Marcy” Bubula and Charles “Chuck” (Celeste) Radtke, her niece Lee (Tami) Sedivy-Schroder, and her nephew Paul (Sharon) Sedivy.  She was preceded in death by her husband “Wayne” Edmund Jones, and her grandchild Katelyn Jones.

A memorial service is pending and will be updated as soon as it is confirmed.  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

Marcos G. Cruz

Marcos G. Cruz, age 58, a resident of Round Lake, IL, passed away on August 6, 2023. He was born on March 1, 1965, in Mexico, to Adalberto and Rosario Cruz.

 Marcos is survived by his wife, Nancy Cruz of 31 years, whom he married on August 13, 1992, in Mexico; his children, Andres, Betsy, and Gisselle, his siblings, Miguel Angel Cruz, Maria Espinosa, Jesus Cruz, Silvia Cruz, Alejandra Cruz, Adela Espinosa, Rosario Chagolla. Patricia Cruz, Carmela Cruz, and Areli Flores

 A visitation will be held at Strang Funeral Chapel, 410 E. Belvidere Road, Grayslake, IL 60030, on Monday August 14, 2023, from 4:00 pm until 8:00 pm. A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Gilbert Catholic Church, 301 E Belvidere Road, Grayslake, IL 60030, on Tuesday, August 15, 2023, at 11 am. Interment will be held privately. For more information, please call (847)223-8122 or visit www.StrangFuneral.org

Dean C. Kehr

Dean C. Kehr, age 61, a resident of Lindenhurst, IL, passed away on August 5, 2023, at Advocate Condell Medical Center in Libertyville, IL, after suffering from cardiac arrest. He was born on March 1, 1962, in West Allis, Wisconsin, to Calvin D.F. and Annarose Kehr.

Dean is a retired United States Navy Chief Hospital Corpsman with two primary specialties; Surface Force Independent Duty Corpsman and Medical Field Service Technician. Dean was a combat veteran deployed to Kuwait during Operation Desert Storm and Operation Deep Freeze. He has numerous medals and citations; Kuwait Liberation Medal (Kuwait), Kuwait Liberation Medal (Saudi Arabia), Southwest Asia Service Ribbon, Enlisted Surface Warfare Specialist, Enlisted Aviation Warfare Specialist, Antarctica Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, and Combat Action Ribbon. Dean loved guiding the young corpsman in providing quality medical care. His most memorable duty stations were Okinawa, Japan; Antarctica; San Diego, CA; and two tours at Great Lakes, IL, where he met his wife, Dale.

He fell in love with sports and started to officiate when he was in Antarctica and continued when he got transferred to Great Lakes, IL, 25 years ago. Dean was an official for football, basketball, softball, baseball, and lacrosse for men and women of all ages. He traveled all over Illinois and Wisconsin, did tournaments in South Bend, Indiana, and went to Cooperstown, NY, a few times to help local teams.

Dean was also active in Cub Scout Pack 624 of Great Lakes Naval Station as a Cub Master when his sons were young and then went on to support the local Boy Scout Troop 96 out of St. Gilbert. Dean believed in youth programs and would offer his time to Special Olympics as an official. Once he retired from the Navy, he worked in the North Chicago Schools as a Substitute teacher and a Paraprofessional. He eventually returned to work with military medicine, first at the old Navy Hospital and recently at the James A. Lovell Healthcare Center, where he worked as Advanced Medical Support Associate, Occupational Health Technician, and Supervisory Medical Support Assistant.

Dean is survived by his wife, Dale Patricia Kehr of 36 years, whom he married on May 16, 1987, in Framingham, MA; his children, Sean P.C. Kehr of Ft. Meade, MD, Scott D. Kehr of Madison, WI, and Symantha P. Kehr of Chicago, IL; his siblings, Leann (Marcus) Harwitz, Janice (John) Thorgersen, David (Emilie Garth) Kehr, Junann (Greg) Heinen; and his niece, Sonja (Eddie Conlon) Thorgersen. He was preceded in death by his parents. 

 A visitation will be held at Strang Funeral Chapel, 410 E. Belvidere Road, Grayslake, IL 60030, on Friday, August 11, 2023, from 4:30 pm until 8:30 pm. A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Gilbert Catholic Church, 301 E Belvidere Road, Grayslake, IL 60030, on Saturday, August 12, 2023, at 10 am. Interment will be held privately. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Dean’s name to St. Jude, Wounded Warriors, Asperitech, American Heart Association, Special Olympics, or an organization of your choice, as giving back was in his nature. For more information, please call (847)223-8122 or visit www.StrangFuneral.org

To view slideshow click here: https://www.tributeslides.com/tributes/show/CQ594Q587NZXJ2DB

Joseph J. Chrobak

Joseph J. Chrobak, 84, a resident of Round Lake, IL, passed away August 6, 2023 at Advocate Condell Medical Center in Libertyville, IL.  He was born January 12, 1939 in Chicago, IL to Stanley and Marie Chrobak.

