Richard E. Muhlig, Sr., age 82, a resident of Long Lake, IL passed away on September 30, 2024. He was born on December 3, 1941 in Chicago, Il to Evelyn Muhlig.

Richard is survived by his son, Richard, Jr of Round Lake Park; his grandson, Ricky Ross of Wildwood; and his siblings, Bill (Mary), Tom (Theresa) and Donna.  He was preceded in death by his wife, Jacqueline; his son, William; his brother, Duane; his mother; and step-father, Keith Cowell.

A Visitation and Funeral Service will be held at Strang Funeral Chapel, 410 E Belvidere Road, Grayslake, IL 60030 on Monday, October 7, 2024 from 11am until 1pm, with the funeral service commencing at 1pm.  Interment will be held at Highland Memorial Park.  For more information, please call (847)223-8122 or visit www.StrangFuneral.org.

Michael Santo Sapienza, age 87, of Grayslake, IL, and a longtime resident of Orland Park, passed away peacefully at his home on the evening of September 25, 2024, surrounded by his devoted wife, youngest daughter, and youngest son. Born in Chicago on April 4, 1937, to Michael and Frances Sapienza, he lived a life rich in love, family, and community.

Raised in the Bridgeport neighborhood near Comiskey Park, Michael was a good student and a hard worker, parking cars at White Sox games to earn pocket money. As a teenager, he worked night shifts loading soda trucks to fund his education and ultimately graduated from Loyola University with a degree in Microbiology. After college, Michael began a long and successful career with Nalco Chemical Company, where on his first day he met a beautiful switchboard operator who would later become his wife and life partner. Together, they built a family of five children.

Deeply rooted in the Catholic faith, Michael was a devout member of his church, serving on the parish council, as a eucharistic minister, and as a catechism teacher. He loved the outdoors, especially during the spring, finding joy in gardening and long walks through the forest preserves. For every family occasion, big or small, he had a camera in hand, always ready to document the special moments shared with those he loved.

During his distinguished career at Nalco, Michael was respected for his skill and integrity and promoted to leadership roles, eventually heading two manufacturing facilities. After retiring, he remained active, working part-time for the Calumet Area Industrial Commission, while spending quality time with his beloved dog, Buster, and traveling. His greatest joy came from his family, especially his grandchildren, whom he adored and whose accomplishments he celebrated with pride.

Michael is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Arlene; his children, Michael, Cynthia (Larry) Harmon, Mark, Suzanne (George) Psaras, and Robert; his grandchildren, Chloe, Dominic, Ashley, Alex, Colin, Quinn, Camaryn, Jake, Caden, and Mia; his great-granddaughters, Callie and Emmie; and his siblings, Gerald (Kimbien), Donald (Sharon), and Mary. 

Funeral services will be held privately 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. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the family.

A tribute video in honor of Michael can be viewed https://www.tributeslides.com/tributes/show/LY6YPGG3H5XJYXQP Sentiments and memories may be shared using the comments section below.

Mary C. Jones, age 81, a resident of Grayslake, IL, passed away on September 24, 2024.  She was born on February 9, 1943 in Brooklyn, NY to Louis and Mary Wade.

Mary loved her husband and family more than anything. She cherished the time spent with her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She and Richard enjoyed traveling and took so many wonderful trips, most often with her beloved brother and sister-in-law. Mary had a long career as an accountant and made many lifelong friendships along the way. She and Richard were very involved with their church, they had many dogs throughout their married life who they loved and spoiled.

Mary is survived by her children, Christine (Brian), Donald (Becky), Keith (Nancy), and Debbie; her grandchildren, Benjamin, Luke, Matthew, Andrew, Sean (Lauren), Brandon (Beth), Zachary (Melina), Caitlin (Adam), Marcus (Jolene), Ali (Teddy), Kacey (Demarreo), Keith (Jana), Peter, and Midori; and her 13 great grandchildren.  She was preceded in death by her husband, Richard; Her brother, Lewis (Nancy); and her parents.

A visitation will be held at Strang Funeral Chapel, 410 E Belvidere Road, Grayslake, IL 60030 on Monday, September 30, 2024 from 4pm until 8pm. A funeral service will be held at St. Mark Lutheran Church, 200 S Wille Street, Mt. Prospect, IL 60056 on Tuesday, October 1, 2024 at 11:00am. Interment will be held at All Saints Catholic Cemetery in Des Plaines, IL.  For more information, please call (847)223-8122 or visit www.StrangFuneral.org. 

