Vicki Fern Smith, age 61, of Ingleside, passed away Wednesday, June 29, 2016 at University of Illinois Hospital in Chicago. She was born January 29, 1955 to Robert Bell and Patricia Bell-Zeman. Vicki loved reading, being outside in nature and boating. She is survived by her husband of 16 years, Mark; her children, Tim (Lacey) Bell of Pittsburgh, PA and Alexa Leonteos of Ingleside; her sister, Lynn (Tim) Bell-Trepanier of Canada; loving brothers and sisters-in-law; her mother-in-law; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, her brother Robert A. Bell, and her son Ryan P. Smith both in March of 2016. Visitation hours are from 12:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m., Saturday, July 2, 2016 with the funeral service at 4:00 p.m. at Strang Funeral Chapel, 410 East Belvidere Road, Grayslake, IL 60030. Memorials may be made in Vicki’s name to the Brain Aneurysm Foundation of Chicago, 912 South Wood Street, Chicago, IL 60612. For information, please call 847-223-8122 or go to www.strangfuneral.org.
Gerald R. Carlson
Gerald R. Carlson, age 80, of Round Lake, passed away Tuesday, June 28, 2016 at his home. He was born June 8, 1936 in Chicago to Harry and Alice (nee Wayner) Carlson. He was an avid Cubs fan and loved Christmas. He was retired from the US Government—SSA. He was also co-owner, president of Heritage Trail Mall, Wilmette. Gerald was a Fenwick High School, class of 1954 and 1958 graduate of University of Illinois. He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Joan Christel-Carlson, whom he married on August 28, 1965 in Manitowoc, WI; his children, Lisa (Ted) Chrisopoulos, Kirsten Carlson of Chicago, and Gregory Carlson of Beijing, China; grandchildren, Quincie Carlson and Bodie Gerald Carlson, both of Chicago; and his sister-in-law, Catherine-Kay Carlson of The Villages, FL. He was predeceased by his parents and two brothers, Norman and Harry. A memorial service is pending and will be held at Joan and Gerry’s home. For service information, please call a family member. Memorials may be made to Fenwick High School Memorial Scholarship Fund. Arrangements were entrusted to Strang Funeral Chapel & Crematorium, 410 E Belvidere Rd, Grayslake, IL 60030. For informaton 847-223-8122 or www.strangfuneral.org.
George M. Clark
George Mason Clark, Vernon Hills, IL died Wednesday June 15, 2016 after a short illness. He was 93.
He was born in Brookline, MA, grew up in Urbana, IL and spent the greater part of his adult life in Columbus, OH, where he worked both as a practicing architect and as a well-loved Full Professor of Architecture at the Ohio State University. He attended DePauw University and was a graduate of the University of Illinois with a Master’s Degree in Architectural Engineering. He was a professional member of AIA.
He served with the US Navy in World War II with the Third Fleet aboard the USS Nashville and the USS Phoenix in the South Pacific.
He loved spending time with his extended family and friends at his lifelong summer home in Douglas, MI. He volunteered there with Saugatuck-Douglas Historical Society to record and preserve the history of the Michigan Cottage. He also generously donated his time and skills to Trinity Episcopal Church, Columbus and to St. Lawrence Episcopal Church, Libertyville as they restored and remodeled their facilities.
He was a Diehard Cubs fan, always hopefully waiting for “next year.”
His wife of 69 years, Jean Flanigan Clark, predeceased him in 2013.
He is survived by his sister, Carolyn Clark Richards, of Novi, MI; two daughters, Elizabeth (Betsy) Clark Swank (Ralph) of Vernon Hills IL and Mary (Molly) Clark Siebert (David) of Grayslake, IL; four grandchildren, Elizabeth (Lisa) Swank Bako (Tom), Sarah Swank Mullen (Brian), both of Grayslake, IL, David Siebert, MD of Seattle and Mark Siebert, of Fairfax, VA. He is also survived by 5 great grandchildren, Matthew and Elizabeth Bako and Abigail, Sean and Kate Mullen.
Services will be held Saturday, July 2 at St. Lawrence Episcopal Church. Libertyville, IL. Visitation is at 10 AM and services at 11, with interment following in the church columbarium.
In lieu of flowers, donations are welcomed in his name at either St. Lawrence Episcopal Church, Libertyville IL or at the Saugatuck-Douglas Historical Society, Saugatuck MI.