Joseph was a US Army veteran and was a member of the DOMC “Dirty Old Man’s Club”.

Joseph is survived by his wife of 32 years, Sharon Chrobak, his children Joseph Chrobak, Donna Pawlowski, and Dennis Cherry, his 7 grandchildren, 6 great-grandchildren, and his brother Stanley Chrobak.  He was preceded in death by his parents, his 2 sisters, and his daughters Laura Miller and Sheri Clark.

A graveside service will be held on Thursday, August 10, 2023 at 11:30am at Highland Memorial Park Cemetery 33100 N. Hunt Club Rd. 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

Doreen S. Fischer

Doreen S. Fischer, 64, a resident of Grayslake, IL, passed away August 4, 2023 at her home.  She was born May 8, 1959 in Chicago, IL to John and Doris Ryan.

Doreen loved spending time outdoors and exploring new places. She was a loving mother, sister, aunt, and friend to many.

Doreen is survived by her daughters Jenna (Curtis) Herchenbach, Kara (Sean) Werchek, and Julia (Jeremy Blauser) Fischer, her grandchildren Laine Herchenbach, Ellis Herchenbach, Cooper Werchek, and Carson Werchek, her sister Colleen Ryan, her brothers Tim (Sue) Ryan, Dan (Kathy) Ryan, and Jim (Jennifer) Ryan, and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, brother John Ryan, nephew Sean Ryan, and her beloved dog Norman.

A celebration of her life will be held at The Chapel of Libertyville 1200 American Way Libertyville, IL 60048 on Friday, August 11, 2023, from 4pm until 7pm.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation, American Heart Association, or an animal rescue of your choice.  All funeral arrangements were entrusted to Strang Funeral Chapel & Crematorium 410 E. Belvidere Rd. Grayslake, IL 60030.  For more information, please call (847)223-8122 or visit www.StrangFuneral.org

Jose A. Martinez-Barrera

Jose Antonio Martinez-Barrera, age 79, a resident of Round Lake Beach, IL, passed away on August 3, 2023 at his home.  He was born on January 29, 1944 in Mexico City to Rodolfo Martinez and Elisa Barrera. Jose was a passionate teacher and soccer coach.  He was loved and respected by his students. He will be greatly missed and his humor too! Jose lived the way he wanted to live it.

Jose is survived by his children, Erick Gerrity of Grayslake, IL., Eileen Marie Robbins of Plano, IL., Joseph Anthony Martinez of Elgin, IL., Marie Elisa Tyler of Plano, IL., and Phillip Anthony Martinez of Colorado Springs, CO.

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.

Scott Kohler

Scott Kohler, age 76, passed away unexpectedly on August 1, 2023. He was born November 13, 1946 in Anna, IL, to Sam and Pauline (nee Fischer) Kohler. Scott graduated from Waukegan High School and soon after, proudly enlisted in the US Air Force and served in the Vietnam War. After working at Abbott Labs for 41 years, he retired in 2005. In the years to follow he enjoyed his hobbies and traveling with his wife, Ann. He had a lifelong interest in cars, retro rods, auto racing, and oldies music.

Scott is survived by his loving wife of 48 years, Ann; three children, Keri Kohler of Washington, DC; Bill (Kim) Kohler of Pleasant Prairie, WI; and Beth (James) Kohler Deadrick of Winthrop Harbor, IL; two grandchildren, Sam and Ella, and a third grandchild on the way; his brother Mike (Janis) Kohler of Bella Vista, AR; numerous brothers and sisters-in-law; many nieces, nephews,  family and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, his parents-in-law, and infant daughter, Katie.  

A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church, 6401 Gages Lake Road, Gurnee, IL 60031 on Tuesday, August 8, 2023 at 11:30am. A visitation will be held at the church beginning at 10am. Interment will follow at Ascension Catholic Cemetery.  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.

Victoria Anna Piela

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Victoria Anna Piela on July 29, 2023. While waiting at a crosswalk, she was fatally struck by a vehicle.