To view slideshow click here: https://www.tributeslides.com/tributes/show/C6737THPTS5GKDYG

Gregory Edward Troken, age 77, a resident of Round Lake Beach, passed away on September 21, 2024 at Advocate Condell Medical Center in Libertyville, IL.  He was born on September 17, 1947 in Chicago to Edward and Minnie (nee Literski) Troken. 

Greg was a proud US Army Veteran. He had a passion for travel, especially to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, where he enjoyed creating unforgettable moments with family and friends.  He also loved to golf, spending many happy hours on the course with his buddies. He retired in 2013 and enjoyed spending time with family and friends.

 Gregory is survived by his wife, Alice, of 51 years whom he married on January 20, 1973 in Waukegan, IL; his children, Jody (Marc) Perez of Florida and Aaron (Kristin and her girls, Olive and Ivy) of Lindenhurst; and his siblings, Cathy Hunt of Arizona, Margaret Zibelin of Arizona, Sandy (Robert) Heynis of Texas and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and other family members who also passed before him. 

A memorial service will be held at Wildwood Presbyterian Church, 18630 W Old Gages Lake Road, Grayslake, IL 60030 on Sunday, October 6, 2024 at 1:00 o’clock in the afternoon.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Wildwood Presbyterian Church or the American Cancer Society.  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.

Marie Dejesus Escatel, 82, a resident of Round Lake, IL, passed away September 24, 2024 at her home.

A visitation is scheduled for Wednesday, September 25, 2024 at Strang Funeral Chapel & Crematorium 410 E. Belvidere Rd. Grayslake, IL 60030 from 4:00pm until 9:00pm. The funeral mass is scheduled for Thursday, September 26, 2024 at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery 114 N. Lincoln Ave. Round Lake, IL 60030 at 9:30am. Interment will be held privately.

For more information log onto www.strangfuneral.org or contact 847-223-8122.

Joel Edward Molidor passed away peacefully at home in the morning hours on September 22, 2024, with his loving, devoted wife, children and 2 grandchildren by his side.  Joel left a legacy of love, faith, service, and laughter.

Joel was born in Waukegan, Illinois on November 9, 1943.  He grew up in Round Lake, IL where he spent his life exploring every piece of open land he could find.  He was an avid outdoorsman and loved hunting, fishing, camping and canoeing.

His first date with his soulmate and best friend Patti was on March 23, 1973 and they married a year later on April 20, 1974.  After 50 years of marriage, they were an example of love, commitment, dedication, support and sacrifice.  Together they spent 7 years flying into remote lakes in Canada, fishing, camping, traveling and riding their matching motorcycles.  Together they raised their 2 children Chris and Joey and taught them hard work, love, respect, and a love of the outdoors.  They spent many vacations together camping, hunting, and exploring the beauty of God’s creation.

Joel was well adept at telling stories and was loved by all children.  He spent his life sharing stories, camping, hunting, fishing and trapping.  And if you were one of the lucky kids in the neighborhood you either got to enjoy rides in his jeep or ride in the back of his pickup truck trying to put out streetlights with a spotlight.

Joel was an Army veteran and a member of the Mundelein American Legion.  He was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Round Lake. 

Joel is survived by his wife of 50 years, Patti Molidor, his sons Christopher (Rachell) Molidor and Joseph (Amie) Molidor, his “adopted” sons Aaron Kristan and Garrett Kristan, his grandchildren Veronica, Jonathon, George, Edward, Adalind, and Cornelius, and his sisters Janet (Ted) Stefaniak, Jeanne Kristan, and Mary Jo (Tom) Lucas.  He was preceded in death by his parents, and his brothers Gerry, Jack, and Joseph and brother-in-law Robert Kristan. A visitation is scheduled for Sunday, September 29, 2024 at Strang Funeral Chapel & Crematorium 410 E. Belvidere Rd. Grayslake, IL 60030 from 2:00pm until 6:00pm.  The funeral mass is scheduled for Monday, September 30, 2024 at St. Joseph Catholic Church 114 N. Lincoln Ave. Round Lake, IL 60030 at 9:30am.  Interment will be held privately. 

Memorials may be made to President’s Fund for Special Needs, Advocate Children’s Hospital. For more information log onto www.strangfuneral.org or contact (847)223-8122.   