Frances A. Wright
Frances Anita Wright, 73, passed away Friday, June 17, 2016, in Cortland, IL. She was born November 4, 1942 in Marked Tree, AR to Fred and Velma Mclemore. Frances loved to play bingo, could crochet anything, was an avid tennis watcher, and did crosswords. She enjoyed reading novels, but more than anything she cherished her grand and great-grandchildren. Frances is survived by her children William R. Wright Jr. of Dekalb, IL, Margaret (Gus) Lepez of Cortland, IL, Jeffrey Wright of Chicago, IL and Gerri (Al) Herzer of Naples, FL, her grandchildren Jennifer (Dave), Nichole, Christina, Meagan, Joseph, Justin, Jaryd, Alexandra, and Braden, her great-grandchildren Michael, Alexis, Olivia, and Vivianna, and her siblings John (Kathy) Mclemore, Frank Walsh, and Ronald Walsh. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband William R. Wright Sr., her brother Fred, and her sisters Pansy Ruth and Nanci. A visitation is scheduled for Saturday, June 25, 2016 from 1:00pm until 2:00pm with a funeral service commencing at 2:00pm at STRANG FUNERAL CHAPEL & CREMATORIUM, 410 E. Belvidere Rd., Grayslake, IL 60030. Interment will follow at Avon Centre Cemetery in Grayslake, IL. For information, call 847-223-8122 or visit www.strangfuneral.org.
Alice L. Landrum
Alice Louise Camden Landrum, 90, of Grayslake, IL, died June 15, 2016. She was preceded in death by her parents, Loren and Lizzie Camden, her husband of 62 years Alva Landrum, Jr. (“Al”), her daughter Deborah Sharon (who died shortly after birth) and her sisters Dorothy Armstrong and Betty Preston. She is survived by her brother Leslie (Oveda), children George (Cindy), Ray (Linda), Janet (Dan Trieschmann), and Eric (Lisa); she is also survived by her eight grandchildren Alex, Douglas, Geoff (Wendy), John (Becky), Julie, David, Allison, Scott, and her great granddaughter Eleanor Alice. Growing up on a small farm in Southern Illinois, she was able to see much of the world as a Navy wife, including a favored Naval Station in Naples, Italy. For over 50 years in Grayslake, she was an active member of the community, including service to the Grayslake Women’s Club, Grayslake Garden Club, and Clearview Baptist Church. She was known regionally for her artistic talent, from painting to ceramics to elaborately decorating thousands of eggs for family members, friends, and the community. Alice enjoyed cooking for her family, including their favorites German chocolate cake (Al), fried chicken (George), lasagna (Ray), chocolate chip cookies (Janet), and T-bone steaks (Eric). She loved the antics of her families’ cats, especially Bootsie. The family is extremely grateful for the care Alice received from so many friends, neighbors, and health professionals. A visitation will be held at Saturday, June 18, 2016 from 8:30am to 9:30am at Bailey Funeral Home 705 N. First St. Vienna, IL with a graveside service at 10am at Zion Cemetery in Ozark, IL. If desired, donations can be made to the Grayslake Area Public Library 100 Library Lane Grayslake, IL 60030.
James W. Ostrowski
James W. Ostrowski, 66, a resident of Round Lake Park, passed away Saturday, June 11, 2016, in Libertyville, IL. He was born November 23, 1949 in Chicago, IL to Walter and Jean Ostrowski. James had worked for American Airlines for over 37 years. He loved to fish and loved singing karaoke. James is survived by his wife of 26 years, Sandie, his children Karen Schardan and Michael James Ostrowski, his grandchildren Cory and Anastasia, and his sister Nancy (Kelly) O’Kane. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother Paul Alaks. A visitation is scheduled for Thursday, June 16, 2016 from 1:00pm until 2:00pm with a funeral service commencing at 2:00pm at STRANG FUNERAL CHAPEL & CREMATORIUM, 410 E. Belvidere Rd., Grayslake, IL 60030. Interment will follow at the Highland Memorial Park Cemetery in Libertyville, IL. For information, call 847-223-8122 or visit www.strangfuneral.org.
