Lance H. Thickpenny, loving husband, father, and grandfather passed away at the age of 66 on April 5^th, 2021.  Lance was born in Libertyville, IL in 1954, the son of Robert and Gladys (Dowden) Thickpenny.  Affectionately referred to as “Howie”, Lance graduated from Northern Illinois University with a degree in Art. He pursued a career in carpentry, alongside his brother Greg, and was a proud member of Carpenters Local 250 for 25 years.  He married his wife Donna in 1980 and together they enjoyed 41 years of marriage.  They had 3 daughters: Amy, Megan, Erin.  Lance had a penchant for music that he carried with him through all stages of life.  He loved to perform – whether it was from the driver’s seat on the way home from work, on stage at the Last Chance, in the living room for impromptu family dance parties, or sitting around with family and friends enjoying each other’s company – he could always be counted on to lend his voice and guitar.  Quick to make a joke and get the party started, he took his role of father and grandfather very seriously.  The loudest cheerleader in the stands, he always made sure his girls knew how proud he was of them.  Outside of music & caring for his family, Lance was an avid Cubs fan, chef, movie lover, and loyal customer at Fred’s Diner. Lance is survived by his wife Donna, his three daughters Amy (Katie), Megan, Erin, and granddaughter Kiara.  He also leaves behind brothers Greg (Sheila), Mark (Emilia), Brian (Pamela), sisters Mary Ring and Jean Hughes, as well as brothers-in-law Michael (Susan) Sugrue, Raymond (Carmen), Daniel, James, Shawn (Mary) and sisters-in-law Colleen (John) McNicholas, and Mary K.  He was a fond and loving uncle and great uncle to many nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by parents Robert and Gladys Thickpenny and mother-in-law Charlotte Sugrue. Lance was a very devoted family man and will be deeply missed by his family and friends.  Services will be held on Saturday, April 10^th from 9am-12pm at Strang Funeral Chapel, 410 East Belvidere Road in Grayslake, IL.  Lance believed strongly in providing for his family.  He would give anything to support his wife, daughters and their partners, granddaughter, and any future grandchildren.  In lieu of flowers, any donations given to the family will be used to set up a college fund for Kiara and her future siblings and cousins. Donations can be sent directly to Strang Funeral Chapel in memory of Lance Thickpenny.

Due to COVID-19, we ask that anyone attending the services please respect social distancing guidelines and wear a mask.  A virtual live stream of the memorial service is also available for anyone who cannot attend.  For information, please call 847-223-8122 or go to www.strangfuneral.org.

Zoom Virtual Livestream Link: https://zoom.us/j/95704001318

Norman A. Hertel, 92, a resident of Grayslake, passed away on Tuesday, April 6, 2021 in Elk Grove Village.  He was born February 14, 1929 to Frank and Katherine Hertel.  Norman worked and retired from International Harvester, and was a lifelong farmer.  In retirement, he worked for his wife Betty’s cleaning business and enjoyed gardening.  Norman is survived by his three children, Andrea (Robert) Kiene of Grayslake, IL, Lorelei (Lawrence) Jacobs of Buffalo Grove, IL, and Randy (Chris) Hertel of Hawthorn Woods, IL; his 7 grandchildren, Missy (Tony), Andy, David, Tony, Deanna (Andy), Katie (Bryan), and Jill; and his great granddaughter, Ella.  He was preceded in death by his wife, Betty Hertel.  A visitation and funeral Mass will be held on Monday, April 12, 2021 from 10:00am until 11:00am with the funeral Mass commencing at 11:00am at St. Gilberts Catholic Church 301 E. Belvidere Rd. Grayslake, IL 60030.  The interment will follow the service at St. Marys Catholic Cemetery in Fremont Center, IL.  In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to St. Gilberts Catholic Church.  For more information please log onto www.strangfuneral.org or contact (847)223-8122.

On Thursday, April 1^st, 2021 Jacqueline Ounanian – Dayenian of Grayslake, Illinois; age 84; passed away suddenly at her home.  Jackie was born in Marseille, France to parents Khatchadour Ounanian and Mariam Arakelian.  When she was 21; she traveled overseas to the States.  Shortly after, she resided in  Waukegan, IL.   While attending a Church event at St. George Armenian church; this is where Jackie met Steve – the love of her life. They got married on July 11, 1964 and have been married for over 56 years.  Jackie was an active member of St. George Armenian church and part of the Women’s Guild. Jackie worked as a Supervisor at Pfanstiehl in Waukegan, IL; she worked many years at Marriott in Lincolnshire, IL; and had her own pastry business called “Jackie’s Pastries” in South Carolina. Her best job ever was raising her two children and later her four grand-children.  Jackie is survived by her husband, Steve; many cousins, nieces, her children Manuel Dayenian of Grayslake, IL and Michelle Hahnlein (Jeffrey) of Lake Villa, IL and Grandchildren – Sabrina, Austin, Janey, and Zachery Hahnlein whom they lovingly call her Nana or Nanek.   Her pure heart of gold will be cherished forever.