To view slideshow click here: https://www.tributeslides.com/tributes/show/R83YCTJX28GW5WTL

Alfonso Posterli, 88, a resident of Grayslake, IL passed away on September 21, 2024. He was born on December 29, 1935 in Fontanaluccia, Italy to Ettore and Gelsomina (nee: Bimbi) Posterli. Where he also met the love of his life at first glance, Osanna, and began their beautiful family of four.

Alfonso immigrated to the United States with the not so gentle nudging of his wife and his young family in November, 1971.  With his family he first settled in Highwood, later moved to Deerfield and in his retirement years in Grayslake.  His trade was that of a TIG welder for Allis Chalmers which later became Fiat-Allis.  After the company closed its doors, he performed various maintenance jobs throughout the years to finally retire from Deerfield High School maintenance department.  In his retirement the greatest joys of his life were spending as much time as his grandchildren would give him, long walks with his dog, and constantly helping out tinkering at home projects at his children’s homes.

Alfonso is survived by his children, Oscar (Mary Jo) Posterli of Lake Bluff and Morena Posterli, of Grayslake his grandchildren Italia, Ettore, Dante and Domenico and his brother Osvaldo Posterli of Italy. He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 45 years Osanna, his parents and his constant 4-legged companion and best friend “Billy”.

A visitation is scheduled Thursday, September 26, 2024 at Strang Funeral Chapel & Crematorium 410 E. Belvidere Rd. Grayslake, IL 60030 from 5:00pm until 9:00pm.  A funeral mass is scheduled for Friday, September 27, 2024 at St. Patrick Catholic Church 928 W. Everett Rd. Lake Forest, IL 60045 at 11:00am.  Interment will follow at Ascension Cemetery in Libertyville, IL.  For more information log onto www.strangfuneral.org or contact (847)223-8122. 

Judy A. Fonseca-Johnson, 55, a resident of Gurnee, IL passed away at her home.  She was born March 10, 1969 in Yonkers, NY to Americo and Cecelia Fonseca.

Judy enjoyed writing, music, and being a poet.

Judy is survived by her children Deven Johnson, Linnea Johnson, and Miles Stanczak, her siblings Donna (Alan) Newton, Rick Fonseca, and Jackie (Patrick) Byrne, and the fathers of her children Erik Johnson and Michael Stanczak.  She was preceded in death by her parents.

A memorial visitation is scheduled for Friday, September 27, 2024 at Strang Funeral Chapel & Crematorium 410 E. Belvidere Rd. Grayslake, IL 60030 from 4:00pm until 8:00pm.  A memorial mass is scheduled for Saturday, September 28, 2024 at St. Paul the Apostle 6401 Gages Lake Rd. Gurnee, IL 60031 at 9:30am.  Interment will be private.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to NAMI National Alliance on Mental Illness www.nami.org.

For more information log onto www.strangfuneral.org or contact (847)223-8122.

Elizabeth Ann Olejcak, age 85, a resident of Gurnee, passed away on September 17, 2024 at her home. She was born on April 15, 1939 in Chicago to Gustaf and Estelle Jacobson.

Born Elizabeth Ann Jacobson, she was often referred to as “Boots” in her early years and went by “Betty” later in life. Betty grew up in Illinois on the south side of Chicago.  Her mother traveled playing the organ and Betty found herself attending boarding school at a young age.  As a freshman, she lived with a sponsor family and attended school in Buena Vista, Colorado and would eventually find her way back to Colorado later in life. She returned to Chicago and graduated from Kelly High School.

Betty modeled after high school and started a job at The University of Illinois Hospital-Chicago where she met the love of her life, Ray Olejcak.  They were engaged 1 month later, married 4 months after that and enjoyed 37 years of marriage.  Betty’s goal in life was to raise her family with the stability and confidence that she never felt she had growing up. They settled down in Wildwood, Illinois, where she would live for over 40 years and where they raised their 2 daughters. In 2012, she moved to Colorado Springs, so that she could be a daily presence in her younger grandson’s, Cole and Luke’s lives.  She remained there until 2023 where she then moved back to Illinois to receive care.

Betty worked for many years at Volkswagen, was a Distribution Manager for Subaru Mid-America, and ultimately retired from a wonderful career at Abbott Laboratories in the Hospital Products Division.  

Betty was a fiercely independent and loving person and referred to by many as their second mom because she had an open door to all that needed her. She was a lifetime crocheter, unicycle rider, world traveler and spent her later years becoming an expert quilter. She was an avid baseball, basketball and football fan both professional and collegiate.  You could always find a sports game on her TV especially if it was the Bears, Chicago White Sox or Notre Dame.  She especially loved March Madness and watching the College World Series. Others would know Betty as the “Cookie Mom”, as she loved baking cookies for everyone she knew and always had a full cookie jar for visitors.  Most importantly, Betty NEVER missed attending an event that supported her kids, grandkids or the extended family she loved.

