Hildegard H. Pieger, 90, a resident of Grayslake, IL passed away Tuesday, January 12, 2021 at her home.  She was born September 17, 1930 in Romania to Leopold and Aurelia Traczek.  Hildegard was a member of St. Gilbert Catholic Church in Grayslake, IL, the German-American Club in Antioch, and the DANK German American National Congress.  She enjoyed her garden, traveling, and walking.  Hildegard is survived by her children Hildegard (Ted) Geiger and John (Cathy Angerer) Pieger, her grandchildren Erich Geiger, Kelli (Jason) Mule, and Mary (Andrew) Krueger, her great-granddaughters Aubrey and Danielle, her brother Alfred Traczek, and her many nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Ludwig, her grandson Daniel Pieger, and her brothers Frank and Eugene Traczek.  A visitation and funeral mass are scheduled for Tuesday, January 19, 2021 from 10:00am until 11:00am with the funeral mass commencing at 11:00am at St. Gilbert Catholic Church 301 E. Belvidere Rd. Grayslake, IL 60030.  Interment will follow at Ascension Cemetery in Libertyville.  Memorials may be made to St. Gilbert Church.  All funeral arrangements were entrusted to Strang Funeral Chapel & Crematorium, 410 E. Belvidere Rd. Grayslake, IL  For information, call 847-223-8122 or visit www.strangfuneral.org.

Peggy L. Burk, 70, a resident of Round Lake Beach, passed away at her home on January 6, 2021 surrounded by her family.   She was born on June 29, 1950 in Lexington , MS for Clyde and Annie Jones.  Peggy is survived by her husband, James; her mother, Annie Jones of Ingleside; her children, Tracy Burk of Round Lake Beach, Michelle Burk of Round Lake Beach, and Rebecca (Donald) Diebert of Aberdeen, WA; her grandchildren, Christopher Burk, Zachery Burk, Kaitlyn Diebert, and Breanna Deibert; her siblings, Myrtle (Brian) Palmer, Bruce (Judy) Jones, Barbara Hawkins, and Mark (Karen) Jones.  She was preceded in death by her father, Clyde Jones; and brother, Clyde Jones, Jr. 

A funeral service will be held on Thursday, January 14, 2021 at 11:00am at Strang Funeral Chapel, 410 E Belvidere Road, Grayslake, Il 60030. A visitation will be held on Thursday from 10:00am until the time of service.  Interment will immediately follow at Highland Memorial Park in Libertyville. During this time we will be adhering to all COVID-19 guidelines including mandatory wearing of face masks and a maximum of 10 people in the funeral chapel. For more information please contact (847)223-8122 or log onto www.strangfuneral.org.

Marco “Maco” Tulio Caal, from Guatemala was born on October 1, 1948. His first adventure to the U.S. was in 1968 where he shortly lived in Manhattan, New York. He went back to his home country until 1974, and returned to the US where he spent some time in Los Angeles, California, but later stayed in Chicago, Illinois making it his home town. 

He spent 25 years working as a photo technician at K&S Photography. He had a passion for photography, and was very artistic. His hobbies included reading, drawing, sketching-  in particular caricatures, and sharing many jokes. He was the uncle who always had the coolest, up-to-date gadgets, and the latest technology. 

He enjoyed playing with his nieces and nephews. At every gathering you could find him taking pictures and creating wonderful memories. No matter time nor place, Marco would always wear his cap and flannel shirt. That was his signature look. 

God called Marco to heaven on January 2, 2021 where he was relieved of sickness and pain, and joins his father Roberto, mother Emilia, and brothers Rolando, Rene, and Humberto. He will be remembered for his caring character, and loving spirit. He is survived by siblings Mario, Teresa, Maritza, and Walter.  Loving nieces Dinora, Sandra, Alma, Wendy, Sandy, Jennifer, Emily, Stephanie, and nephews Jorge, Mario, Charlie, Vini, Joe, along with many more great nieces and nephews.

A visitation is scheduled for Friday, January 8, 2021 from 10:00am until 11:00am with a Funeral Mass commencing at 11:00am at St. Gilbert Catholic Church, 301 E. Belvidere Rd. Grayslake, IL 60030.  Interment will be held at Ascension Catholic Cemetery in Libertyville immediately following Mass .  Arrangements were entrusted to Strang Funeral Chapel & Crematorium, 410 E. Belvidere Rd. Grayslake, IL  For information, call 847-223-8122 or visit www.strangfuneral.org.