A visitation will be held on Tuesday, April 6, 2021 from 4:00pm until 8:00pm at Strang Funeral Chapel, 410 E. Belvidere Road, Grayslake, IL 60030 and on Wednesday, April 7, 2021 from 10:00 am until 11:00am at St. George Armenian Apostolic Church, 1015 N. McAree Road, Waukegan, IL 60085.  A funeral Mass will be held on Wednesday, April 7, 2021 at 11:00am at St. George Armenian Apostolic Church, 1015 N. McAree Road, Waukegan, IL 60085.  Interment will take place immediately following the funeral Mass at Northshore Garden of Memories, 1801 Green Bay Road, North Chicago, IL 60064.  For more information, please call (847)223-8122. 

Virginia M. Barlow, 92, a resident of Grayslake, IL, passed away Sunday, April 4, 2021 at her home.  She was born May 16, 1928 in Champaign, IL to Virgil and Helen (nee: Ward) Metzler.  Virginia enjoyed gardening and loved to golf.  She was a member of the Grayslake Garden Club and Spring Valley Swingers Golf League.  Virginia taught in public schools for 28 years and coached volleyball, softball, and track.  Virginia is survived by her children Krista (James) Bratton, Kent (Blair) Barlow, Kim Barlow, and Kathy Barlow, her grandchildren Ashley (Joseph) Martinez and Kate Merrill, and great-grandson Zane Barlow.  She was preceded in death by her parents, her sister Doris Eveland, and her son Kurt Barlow.   A memorial visitation and service is scheduled for Saturday, May 15, 2021 from 10:00am until 11:00am with the memorial service commencing at 11:00am at Strang Funeral Chapel, 410 Belvidere Road, Grayslake, IL 60030.  Interment will be held privately.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Lake County Forest Preserve 1899 W. Winchester Rd. Libertyville, IL 60042 or the American Lung Association.  For information, please call 847-223-8122 or visit www.strangfuneral.org.

Dennis J. Brauner, 74, a resident of Gurnee, IL, passed away March 29, 2021, at his home.  He was born November 7, 1946 in Kenosha, WI to Rudolf and Frances (nee: Wachs) Brauner.  Dennis is survived by his wife of 10 years, Patricia Brauner, whom he wed on July 16, 2011 in Gurnee, 5 stepchildren, and 13 grandchildren.  He was preceded in death by his parents and stepdaughter.  A memorial visitation and service will be held on Thursday, April 1, 2021 from 3:00pm until 4:00pm with the memorial service commencing at 4:00pm at Strang Funeral Chapel, 410 E. Belvidere Road, Grayslake, IL 60030.  Inurnment will be held privately.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Doctors without Borders or Project Smile.  For information, please call 847-223-8122 or visit www.strangfuneral.org.

Michael William Kinahan, 81, a resident of Grayslake, passed away on Sunday, March 28, 2021 at his home.  He was born on September 25, 1939 in Ireland to William and Elizabeth (nee Kelly) Kinahan.  Michael emigrated from Ireland in 1957, at the age of 17, and married Kathleen Faloon at the age of 21.  They had four children and raised them with much support from Kathleen’s mother, aunt and uncle, with whom they were very close.  Michael began working at Deringer Manufacturing in 1959, in the mechanical engineering field, where he remained for more than 40 years until he retired.  He was a devoted father.  His quiet strength made his children feel safe and cared for, always.

Michael was a lover of nature and enjoyed walking his beloved dog and longtime companion, Charlie.  He spent much time reading the classics, particularly Charles Dickens, and finishing the Tribune crossword puzzles daily. He was also a dedicated fan of the White Sox and Notre Dame Football.  He will be dearly missed by his friends, family and all who knew him.

Michael is survived by Kathleen Kinahan; his children, Mary (Kevin) Grampo of Grayslake, William (Kathi) Kinahan of Lake Villa, Elizabeth (David) Kinahan-Schafer of Libertyville, and Eoin (Cortney) Kinahan of Cary, NC; his eight grandchildren; his family in Ireland, including his brothers, Thomas (Nuala) Kinahan, Joseph (Marion) Kinahan and Gerard (Frances) Kinahan; and numerous nieces and nephews that he was very fond of.  He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, James; and his beloved Uncle Tommy.   