Betty is survived by her daughters, Betty-Rae (Dan) Ratzke of Round Lake Beach, and Heather (Joe) Spurlock of Colorado; her grandchildren, Dan Jr. (Sherri), Chris, Cole, and Luke; her 7 great grandchildren; her 2 great-great grandchildren; her many nieces and nephews; and her sister, Louise Olberding of Iowa.  She was preceded in death by her husband, Ray; her granddaughter, Dawn, and her parents.

A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Gilbert Catholic Church, 301 E Belvidere Road, Grayslake, IL 60030 on Saturday, September 21, 2024 at 11am.  A visitation will be held at church on Saturday from 10am until the time of Mass. Interment will be held 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. 

Janet Loretta Shaver, age 86, passed away on September 12, 2024 in Portage, Wisconsin.  She was born on November 5, 1937 in Waukegan, Illinois to John and Loretta (nee Keyser) Opeka. Janet loved spending time in her garden, arts and crafts, making ceramic objects, supporting the Green Bay Packers, and playing volleyball.  She was a lover of animals, especially dogs and playing cards, especially pinochle.

Janet is survived by her children, Debra (Jeff) Miller of Wisconsin Dells, WI and Robert (Karen Mowatt) Shaver of Beach Park, IL; her grandchildren, Dixie (Ben) Deal of Portage, WI, Becky (Jason) Hopkins of Pleasant Prairie, WI, Heidi Houston of Burlington, Kimberly (Manuel) Marban of Wadsworth, IL, Michael (Summer) Ratcliff of Waseca, MN, and Amber Ratcliff of Spokane, WA; and 14 great-grandchildren.  She was preceded in death by her son, Michael; her brother, Richard; and her parents.

A funeral service will be held at Strang Funeral Chapel, 410 E Belvidere Road, Grayslake, IL 60030 on Wednesday, September 18, 2024 at 10am.  A visitation will be held at the funeral chapel on Tuesday, September 17, 2024 from 4pm until 7pm.  Interment will be held at Ascension Catholic Cemetery in Libertyville, IL.  For more information, please call (847)223-8122 or visit www.StrangFuneral.org.

To view slideshow click here: https://www.tributeslides.com/tributes/show/ZGX5YQ6SZ4RWCK7R

Kay Frances Libertore, age 91, a resident of Grayslake, ILleft this world on September 9, 2024 at her home and joined the love her life, Jim.  She was born on June 8, 1933 in Chicago to Leroy and Darlene Meineke. She was the sister to Joan Gibson and James Meineke.  Kay was a longtime dog groomer, avid fan of Vincent Van Gogh and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. 

Kay is survived by her sons, Kenneth of East Chicago, and Gary of Grayslake.  She was preceded in death by her husband, James.

Per her wishes, no funeral services will be held.  Arrangements were entrusted to Strang Funeral Chapel, 410 E Belvidere Road, Grayslake, IL 60030. For more information, please call (847)223-8122 or www.StrangFuneral.org.

Mark Anthony Stang, 57, a resident of Round Lake Beach, IL, passed away September 8, 2024 at Lutheran General in Park Ridge, IL.  He was born January 20, 1967 in Waukegan, IL to George and Shirley (nee: Dietz) Stang.

Mark was an avid Cubs and Bears fan, loved playing Bingo, and visiting casinos. He loved spending time with family and was always there to help with any projects.

Mark is survived by his siblings George Jr. (Sharon) Stang of Grayslake, Karen Stang of Round Lake Heights, Tom Stang Sr. of Clover, SC, Catherine Stang of Hainesville, Donna (Daniel) Uyttebroeck of Ingleside, Don (Paula) Stang of Ingleside, John (Kellie) Stang of Volo, William Stang of Hainesville, and Tammy (Tommy) Price of Round Lake, his brother-in-law Ed Wallis of Grayslake, and numerous nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents George and Shirley Stang, his brothers Joseph and Michael, his sister Debora Wallis, and his beloved dog Bingo.

All funeral arrangements were held privately 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.

Elvira Racelis, 77, a resident of Mundelein, IL, passed away September 7, 2024 at Northwestern Medical Center in Lake Forest, IL.  She was born November 5, 1946 in the Philippines Fausto Zaragoza Santos and Lydia Causio Santos.