Victoria is remembered for her bubbly personality, beaming smile, radiant energy and contagious laughter. Among friends, she is Vicky; known for her genuine kindness, her unwavering support and her unique ability to make everyone feel special. Whether it was a three-hour phone call or a shared bag of sour gummy candy, Vicky was always ready to put her life on pause for others. 

To her family, she is Wikusia; an overly-organized, constantly-snacking, always-moving and fiercely-loving young adult, just beginning the adventure of life. She loved to play, whether during a family game night, on the ground with her niece and nephew, or hitting a volleyball around in the street. The sounds of her laughter will forever echo in the hearts of her family. 

Victoria was passionate about running, being outside, hiking in the mountains, and spending time with loved ones. She was just a few weeks away from starting college and had set her sights on a career that encourages others to enjoy an active lifestyle.

Victoria will be missed in ways words cannot express. She is survived by her Mom and Dad, brother and family, sister and all four grandparents. The family welcomes the community to celebrate Victoria’s memory at the Central Park Performance Pavilion on Friday, August 4th at 4PM. 

Śpieszmy się kochać ludzi tak szybko odchodzą

i ci co nie odchodzą nie zawsze powrócą

i nigdy nie wiadomo mówiac o miłosci

czy pierwsza jest ostatnią czy ostatnia pierwszą

-ks. Jan Twardowski

William J. “Bill” Blume II

William J. Blume, II, age 80, a resident of Grayslake, passed away on Tuesday, August 1, 2023 at his home.  He was born on November 25, 1942 in Chicago to Frank and Marie (nee Grendall) Blume. Bill worked for Mid-American Elevator Compant for 40 years as chief estimator.  He enjoyed fishing, gardening, and loved spending time in the outdoors.  Bill was a devoted Catholic and a member of St. Gilbert Catholic Church.

William is survived by his wife of 57 years, Nancy; his children, William III, Elizabeth Fulton, and Robert; and his sister, Laurdene Guy.  He is preceded in death by his brothers, Alan and Richard Blume.

A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Gilbert Catholic Church, 301 E. Belvidere Road, Grayslake, IL 60030 on Tuesday, August 8, 2023 at 10am. A visitation will be held at Strang Funeral Chapel, 410 E. Belvidere Road, Grayslake, IL 60030 on Monday, August 7, 2023 from 5pm until 9pm.  Interment will be held at Oakridge Cemetery in Hillside, IL.  For more information, please call (847)223-8122 or visit www.StrangFuneral.org.

To view livestream of service click here: https://youtube.com/channel/UCMP0PFhS_wyXxgsTzbPEEyw

To view slideshow click here: https://www.tributeslides.com/tributes/show/83M29DPX8GD2LBFZ

Clifford J. Bradley

Clifford James Bradley, born November 4, 1950, was surrounded by his family when he passed on July 21, 2023. Preceded in death by his father, James Bradley, and survived by his mother Margaret. A life companion and husband to Janet; father to Anthony, Christina, Page, James, Jessica; and grandfather and great grandfather. Following graduation from Grant High School, he commenced employment with Sears Roebuck & Co. During these years, he met his beloved Janet; they married in 1977.

He provided for his family through his civil work as a US Postal Service employee.

As a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints; he served in various church callings, with his most regular service as a Sunday school teacher. Fellow ward members knew that if he had his briefcase that morning, they could expect to see him teaching Sunday School.

He was a train aficionado, owning a small collection of model railroads; a lover of music—yes, even of the controversial country; a loyal fan of the St. Louis Cardinals; a devoted stamp and coin collector; an author of poetry. He loved history and documentaries, movies, and shows that satiated his interest in travel. In his younger years, he was referred to as “Roads” for his passion of road trips and travels. Favorite memories with his children include board games, building snow forts, gardening, trains, inventing his own jokes, practicing “ventriloquism” with the pets, and always having a handkerchief in the pocket. 

Cliff will be greatly missed by his family and friends and remembered for years to come. In honor of Cliff and a favorite pastime of his, the next time you hear, “Take Me Out to the Ballgame,” smile and think of Cliff.

A viewing will be hosted Friday August 4th from 4-8pm at Strang Funeral Chapel & Crematorium 410 E. Belvidere Rd. Grayslake, IL. A celebration of life will be held Saturday August 5, 2023 at 1pm at Strang Funeral Chapel and Crematorium, Ltd. with burial services following at Highland Memorial Park Cemetery in Libertyville, IL. For more information log onto www.strangfuneral.org or contact 847-223-8122.