A visitation and memorial service is scheduled for Monday, April 5, 2021 from 4:00pm until 7:00pm with the memorial service commencing at 7:00pm at Strang Funeral Chapel & Crematorium, 410 E. Belvidere Rd. Grayslake, IL.  In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Catholic Relief Services or Doctors Without Borders. For information, call 847-223-8122 or visit www.strangfuneral.org. 

Dad, there’s no way to thank you for all of the sacrifices you made for us and the support you gave us our whole lives.  We will truly miss your wonderful St. Patrick’s Day corned beef and cabbage dinners and fry for breakfast! Our family gatherings will never be the same. Please know, Dad, how much you are loved and that you will be forever in our hearts.  –Mary, Bill, Liz and Eoin. 

Ronald Ray Curtis, 75, a resident of Round Lake Park, passed away Monday, March 29, 2021 at Advocate Condell Medical Center in Libertyville, IL.  He was born December 6, 1945 in Granite City, IL to Lee and Margaret Curtis. 

Ron enjoyed brick laying, gardening, working on cars, playing slot machines, he was a die-hard Green Bay Packers fan and enjoyed watching games, playing with the grandkids, loved cooking and baking (apple pie was his specialty).

Ronald is survived by his life partner Kendra Smith, his children Ronny (Rocio Alvarez) Curtis, Theresa Hollis, and Angel (Bud) Hency, his step-children Tammy Theisen, Bobby Mennes, Sarah (Stacy) Puckett, and Cindy (Brian) Baker, his grandchildren Josh, Ethan, and Timmy, his 15 step-grandchildren, his great-grandchildren Cole, Brooke, Mason, Zoe, and Memphis, his siblings Mary (David) Krueger and Tony (Marge) Curtis, and his many nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents, his siblings Jerry Curtis, Phillip Curtis, Juanita Cox, Stephen Strange, David Curtis, Jim Curtis, and Leta Mason, and his grandson Michael Curtis. A memorial service will be held at a later date.  All funeral arrangements were entrusted to Strang Funeral Chapel, 410 E. Belvidere Road, Grayslake, IL 60030.  Interment will be held privately.  For information, please call 847-223-8122 or visit www.strangfuneral.org.

Barbara Lee Horn, 86, a resident of Azpira Place of Lake Zurich, IL, passed away Friday, March 26, 2021 at Thrive of Lake County in Mundelein, IL.  Previously, Barbara lived in Grayslake, Illinois at Saddlebrook Farms.  She was born October 25, 1934 in Youngstown, OH to Herman and Lillian Horn.  Barbara is survived by her children Ron (Vicki) Slesnick, Steve (Sue) Slesnick, and Shari (Giuseppe) Slesnick-Orsolini, her grandchildren Jennifer, Sandi, Shaun, Amanda, Dan, Kristyn, and Kevin, 11 great-grandchildren, and her sisters Sue Fierman and Alice (John) Gorajczyk.  She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband Bernard Slesnick.  A burial service will be held on Friday, April 2, 2021 at 1:00pm, seating will be limited so please bring your own chair if needed, at Shalom Memorial Park 1700 Rand Rd. Arlington Heights, IL.  All funeral arrangements were entrusted to Strang Funeral Chapel, 410 E. Belvidere Road, Grayslake, IL 60030.  For information, please call 847-223-8122 or visit www.strangfuneral.org.

Collette Marie Duba, of Lindenhurst, Illinois passed away on Friday, March 26, 2021 at her home surrounded by her loving family. She was born October 5, 1957 to Noel and Nona Duba of Libertyville, Illinois. 

Those who were lucky enough to know Collette often referred to her as an angel who walked on earth. Collette was known for the way she cared for people and animals. She always had a smile on her face and welcoming personality. In her free time, she enjoyed crafting (and collecting craft supplies), spending time with her daughter and grandchildren, and volunteering with the Animal Education and Rescue Organization. 

Collette is survived and loved by many family members including her daughters, Emilie Bloom and Kaitlyn (Michael) Gabriel; mother, Nona Duba; sisters, Adele Nagel and Renee (James Clancy) Duba; brother, Neil Duba; cousins; nieces; and nephews; and the lights of her life her grandchildren, Exavier, Eliana, Isaly, and Nayeli. Collette is preceded in death by her father Noel Duba. 