Elvira enjoyed cooking, singing Karaoke, dancing, and Bingo. Most of all she enjoyed spending time with family and friends.

Elvira is survived by her husband of 48 years, Anthony Racelis, her children Cherri Anne (Erwin) Olivarez, Julie Anne (Mike) Salazar, Anne Pauline (Alex) Lat, and Nina Angelica (Andrei) Del Fierro, her grandchildren Isabelle Anne, Caleb, Angelo, Calix, and Amanda, and her siblings Teresita Causio Santos and Fausto Causio Santos, Jr.  She was preceded in death by her parents and her 3 siblings Eduardo Causio Santos, Zenaida Causio Santos, and Leticia Santos Aguila.

A visitation and funeral service is scheduled for Saturday, September 14, 2024 at Strang Funeral Chapel & Crematorium 410 E. Belvidere Rd. Grayslake, IL 60030 from 3:00pm until 7:00pm with the funeral service commencing at 5:00pm.  For more information, please log onto www.strangfuneral.org or contact (847)223-8122.

To view slideshow click here:https://www.tributeslides.com/tributes/show/MK8DQ54RPBQ7DDXX

Susan Faye Jensen, a resident of Lindenhurst, IL, passed away on September 9, 2024 at Advocate Condell Medical Center in Libertyville, IL.  Sue was known for her passion for gardening, interior design, vacationing with family and friends (specifically Hawaii), the love for her grandchildren and 2 fur babies (Rosie and Koa). She was a wonderful support/advocate for animal adoption. She was born on April 23, 1955 in Sioux City, Iowa to Donald and Faye Koch.
Susan is survived by husband, Brian, of 49 years whom she married on May 30, 1975 in Sioux City, Iowa; her parents, Donald and Faye Koch; her children, Justin (Jennifer); her grandchildren, Claira and Nolan; and her sisters, Cindy (Matthew) Haley and Kimberly Larson.  She was preceded in death by her son, Derrick.  
A private memorial service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the ASPCA.  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. 

Austin Scott Raysby, 34, a resident of Park Ridge, IL, was called home to our Lord on September 4, 2024. Austin was born on May 17^th, 1990, and is survived by his parents, Arthur Raysby Sr. and Susan (Barry) McCarty (nee: Torok), his partner in crime Kellie Laudani, his grandparent Ingeborg Torok, his siblings Arthur Raysby Jr. of Ingleside, IL, Andrea (Jeremie) Bartelt of Lindenhurst, IL, and Sara Raysby of Gurnee, IL, and many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins. Austin’s greatest joy in life was spending time with his nieces and nephews.

He was very charismatic and a big kid at heart. The smiles Austin wore when surrounded by family and friends were heartwarming and contagious and revealed immense affection for them. Austin gave the greatest hugs and everything he did, he did with love. Austin enjoyed life. He loved fishing, dancing, going to the gym, pickleball, gaming, spending time outdoors, and cuddling his dogs.

Austin will be deeply missed by everyone.

 “Those we hold closest to our hearts never truly leave us. They live on in the kindness they have shared and the love they brought into our lives.”

A memorial visitation and service is scheduled for Thursday, September 19, 2024, at Strang Funeral Chapel & Crematorium 410 E. Belvidere Rd. Grayslake, IL from 3:00pm until 7:00pm with the service commencing at 7:00pm. Inurnment will be held at Grant Cemetery. For more information, please log onto www.strangfuneral.org or contact (847)223-8122.

To view slideshow click here:https://www.tributeslides.com/tributes/show/46993F6R28RW29TN

It is with great sadness that the family of Sharon Ann Damptz announce her passing. Sharon passed away on August 22, 2024, unexpectedly due to complications of a surgery. . She was born on December 2, 1946 in Chicago to Chester and Nell (Haynes) Wojtanek.. Sharon was the beloved wife of Donald, Sharon is survived by her children: Tracie Dinitz, David (Abbie) and Paul; Grandmother of Emma Dinitz and Addison Damptz; godmother of Kelly Flett; She was preceded in death by her husband, Donald; her brother, Michael; and her parents.  Sharon was a loving mother who was always there when you needed her most. Her passions included crocheting, disney, the Blackhawks, the Cubs, Queen, and country line dancing. 