William Ramel

William Ramel, 80, a resident of Grayslake, IL, passed away July 28, 2023 at Wauconda Care in Wauconda, IL.  He was born June 29, 1943 to Roman and Aurelia Ramel.

William enjoyed golfing, spending time with his dogs, bowling, and racquetball.  He was retired after working for 40 years as a semi-truck driver.

William is survived by his wife of 31 years, Joan Wood-Ramel, his children Nancy (Luke) Mudd and Chris (Trisha) Ramel, his grandchildren Jayden Ramel, Luke Mudd, Jack Mudd, Giana Ramel, and Nick Ramel, and his sister Therese Maier.  He was preceded in death by his son John Ramel and his parents.  

A graveside service will be held at Lakeside Cemetery 600 Lake Street Libertyville, IL on Thursday, August 3, 2023 at 12:30pm.  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

Stanley C. Worden

Stanley C. Worden, 81, a resident of Round Lake, IL, passed away July 20, 2023 at his home.  He was born July 11, 1942 in Plainwell, MI to Ralph and Annie Laurie Worden.

Stanley was a devoted father, grandfather and great-grandfather.  He enjoyed sailing on his Cape Dory, woodworking, building and playing guitars, model ship building, music, good food and friends. Stanley was a proud member of Alcoholics Anonymous.

Stanley is survived by his daughters Natalie (Todd) Elyea, Andrea (Mark) Demory-Falotico, and Ashley (Eric) Laufer, his grandchildren Dustin (Amanda Norwood) Castaneda, Sharon Castaneda, Christian (Danielle) Wilkins, Cody (Haley) O’Connell, Kyle O’Connell, Kameron (Tara) O’Connell, Caleb Laufer, and Jacob Laufer, his great-grandchildren Vanessa, Viviana, Logan, Jaxon, Ryder, Hunter, Dawson, and Reign, his sisters Nancy (Bill) Johnson, Marsha (Tim) Reich, and Sandra (Arch) Woodstock, and several nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents, his stepfather Vernon Sinclair, his stepmother Beatrice Worden, and his grandson Antouine Castaneda.

A memorial visitation will be held at Strang Funeral Chapel, 410 E. Belvidere Road, Grayslake, IL 60030 on Thursday, August 3, 2023 from 4:00pm until 8:00pm.  The memorial service is scheduled for Friday, August 4, 2023 at 11:00am at the funeral chapel.  Interment will be held privately.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation. For more information, please call (847)223-8122 or visit www.StrangFuneral.org

To view slideshow click here: https://www.tributeslides.com/tributes/show/JLRWXF3MLRMCK629

Julienne Hamby

Julienne Hamby, 63, a resident of Lake Villa, IL, passed away July 25, 2023 at her home.  She was born September 10, 1959 in Waukegan, IL to Joseph Prosen Sr. and Joan (Prosen) Slak (nee:Rutell).

Julienne is survived by her husband of 43 years, Mark W. Hamby, whom she wed on May 16, 1980 in Waukegan, IL, her children Eric (Sarah) Hamby and Sarah (Chuck) Stokes, her grandchildren Emily Stokes, Ali Stokes, Evan Blough, Audrey Stokes, Tyler Hamby, Brooke Hamby, and Ben Blough, her sisters Jean (Mike) Kana and Jennifer (Tom Bettge) Snell.  She was preceded in death by her brother Joe Prosen. 

A visitation will be held at Strang Funeral Chapel, 410 E. Belvidere Road, Grayslake, IL 60030 on Monday, July 31, 2023 from 5:00pm until 8:00pm.  A funeral mass will be held at St. Paul the Apostle 6401 Gages Lake Road Gurnee, IL 60031 on Tuesday, August 1, 2023 at 10:00am.  Interment will follow the mass at Ascension Cemetery in Libertyville, IL.  For more information, please call (847)223-8122 or visit www.StrangFuneral.org

To LiveStream Julienne’s funeral Mass, please use the following link: https://www.youtube.com/live/X34IpOy1Z84

To view slideshow click here: https://www.tributeslides.com/tributes/show/PMXP8FW8QNKNGYLJ

James L. Kerwin

James L Kerwin, 82, of Round Lake, IL, passed away on July 23rd after succumbing to a chronic illness. Jim was born on September 2, 1940, to Emil and Elvira Kerwin in Kohler, WI. Jim graduated from Kohler High School in 1959. After graduating from High School, he joined the Marine Corps and served in the Reserves until his discharge when he started work for Prange’s in Sheboygan as a buyer, then Bergner’s as an assisant manager and then Kohls as a store manager. Upon leaving Kohls, he opened the Bemis Home & Garden store in downtown Sheboygan Falls, from which he would retire.