Joan M. Dennis
Joan Mary Dennis, 60, a resident of Mundelein, passed away June 3, 2016 at Lutheran General Hospital in Park Ridge, IL. She was born October 5, 1955 in Milwaukee, WI to Jay and Nancy (nee: McCallum) Pastene. Joan is survived by her husband of 34 years, Jim, whom she wed on June 20, 1981 in Milwaukee, WI and lovingly renewed their vows on June 20, 2006 in Rapallo, Italy. Joan is also survived by her twin brother Jim (Mary Ann) Pastene of Portland, OR, her brother Bob (Leanne) Pastene of Naperville, IL, her nieces Evelyn, Lindsay, and Allison Pastene, and her nephews Ben and Jason Pastene. She was preceded in death by her parents. All are welcome to join in a Celebration of Joan’s Life on Sunday, July 17, 2016 from 2:00pm until 5:00pm at Hackney’s on Lake, 1514 E. Lake Ave. Glenview, IL 60025. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Orphans of the Storm Animal Shelter 2200 Riverwoods Rd. Deerfield, IL 60015 or log onto www.orphansofthestorm.org. For more information please call (847)223-8122 or log onto www.strangfuneral.org.
Marlene Haertle
Marlene Haertle, age 79, passed away Wednesday, June 8, 2016 at her home in Grayslake, IL. Since Richard, her husband of 48 years, passed away, Marlene loved living in her home in Saddlebrook. Marlene is survived by her three children: Dan Haertle of Washington, DC; Dave (Tammy) Haertle of Racine, WI; and Cindy Orlowski of Wauconda, IL; her brother Jack (Cher) Raduechel of Sheboygan, WI; brothers-in-law Thomas of Santa Barbara, CA and Joseph (Camilla) Haertle of Milwaukee, WI and sister-in-law Dolores Haertle of Milwaukee, WI. She was preceded in death by her sister, JoAnn Shea and two brothers-in-law, Louis (Maxine) Haertle and Robert Haertle.
Marlene loved every moment spent with her seven grandchildren: Erin (Ryan) Carbajal, Mark, and Greg Haertle, Tim, Kristen, Michael, and Jake Orlowski. In addition, she loved her two great grandchildren, Micah and Manny Carbajal. She took such pride and joy in the lives of each grandchild, spending special individual time with each one. This was very important to Marlene, so she could get to know each one for the person they are. The grandkids were very spoiled by their grandmother during their trips to Chicago, lunches, Marriott plays, baking days, and the annual fishing contests on the lake. When Marlene’s grandchildren were younger, she helped their scout troops by teaching them how to make ceramics. Christmas was also a special time for Marlene and her grandchildren because Marlene truly loved finding that special gift for each one, especially the perfect Nutcracker.
Marlene also enjoyed playing cards and going to the casino with her many friends and neighbors. The friends she made during her retirement years made these years some of the best of her life. The love and comradery between them, each helping the other when needed, should be an example for all.
Relatives and friends may meet with the family at 9:00am on Saturday, June 11th at St. Mary of Annunciation (22333 W. Erhart Road, Mundelein, IL) followed by a Memorial Mass at 10:00am. In lieu of flowers, memorials to Feed My Starving Children http://www.fmsc.org/m/donate. Arrangements were entrusted to Strang Funeral Chapel & Crematorium, 410 East Belvidere Road, Grayslake, IL 60030. For information, 847-223-8122 or go to www.strangfuneral.org.
Jack W. Wandall
Jack M. Wandall, 88, a resident of Grayslake and formerly of Arlington Heights, passed away Monday, June 6, 2016, at his home. He was born August 24, 1927 in Chicago, IL to John and Rose Wandall. Jack is survived by his wife of 58 years, Katherine (nee: Sheahan), his children John (Carol), Mary Kay (Bill) Sutton, and Matthew (Michelle), his grandchildren Lindsay, Mitchell, Clarice (Travis) Warren, Caroline, Melody, Lucas, and Sarah, and his brother Gene (Nancy) Wandall. He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister Joan Sahagian. A visitation is scheduled for Thursday, June 9, 2016 from 3:00pm until 9:00pm at STRANG FUNERAL CHAPEL & CREMATORIUM, 410 E. Belvidere Rd., Grayslake, IL 60030. A funeral mass is scheduled for Friday, June 10, 2016 at 10:00am in the old church at St. Mary of Annunciation 22333 W. Erhart Rd. Mundelein, IL. Interment will follow at the St. Mary’s Cemetery located next to the church. For information, call 847-223-8122 or visit www.strangfuneral.org.