Jerold Wayne Leckman, 77, a resident of Grayslake, IL, passed away from ALS on December 31, 2020 at his home.  He was born November 16, 1943 in Orlando, FL to Curtis and Maxine Leckman.  Jerold graduated from University of Illinois Champaign Urbana with a Bachelors and Masters Degree and later earned his PhD at University of Illinois Chicago.  He was a veteran having served as a Commissioned Officer in the United States Public Health Service.  He was a retired Professor of Engineering at College of Lake County and was a registered Professional Engineer and Land Surveyor.  Jerold was a charter member of the Shepherd of the Lakes Lutheran Church. Jerold enjoyed traveling to various countries and to the national parks of the USA and Canada.  He enjoyed flying and attending events at Oshkosh’s EAA Fly In.  He built his own home with great craftsmanship.  Jerold is survived by his wife Elizabeth “Betty” (nee: Dietz) whom he wed on June 17, 1967 in Grayslake, his children Christine (Kokkay) Mun, Karen (Mark) Schweiss, and David (Megan) Leckman, his grandchildren Elizabeth, Esther, Benjamin, Alexander, Madelyn, Ella, Owen, and Quin, and his siblings Allen (Saline) Leckman, Julie Leckman, and Sandra Leckman.  He was preceded in death by his parents.  A visitation and funeral service is scheduled for Friday, January 8, 2021 from 10:00am to 12:00pm with the funeral service starting at 12:00pm at Shepherd of the Lakes Lutheran Church 285 E. Washington St. Grayslake, IL 60030.  Facebook live will be available via Shepherd of the Lakes Church for the service.  Interment will follow at Highland Memorial Park in Libertyville, IL.  Memorials may be made to donate.ALS.org or 1300 Wilson Blvd. Ste 600 Arlington, VA 22209 or the church www.shepherdofthelakes.org.  All funeral arrangements were entrusted to Strang Funeral Chapel & Crematorium 410 E. Belvidere Rd. Grayslake, IL 60030.  For more information please contact (847)223-8122 or log onto www.strangfuneral.org.

Gus Beres was born on August 29,1937, in Chicago, Illinois, son of Gus and Charlotte Beres (nee Huber).   The family eventually settled down and resided in Ingleside, Illinois where he worked with his father in the beer distribution business which he ultimately did for his entire career.  

Gus then met Dorothy and they eventually got married on September 18, 1971.   They moved to Round Lake Beach and raised two boys, Ted and Nick. Gus enjoyed rooting for (and yelling at) the White Sox and Bears.  Spoiling his English Springer Spaniels Princess, Poopy (don’t ask), and Emma.  He also enjoyed going to casinos and traveling to Las Vegas.  He enjoyed listening to music and watching movies.   He also had quite the appetite and frequented restaurants all across northern Illinois with his friends.  Gus passed away on Monday, January 4th, 2021. 

Gus was preceded in death by his mother and father, Gus and Charlotte. He is survived by his wife Dorothy; their two sons Ted and Nick; and their grandchild Jaden; as well as his brother Ken.  The family would like to extend its heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Hillcrest Nursing Home and Advocate Condell Hospital. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the American Heart Association, the American Stroke Association, or The Children’s Hemiplegia and Stroke Association.  All funeral arrangements were privately held and entrusted to Strang Funeral Chapel & Crematorium 410 E. Belvidere Rd. Grayslake, IL 60030.  For more information please contact (847)223-8122 or log onto www.strangfuneral.org.

Benjamin “Ben” Ruiz, a resident of Wildwood, IL, passed away Thursday, December 31, 2020 at Advocate Condell Medical Center in Libertyville, IL.  He was born February 3, 1937 in Waukegan, IL to Jose and Carmen Ruiz.  Ben was a veteran of the US Air Force and a member of the Sojourners SMC Motorcycle Club.  He worked for and retired from Kamatsu in Libertyville, IL.  Ben enjoyed riding his motorcycle, traveling the United States, and most of all being a proud Grandpa.  Ben is survived by his wife of 60 years, Robbie, his children Tammy (John Irizarry) Ruiz-Myers, Sheila (Kent) Grissom, and Chance (Sylvia) Ruiz and his grandchildren Daniel and Elizabeth Ruiz.  He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Armand Somera, and his sister Fausta Cortez.  A visitation and funeral service is scheduled for Tuesday, January 5, 2020 from 10:00am to 12:00pm with the funeral service starting at 12:00pm at Strang Funeral Chapel & Crematorium 410 E. Belvidere Rd. Grayslake, IL 60030.  Interment will follow at Highland Memorial Park in Libertyville, IL.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Shriners.  For more information please contact (847)223-8122 or log onto www.strangfuneral.org.