 In lieu of flowers, memorials will be appreciated to LCFA (Lung Cancer Foundation of America) At:https://secure.lcfamerica.org/campaign.jsp?campaign=35&fundraiser=21094&

A service for Sharon A Damptz, 77, of Lake Zurich will be held from 11:30 a.m.- 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 14th, 2024 at St Michael the Archangel Catholic Cemetery in the Chapel, 1185 W Algonquin Rd, Palatine.

Harold Free Parmly, 89, was born in Cobden, Illinois to Cecil Free Parmly and Esther Marie (nee: Messsamore) Parmly on March 1, 1935.

Harold married Norma Lucille Cavaness on December 4, 1954. Harold is survived by his children Debra Parmly of Maryville, TN and Jeffrey (Vivian) Parmly of Lindenhurst, IL and three beloved grandchildren (who call him “Panga”) Ashley (Andrew) Parmly-Flores of Murfreesbro, TN, Ryan Parmly of Chicago, IL, and Wade Parmly of Lindenhurst, IL. 

He worked for the Illinois Central Railroad in many capacities over 35 years and then became involved in the development and acquisition of short line railroads as a principal of Anacostia Rail Holdings, including serving as Vice President of the South Shore Freight Railroad until his retirement.  He was an U.S. Army Veteran and Freemason.  He was of the Baptist Faith.

Preceded in death by his parents Cecil and Esther Parmly, his wife Norma Parmly, and his twin brother Gerald Parmly.  Harold passed away peacefully on September 2, 2024.

A visitation and funeral service is scheduled for Sunday, September 8, 2024 from 3:00pm – 5:00pm with the funeral service commencing at 5:00pm at Strang Funeral Chapel & Crematorium 410 E. Belvidere Rd. Grayslake, IL 60030.  Interment will be held on Monday, September 9, 2024 at 1:00pm at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Elwood, IL.  For more information, please log onto www.strangfuneral.org or contact (847)223-8122.

Claudia Nocker Venegoni, 64, of Gurnee passed away on September 3, 2024, at her home. Claudia was born on January 7, 1960, in Oak Park to Andrew and Gisela Nocker. She was the oldest of four daughters.

Claudia graduated from Oak Park River Forest High School and the University of Illinois with a bachelor’s degree in Education. She was an avid Illini fan, so much so that she named her first dog Chief. While at U of I, she met the love of her life, John Venegoni, in Scott Hall.

John and Claudia were married in 1984 and recently celebrated their 40th anniversary with a tropical family vacation that made her heart full. Claudia is survived by her husband, John, and her four children: Mark (Danielle) Venegoni of Mundelein; Jenna (Mitch) Herzog of Highland Park; David (Kara) Venegoni of McKinney, Texas; Luke (Eleia) Venegoni of Libertyville; and her nine grandchildren: Gabriella, Nicholas, Luca, and Carter Venegoni; Theodore, Josephine, and Augustus Herzog; Maxwell Venegoni; and Dominic Venegoni.

Claudia is also survived by her three sisters: Monika (Wyatt) Sutherland, Kristina (partner Rob Haak) Gullion, and Juliana (Patrick Ferry) Nocker; her 24 nieces and nephews; and her mother-in-law Marjorie Venegoni and stepmother Ilse Nocker. Claudia’s parents and her father-in-law, Gene, preceded her in death.

Claudia had a passion for life, and she lived it with a smile on her face. She was a lifelong Catholic with a special interest in the Cubs, reading the Tribune cover to cover, cooking and baking, gardening, sewing, and her Goldendoodle, Charlie. Her home was the hub for countless family, school and team parties. She spent thousands of hours ringing her signature cowbell and cheering her kids on during their sporting events. Nothing topped her love of her family and her love of being an Oma. She regularly cared for eight of her nine grandchildren.

Visitation will be at Strang Funeral Chapel & Crematorium 410 E. Belvidere Rd. Grayslake, IL on Friday, September 6, from 4:00-8:00pm. Her funeral mass will be held at St. Gilbert Catholic Church 301 E. Belvidere Rd. Grayslake, IL on Saturday, September 7, at 10:00 a.m. Burial will follow the funeral at Ascension Cemetery in Libertyville.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Claudia’s honor to St. Gilbert School, Carmel Catholic High School, Illinois CancerCare Foundation, or Paws Giving Independence.

For more information log onto www.strangfuneral.org or contact (847)223-8122.

To view the memorial video click here:https://www.tributeslides.com/tributes/show/8YGSXH4DQFQ77RBZ

To view live stream click here: https://youtube.com/channel/UCMP0PFhS_wyXxgsTzbPEEyw