A celebration of life will be scheduled at a later date. Arrangements were entrusted to Strang Funeral Chapel, 410 E. Belvidere Rd. Grayslake, IL 60030.  For more information, please call 847-223-8122 or visit www.strangfuneral.org. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the family.

Matt Piatek, 84, a resident of Round Lake Beach, passed away on March 24, 2021 at Northwestern Hospital in Chicago.  He was born April 30, 1936 in Poland.  Matt loved to hunt and fish and read but most of all he was a dedicated and loving grandpa.  

He is survived by his wife, Elizabeth, of 24 years whom he married in 1996 in Chicago; his children, Roman (Maria) Piatek of Poland and Kasjana Zaluski of Spring Grove; his grandchildren, Protr, Pawel and Rafal,  all of Poland and Sandra, Vanessa, both of Spring Grove.  He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Wieslaw Piatek; 2 sisters; and 1 brother.  

A memorial service will be held on Sunday, March 28, 2021 at 5:00pm at Strang Funeral Chapel, 410 E. Belvidere Road, Grayslake, IL 60030.  A visitation will be held on Sunday at the funeral chapel from 4:00pm until the time of service. Interment will be held privately.  For more information, please call (847)223-8122 or visit www.StrangFuneral.org.    

Jeffrey “Jeff” Wulf, 55, a resident of Antioch, IL, passed away March 23, 2021 at Advocate Condell Medical Center in Libertyville, IL 60048. He was born November 10, 1965 in Evergreen Park, IL to Ron and Eleanor Wulf.

Family was very important to Jeff and he had so much love to share with anyone he came across. He always had a smile on his face and wanted to make people laugh.  Jeff was famous for his ‘forehead’ kisses and big bear hugs. Jeff was an outdoorsman who loved hunting, fishing, bird watching and the Chicago Cubs.  His happy place was sitting in the woods in his tree stand at the family TNT Ranch in Montello, Wisconsin.  Jeff was employed at Lawrence Foods for 35 years and thought of his co-workers as his second family.  

Jeff is survived by his wife of 31 years, Gina, his daughters Jessica Wulf and Bailey Wulf, his siblings Christine (Pete Hernandez) Wulf, Kathy Wulf, Ron (Tina) Wulf, Janice (Matt) DeCosola, Dave (Devin) Kerrigan, Marc Mugfor, and his step-mother Janet Wulf. Also each one of his nieces, nephews and many more cherished family members.  He was preceded in death by his parents. A memorial visitation and private memorial service will be held on Friday, April 2, 2021 from 2:00pm until 5:00pm with the private memorial service commencing at 5:00pm at Strang Funeral Chapel, 410 E. Belvidere Road, Grayslake, IL 60030. Interment will be held privately. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Parkinson’s Association. For information, please call 847-223-8122 or visit www.strangfuneral.org

Elias C. Mendoza, 65, a resident of Lakemoor, IL, passed away Tuesday, March 23, 2021 at Advocate Condell Medical Center in Libertyville, IL.  He was born February 22, 1956 in Chicago, IL.  Elias was a veteran having served for the US Army.  He worked for Illinois Tool Works in Itasca for almost 35 years, enjoyed sports, and was an avid Bears and Cubs fan.  Elias is survived by his wife of 39 years, Connie Mendoza, his mother Concepcion Mendoza, his children Elias (Tina) Mendoza II, Eder Mendoza, Genesis Mendoza, and Michelle Mendoza, his grandchildren Miyah Mendoza, Elias Mendoza III, and Makayla Mendoza, his brothers David Mendoza, Samuel Mendoza, Steven Mendoza, and Edward Mendoza, and his sisters Elizabeth Mendoza, Francis Mendoza, Concepcion Mendoza, Cecilia Mendoza, and Raquel Hernandez.  He was preceded in death by his father Clemente Mendoza.  A visitation and funeral service will be held on Saturday, March 27, 2021 from 1:00pm until 5:00pm with the service commencing at 5:00pm at Strang Funeral Chapel, 410 E. Belvidere Road, Grayslake, IL 60030.  Interment will be held at a later date at Fort Sheridan Cemetery in Lake Forest, IL.  For more information please contact (847)223-8122 or log onto www.strangfuneral.org.