Gerald (Gerry) Scott Manarik, was born June 23, 1957 and died in Chicago on December 21, 2020. He was an electrician by profession and a proud member of IBEW Local 150. He grew up in Grayslake and the pals he made there were special to him his entire life. He was principled, trustworthy and sincere. Gerry is survived by his cherished wife, Jane (nee Scurto) beloved sons, Gregory of Chicago and Jonathan (Melissa) of Lake Villa, 2 treasured grandsons, Camden and Dax, his mother Betty Mack, brothers James (Susan), John (Marga) and sister Joanne (Shaddrack) Manarik plus many nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his stepmother Melvina Manarik. He was preceded in death by his father, Donald Manarik and stepfather Michael Mack. Gerry had many interests including restoring his 1968 Triumph GT6, golf, fishing, pinochle, the Bears/Bulls/Cubs and his collies. He was a member of St. Andrew Episcopal Church in Grayslake. Interment was private and a memorial mass and celebration of his life will take place in the future when it is safe to gather again. Contributions in his memory may be made to his grandson Camden’s school for special needs children, Lakemary Center, 100 Lakemary Rd. Paola, KS 66071.  All funeral arrangements were entrusted to Strang Funeral Chapel & Crematorium 410 E. Belvidere Rd. Grayslake, IL 60030.  For more information please contact (847)223-8122 or log onto www.strangfuneral.org.

Hank (Hendrik) J. Smit 73 was born on May 30, 1947, in Arnhem, Netherlands, the youngest son of Johannes and Maria Smit (nee Vonk). In the years following World War II, and a time in Uganda, Africa, the family moved to the United States. They arrived in New York on June 23, 1956, and eventually settled in Elkhart, Indiana. Hank attended Elkhart High School, graduating in 1965. 

Hank became a United States citizen on February 6, 1967. That year, he enlisted in the United States Navy. After an honorable discharge, he traveled throughout Europe and Africa, spending time in Spain, Holland, and Morocco. Once back in the U.S., Hank entered into an apprenticeship and became a journeyman carpenter.

Hank met the love of his life, Susan, in 1974. After dating for some time, the pair packed up a pickup truck that had been converted into a camper and headed west, planning to make their way to Guatemala. They got as far as Yellowstone National Park and eloped in Jackson Hole in 1977. They fell in love with Montana, made their home in Helena, and raised their two daughters in the capital city. Hank, always forward-thinking, used his carpentry expertise to start his own business, Smit Solar Construction, building energy-efficient solar homes.

Hank, Susan, and the girls eventually made their way back to the Midwest, settling in the Chicagoland suburbs. Hank was an active member of Carpenters Local 250, holding the title of president of the union for many years. Through the union, Hank regularly volunteered with Habitat for Humanity, Dollars Against Diabetes, and various other labor and community organizations.

An engaged citizen, Hank was passionate about politics especially around progressive issues of labor, organizing and the environment. He spent time getting to know his local lawmakers and dedicated his time to organizing and supporting candidates and registering voters. Hank voted in every election, understanding the importance of all levels of governance.

  Hank was a loving father and was so proud of his daughters. He never missed a chance to see them in school activities, sporting events, and musical concerts and recitals.  From loving father, Hank seamlessly transitioned to a doting Opa. His five grandchildren brought him nothing but joy. He loved watching them grow and learn, playing cards and chess with them, working on woodworking projects for them, and seeing them play sports and other activities. He enjoyed traveling to visit his daughter and her family in New York, spending time outdoors, and just being together. Hank kept himself busy working on projects around the house (there wasn’t anything he couldn’t fix!), and he never missed an episode of Sunday Morning or Jeopardy! Coffee and a treat was an important daily event.