In 1967, Jim met Patricia Hollander at Riverdale Country Club in Sheboygan and they would go on to celebrate over 50 years of marriage.

In 2006, Jim retired and spent his time traveling, watching auto races at Road America, and in his later years, playing Pickle Ball while wintering in Florida.

Jim was predeceased by his wife Patricia, his daughter Amy, his brother John and his parents Emil and Elvira Kerwin. He is survived by his son Michael Kerwin of Wilmette, IL, grandchildren Aidan Kerwin and Caroline Novak.

Services will be held Saturday July 29 at 1 pm at The Chapel 25270 W IL Route 60, Grayslake, IL 60030. Al funeral arrangements were entrusted to Strang Funeral Chapel 410 E. Belvidere Rd. Grayslake, IL 60030. Log onto www.strangfuneral.org or contact (847)223-8122 for more information.

Alice K. Meiners

Alice K. Meiners, age 85, a resident of Libertyville, beloved daughter to the late Lester and Antoinina (nee Packauskas) Meiners; devoted mother to Michael (Shawna) Karl of Brighton, CO, Katherine Toth of Crystal Lake, Mark (JoAnn) Karl of Lockhart, TX, and Paul (Kelly) Karl of Grayslake; cherished grandmother to Todd (Andrea) Karl, Scott Karl, Khalil (Abigail) Karl, Ryan Toth, Rachel Karl, Daniel Karl, Tirzah Karl, Aidan Karl and great grandchild Reyhuel Eden Marie Karl; loving sister to Marilyn Novak of Ocala, FL, Davin (Char) Meiners of Plainfield, IL, Lynn Barber of Indianapolis, IN and the late Robert Meiners; fond aunt of nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by her former spouse, George Karl.

Alice was born in Detroit, MI and moved to Illinois after grade school.  She graduated from Visitation High School, Chicago, IL in 1956 and briefly attended Rosary College in River Forest, IL.  She was married in 1958 and settled in Downers Grove, IL where she raised her 4 children and was an active parishioner and volunteer at St. Mary of Gostyn Catholic Church and School. Once her children were in high school Alice became a career medical equipment specialist and dedicated about 25 years of her life to helping people with medical ailments.

Alice retired and lived in Saddlebrook Farms, Grayslake, IL for over 22 years.

She last resided at Libertyville Manor for 8 months.

A visitation and memorial service will be held at Strang Funeral Chapel, 410 E Belvidere Road, Grayslake, IL 60030 on Friday, July 28, 2023 from 10am until 11am, with the service commencing at 11am.  Interment will be held privately. For more information, please call (847)223-8122 or visit www.StrangFuneral.com.

To view slideshow click here: https://www.tributeslides.com/tributes/show/N5JPYKNJ8YMLKBSF

Robert C. Kubicek

Robert C. Kubicek, age 95, a resident of Lake Villa, passed away on July 23, 2023 at Advocate Condell Medical Center in Libertyville, IL.  He was born on January 24, 1928 in Chicago to Robert and Crystal (nee Schumann) Kubicek.

Young Robert lost his mother at the age of 5 years old. With four lovely sisters to guide him, he learned the deep value of family connection. Growing up in Chicago following the Depression, he helped support his family by working at Riverview during summers. At seventeen he joined the Navy and became a seaman. He married Margaret when he came home and had six children. After twenty years, he remarried to Linda and had six children. Since then, a total of 21 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren have blessed the family. Under the direction of his loving Uncle Ed, he honed the skills of marble setting and worked in many churches with his trade, eventually becoming an expert in all trades of construction. Over a 75 year span, his career encompassed managing the construction of countless buildings in Chicago and suburbs.

He is survived by his wife, Linda; his children, Robert (Kathy) of Crystal Lake, Keith (Jane) of Crystal Lake, Susan (Tom) Leahy of Crystal Lake, Lance (Carol) of Crystal Lake, John (Jayne) of Rockton, Margaret Riordan of Las Vegas, NV, Kara (Mark) Wilson of Lake Villa, Mathew of Lake Villa, Mark (Tamika) of Milwaukee, WI, Kraig (Jana) of Gilbert, AZ, and Kristina of Scottsdale, AZ; his 21 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren; and his sister, Eleanor Elias.  He was preceded in death by his son, Timothy Lee Kubicek; and his siblings, Joan Higgins, Rosalie Rodiek, and Maryann Kelley.