John Janowski, age 90 of Grayslake, Illinois, passed away on March 22, 2021 due to complications from the COVID19 virus. John was born in Chicago on April 16, 1930 and started his own metal spinning business after he served 2 years in the Korean War. John was married to Josephine Larek on October 24, 1953, and they were married for 68 years at his time of death. John is survived by his wife Josephine, his son Robert, daughter Susan, and his grandchildren Eric (Molly), Jonathan, Lucas, Anna and Tyler, as well as many family and friends. John was an avid concertina player and loved to dance the polka. He cut his first record “The Windy City Polish” with family members which was a big hit in the Polka field in the 80’s. He was inducted into the Concertina Hall of Fame on September 25th, 2004 which is the highest honor conferred in the recognition of his many outstanding, unselfish endeavors to promote and perpetuate the concertina as a musical instrument. John also loved fishing, boating, old western movies, and was a loyal Chicago Cubs fan. John is preceded in death by his mother, Victoria Kurpiel, father Michael Janowski, brothers Michael, Joseph and Edward and his sister Kay. A visitation and funeral mass will be held on Friday, March 26, 2021 from 10:00am until 11:00am with the funeral mass commencing at 11:00am  at St. Gilberts Church 301 E. Belvidere Rd. Grayslake, IL 60030.  The interment will follow the service at Ascension Cemetery in Libertyville, 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.

Judith Rose Amburn, age 81, a resident of Grayslake, passed away Friday March 19, 2021. She was born in Chicago on July 9, 1939 to Winifred and Albert Geshke. Judie was a devoted mother and wife. Always involved in her children’s sports and activities, she volunteered at the ball field to run the concession stand, assisted the girl scout brownie leader for her daughter’s brownies club, and chaperoned field trips throughout their school years, including a trip to London and Paris for her kid’s high school. She loved to bowl and was on the Senior bowling league in Mundelein for decades with her husband Jim. Judie always enjoyed helping others and retired from a lengthy career as a customer service coordinator. Upon retirement she and husband Jim ran Bingo at Saddlebrook Farms every Monday for 15 years. Always the jokester that wanted to put a smile on everyone’s face, Judie would tell jokes before each bingo session to put everyone in a good mood. She and Jim enjoyed traveling, taking cruises and trips to all parts of the world. Their favorite excursion was an 18-day trip to China. She is survived by her loving children, Matthew Amburn of Buffalo Grove and Lynda Amburn of Lawrenceville, GA. She was preceded in death by her husband of 56 years, James  Amburn. A visitation and funeral service are scheduled for Monday, March 29, 2021 with visitation from 11a.m. to 1p.m.  and the funeral service beginning at 1p.m. at Strang Funeral Chapel & Crematorium, 410 East Belvidere Road, Grayslake, IL 60030. Interment will be held privately. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, PO Box 1000, Dept. 142, Memphis, TN 38101-9908 or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital For more information please contact (847)223-8122 or log onto http://www.stranfuneral.org. 

Our dad read “the obits” every day because he knew that life should be honored, every person has a story and he would want his told.

His story began October 7, 1930. Born in Chicago to parents Edward and Margaret (Hughes), brother Patrick arrived 5 years later. Attended St. Hilary grade school, Niles Township High School and St. Joseph (IN) College, where he played football. He proudly served as an officer in the United States Marine Corps from 1952-1956. He had a career in sales and marketing for many years. Most important, he married the love of his life and high school sweetheart Barbara Kokum in 1955 and they began a lifetime journey together, which started in California, took them travelling around the world and remain rooted in Mt. Prospect.

He was known and admired for his lively conversation. If the topic was family, food, sports, history, travel or politics it could go on forever. His sharp wit and sense of humor kept it light.  Affectionately known as “Hoppy” to his grandchildren, he loved to engage them and learn about their worlds while regaling them with stories about his. He was a man of good character, good intentions and good deeds.

His story will be carried on by the many who love him and will dearly miss him, including:  Barbara, his cherished wife of 65 years, daughters Dr. Gail (Dr. Richard) Rosseau, Kay (Kevin) Slawin, Diane (Mark) Hauser, and Margaret Linskey (Joel Hendrickson). Grandchildren Elizabeth (Neil) Trainor, Laura (Ryan) Johnson, Ryan Slawin (fiancé Nikki Merz), Natalie and Brendan Rosseau, Sam and Andrew Hauser, Madelyn Jones and great-granddaughter Celeste Trainor.

If you are inclined to honor his memory, please visit honorflightchicago.org or st-raymond.org

Arrangements were entrusted to Strang Funeral Chapel.  Please log onto www.strangfuneral.org or contact (847)223-8122 for more information.

To view the funeral on livestream please use the provided link. https://www.twitch.tv/strayprivate