  Hank passed away in the early hours of December 30, surrounded by his loving family after a lengthy battle with cancer.

Hank was preceded in death by his mother and father, Maria and Johannes (Riet and Jo). He is survived by his wife of forty-three years, Susan; their two daughters, Alie (Jon) Stansbury of Spring Grove and Amie (Todd) Green of Brooklyn; and five grandchildren, Sophie Stansbury, James Green, Benjamin Stansbury, Maisie Stansbury, and Theodora (Teddy) Green; as well as his two older brothers, John and Rein. 

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to or volunteering time with charities that serve the community and the environment, such as Habitat for Humanity, PADS, Northern Illinois Food Bank, or the Sierra Club. Honor Hank’s memory by sharing a cold beer with a good friend (socially distanced, of course!), enjoying the beauty of nature and watching the birds, and using your voice to affect change by voting and staying informed.

A celebration of life event will be scheduled for sometime in 2021.  

Timothy Dodge, 72, of Lindenhurst, passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, December 27, 2020. He was born in Dubuque, Iowa on September 6, 1948 to Nathan & Margery Dodge who preceded him in death. Tim is survived by his wife, Cherie, and children Kelley Dodge of Longmont, CO and Nate Dodge of Boulder, CO; two sisters, Jennifer (Mike) Weibel of West Redding, CT and Sarah (Bob) Randecker of Dickinson, TX; and two brothers, Jonathan (Karen) Dodge of Estero, FL and Chris (Martha) Dodge of Kalispell, MT.

Tim received his undergraduate degree from Augustana College in Rock Island, IL, where he was Director of Admissions and Financial Aid for many years. He later earned a master’s degree from Western Illinois University and co-founded a successful market research firm. Tim and Cherie were married for 35 years and enjoyed traveling along with a variety of outdoor activities. Tim was a devoted father, coaching many youth sports, and was present for each of his children’s life events. He especially enjoyed annual Canada fishing trips with lifelong buddies. After being recognized as an All American collegiate wrestler, he went on to coach at the college level. For more than 25 years, Tim was a highly respected high school wrestling official throughout the state of Illinois. Tim was an advocate for the outdoors and enjoyed spending time in nature canoeing, fishing, hiking, and birdwatching. Memorial gifts can be made to The Sierra Club Foundation in Tim’s name.  All funeral services were held privately. All services were entrusted to Strang Funeral Chapel & Crematorium 410 E. Belvidere Rd. Grayslake, IL 60030.  For more information please contact (847)223-8122 or log onto www.strangfuneral.org.

Robert C. Amburgey, 79, a resident of Saddlebrook Farms in Grayslake, IL, passed away Sunday, December 27, 2020 at The Sheridan of Green Oaks in Lake Bluff, IL.  He was born March 17, 1941 in Franklin, OH to Hilliard and Amanda Amburgey.  Robert was a veteran of 20 years with the US Navy.  After retiring he was a teacher with the College of Lake County, a substitute teacher with Vernon Hills and Libertyville High School, and worked for Panasonic.  He was a member of the Grayslake and Lake Villa Lions Club and a member of the Lake Villa VFW.  Robert is survived by his wife of 56 years, Beverly, his children Lisa Amburgey of Delevan, WI and Kevin Amburgey of Skokie, IL, his nieces and nephews in Ohio, and his furry girlfriend Daisy Mae.  He was preceded in death by his parents and 7 siblings.  A visitation is scheduled for Saturday, January 2, 2021 from 1:00pm to 4:00pm at Strang Funeral Chapel & Crematorium 410 E. Belvidere Rd. Grayslake, IL 60030.  Interment will be held privately. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Grayslake Lions Club PO Box 201.  For more information please contact (847)223-8122 or log onto www.strangfuneral.org.

Angela P. Burstrom (Née La Rose), age 94, a longtime resident of Northfield, IL, passed away on Tuesday, December 15, 2020. She was born on July 11, 1926 in Chicago. She was formerly employed at Betty’s of Winnetka. She loved to read books, dog sit, baby sit and the Chicago Cubs, you could hear her cheering down the street. She had many wonderful friends.