A visitation and Funeral Mass will be held at St. Gilbert Catholic Church, 301 E Belvidere Rd, Grayslake, IL 60030 on Friday, July 28, 2023 from 9:30am until 10am, with a Funeral Mass commencing at 10am.  Interment will be held at All Saints Catholic Cemetery in Des Plaines, IL.  All funeral arrangements were handled by Strang Funeral Chapel, 410 E Belvidere Rd, Grayslake, IL 60030.  For more information, please call (847)223-8122 or visit www.StrangFuneral.org.

Ian M. Kay

Ian Michael Kay, age 76, of Grayslake, IL, passed away on Saturday, July 22, 2023 at his home. He was born on February 20, 1947 in Widnes, England to John Kay and Marjorie (nee Hoxworth) Henson. 

Ian proudly served in the US Army during the Vietnam War.  Ian graduated from UW Stout with a Masters Degree in Education.  Before his retirement in 2006, Ian worked for 30 years at American Foundry Society, Schaumburg, IL, retiring as Vice President of Education and longtime Director of Cast Metals Institute. Ian enjoyed fishing, traveling, providing tech support to friends and family, and spending time with his children and grandchildren.

Ian is survived by his wife, Catherine, of 52 years; his children, Ian Micheal (Rebecca) Kay of Libertyville, and Lauren (Stephen) Beaudoin of Cypress, TX; his grandchildren, Aidan Kay, Sophia Beaudoin, and Graham Beaudoin; his siblings, Robert Kay of Grayslake, and Yvonne (Anthony) Reid of Frodsham, England.  He was preceded in death by his parents.

Services are private.  Interment at a later date at Fort Sheridan National Cemetery in Lake Forest, IL.  Donations to AFS Institute or American Heart Association are appreciated.  All funeral arrangements were handled by Strang Funeral Chapel, 410 E Belvidere Road, Grayslake, IL 60030.  For more information, please call (847)223-8122 or visit www.StrangFuneral.org. 

Ella Renner

July 13, 1941 – July 20, 2023

Ella (Gavenia) Renner, 82, was called home to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on July 20, 2023 after declining health in her last few years.

Ella was born in Bütow, Germany and immigrated to the U.S. at age 15 when the family moved to Chicago, preceded by her brothers’ arrival. She often told stories of coming to America, meeting her husband Walter at one of her beloved German dances and spending time with her dear and close friends.

After high school Ella found a job working for Union Carbide selling industrial gases. Ella was very social and met some of her friends at this first job. In these early years in America Ella was carefree and adventurous. In 1962 Ella and her friend decided to visit a beach in Florida. While at the beach they remarked how few people were at the beach. Only later on returning home did they realize the Cuban missile crisis was unfolding.

Ella married Walter and had two children after which she took on many roles. Ella was a mother, housewife and worked alongside Walter in the family business as his office manager. Ella also worked at different delicatessens over the years. Ella enjoyed food in all aspects including cooking, presentation and serving friends and relatives at many events she hosted.

Ella could often be found cooking delicious German food in her kitchen while listening to her favorite German folk music. She also enjoyed reading her favorite German magazines, singing, dancing, crossword puzzles and entertaining many friends and family. At one New Year’s Eve party, Ella found there was no room in the refrigerator for 3 pounds of sausages her sister Marta had brought with and decided to place them outside on the deck where it was freezing cold. The next day they discovered a racoon had decided to also enjoy a New Years snack of sausage, leaving only very small pieces behind. Ella cherished her visits with her sister Meta in Germany and her brother Franz.

Ella is survived by her beloved husband, Walter; son, Michael (Sara); daughter, Kristine (Brian); sister, Meta (Helmut) Kratz; brother, Franz Gavenia; 5 beloved grandchildren, Alec, Haley, Christian, Jack and Sophia; and many nieces and a nephew. Ella was preceded in death by her parents, Jonas and Auguste Gavenia; Marta Gudat (sister); and Heinrich Gavenia (brother).

A celebration of life will be held on Tuesday, July 25, 2023 at Strang Funeral Chapel, 410 East Belvidere Road (Rt 120), Grayslake, IL. A visitation will begin at 9:30 AM and followed by a Christian celebration at 11:00 AM. Interment will be private at Memorial Park Cemetery in Skokie, IL.

To LiveStream Ella’s funeral service, please use the following link: https://venues.vimeo.com/1688676628014?lang=en-US