She was the loving mother of Kathleen (Paul) Letarte; dear sister, Mary Ann (late Joseph) Bennett; son-in-law, Mark(late Karen) Werth; loving grandmother of Jenny (Jeremy) Mroch and Michael (Elizabeth) Letarte; great grandmother of Christopher Mroch; fond aunt of Laura Bennett; great aunt of Nicholas & Alex.  She was preceded in death by her parents; daughter, Karen Werth; brother-in-law, Joseph Bennett; and nephew, Joey Bennett.

Interment will be held privately. Memorial contributions may be made in Angela’s name to: Good Samaritan Animal Relief Fund @ www.bestfriendsgrayslakevets.com

Charles W. Peers

Charles W. Peers, age 84, a resident of Hainesville, passed away Friday, December 18, 2020 at his home.  He was born on August 15, 1936 in Indiana to Frank and Mildred Peers. He worked for Standard Printing Company. Charles loved guns, motorcycles and being with family and animals, especially cats.  He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Rita, who he married in Highland Park on November 22, 1975; his daughter, Lynette (Dan) Hawkins of Palatine; and grandchildren, Julie and Corey Peers of Palatine.  He was preceded in death by his parents.  A  visitation and memorial service are scheduled for Monday, December 28, 2020 from 10:00am to 11:00am with the memorial service commencing at 11:00am at Strang Funeral Chapel & Crematorium, 410 E. Belvidere Road, Grayslake, IL 60030. During this time we will be adhering to all COVID-19 guidelines including mandatory wearing of face masks, social distancing and a maximum of 10 people in the funeral chapel at one time.  Interment will be held privately. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society. For more information please contact (847)223-8122 or log onto www.strangfuneral.org.

Our mother, Lorraine Thomson from Round Lake, IL died peacefully on December 15, 2020 from advanced stages of dementia complicated by COVID.  Lorraine, 93, was born February 4, 1927 in Chicago, Illinois and for 66 wonderful years was married to her loving husband Carl who preceded her in death in 2014.  She was raised and lived for most of her life in the Round Lake, Illinois area but later in life sun birded to and from Rhineland, Wisconsin and Naples, Florida. A devout Catholic, Lorraine’s gift to her family was her deep faith in God; never missing Sunday mass.  She was the spiritual inspiration to her husband and children most of which settled in Lake and McHenry counties Illinois. Mom loved to sing!  In her early ‘20’s she was a member of the Chicago Union Station Choir. And later a devoted choir member of St. Finbarr Catholic Church in Naples and Nativity of our Lord in Rhinelander. Lorraine was a devoted mother and wife while also keeping the books for Thomson Disposal Service in Long Lake for over twenty years.  A most gregarious person with an ever-present smile, she easily made friends in any situation.  Lorraine was modest in manner but outgoing in behavior with countless friends in all the places she called home. Lorraine is survived by her sister Kathleen; her two sons Tim (Denise) Thomson and Forrest (Brenda) Thomson; three daughters Pamela (Bob) Von Oepen, Bonnie (Tom) Carter, and Gina (Anthony) Giannola; 14 grandchildren Eric (Sara) Thomson of Boise, ID, Shannon (Curt) Wozniak of Tiburon, CA, Jenny (Gabriel) Mayhugh of Chicago, IL, Johnathan Gruber of San Juan, PR, Jillian (Dan) Torkelson of Spring Grove, IL, Shelby Von Oepen of Phoenix, AZ, Katelynn Von Oepen of Chicago, IL, Ben (Lauren) Carter of Ingleside, IL, Christian (Amanda) Carter of Normal, IL, Amanda (Sabastian) Cieslak of Ingleside, IL, Vincent (Katie) Giannola of Illinois, Nick Giannola of Mayo, FL, Nino Giannola of Marquette, MI, and Skyler Thomson of Grayslake, IL; plus 16 great grandchildren; and her many nephews and nieces.  All of which she touched and loved deeply.  A funeral mass at Our Lady of the Lakes Catholic Church in Ingleside, IL, and graveyard service at St. Joseph’s Church Cemetery in Round Lake adjacent to the Thomson family farm will be announced later in the new year when travel is safer.  In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made to St. Vincent DePaul Society at Our Lady of the Lakes Parish,  Ingleside, IL. All funeral arrangements were entrusted to Strang Funeral Chapel & Crematorium 410 E. Belvidere Rd. Grayslake, IL 60030.  For more information please contact (847)223-8122 or log onto www.strangfuneral.org.