Steven D. Durno
Steven Douglas Durno, 64, a resident of Wildwood, IL passed away May 31, 2016 after a long illness at Lutheran General Hospital in Park Ridge, IL. He was born January 12, 1952 in Waukegan, IL to Douglas and Doris (nee: Price) Durno. Steven was an avid Green Bay Packers fan and the nicest guy you ever knew. Steven is survived by his wife of 15 years, Cindy (nee: Eddy), whom he wed on January 19, 2001 in Indianapolis, his son Kyle of Rocklin, CA, his stepdaughter Melissa (Charlie) Bradley of Atlanta, GA, his stepson Ben Virt of New Palestine, IN, his aunt Pat Martin of Pine Island, FL, and many cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents. All funeral arrangements were held privately and entrusted to STRANG FUNERAL CHAPEL & CREMATORIUM, 410 E. Belvidere Rd., Grayslake, IL 60030. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Northern Illinois Food Bank www.solvehungertoday.org. For information, call 847-223-8122 or visit www.strangfuneral.org.
Zachary Pound
Zachary James Pound, age 20, of Savoy passed away on May 27th at his home. He was born August 19, 1995 in Libertyville, IL, the son of James Pound and Jacqueline Grosvenor Trodler. He attended Champaign Central and Grayslake North High School. He was a student at Parkland College. He was preceded in death by grandparents Joe & Helen Pound and Uncle John Pound. Zachary will be greatly missed by his parents: Jim and Kathie Pound of Savoy, and Jacquie and Ron Trodler of Beach Park, IL.
Zachary was a beloved brother to his siblings, Brandon Pape of Libertyville, IL and Madeline Pound of Beach Park. He leaves behind his Grandparents, Ken & Ginny Grosvenor of Grayslake, IL; Aunts and Uncles: Joe Pound of Sullivan, IL, Janet & Warren Kendall of Grants Pass, OR, June & Chuck Van Vorst of Champaign, IL; Jack & Gisela Pound of Urbana, IL, Michelle Pound of Lake Villa, IL; Marc & Isela Grosvenor of Mundelein, IL, and many cousins. Zachary was loved by many good friends. He was an avid sports fan who could rattle off stats with the best of them. He was a shining star just starting to blossom into the young man he would become. He had a GQ style about him. Zachary touched many lives in small ways throughout his short memorable life. He will be sorely missed by all! A visitation is scheduled for Friday, June 3, 2016 from 5:00pm until 7:00pm at Strang Funeral Chapel & Crematorium 410 E. Belvidere Rd. Grayslake, IL 60030.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be directed to the Toys For Tots. For more information please contact (847)223–8122 or log onto www.strangfuenral.org
Jose E. Tovar
Jose E. Tovar, 72, a resident of Round Lake Beach, passed away May 26, 2016 at his home. He was born July 2, 1943 in Mexico. A visitation is scheduled for Wednesday June 1, 2016 from 4:00pm until 8:00pm at Strang Funeral Chapel & Crematorium 410 E. Belvidere Rd. Grayslake, IL 60030. A funeral mass is scheduled for Thursday, June 2, 2016 at 10:30am at St. Joseph Catholic Church 114 N. Lincoln Ave. Round Lake, IL 60073. Interment will follow at Avon Centre Cemetery in Grayslake, IL. For more information please contact (847)223-8122 or log onto www.strangfuneral.org.
Jeremy M. Fitzgerald
Jeremy M. Fitzgerald, 76, a resident of Lake Villa, passed away May 24, 2016. He was born January 27, 1940 in Sri Lanka, to Patrick and Patricia Fitzgerald. Jeremy is survived by his wife of 39 years, Jeanne, his brothers Tim Usher and Patrick Fitzgerald, his sisters Penny Broadhurst and Geraldine Fitzgerald, and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews. He was preceded in death by his sister Susan and his mother, father, and stepfather. A memorial service is pending and will be held at St. Andrews Episcopal Church 31 Park Ave. Grayslake, IL. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Save-A-Pet. For information, call 847-223-8122 or visit www.strangfuneral.org.
Violet “Vi” Janelle Gipson
Northwest Herald- Tuesday/Wednesday May 24/25, 2016 Edition
Violet “Vi” Janelle Gipson, 85, passed away on Friday, May 20, 2016, with family by her side. Violet was born July 21, 1930 in Lemmon, South Dakota to Walter Rook and Viola Smith Rook. She graduated from Libertyville High School in 1948. Violet worked as a dispatcher and retired from Ritzenthaler Bus Lines in Mundelein. Violet is survived by her children Larry Gipson (Deborah McGregor) of Fox Lake, IL, Janis (Mike) Culat of Trevor, WI, Susan (Larry) Sancken of Mundelein, IL, Debra (William) Kautz of Ingleside, IL, Cheryl (Jack) Bowes of Grayslake, IL, and Vicky (Glen) Stevens of Trevor, WI. She is also survived by her grandchildren Michael, Jennifer, Scott, and Kristen Krueger; Gregory, Douglas Gipson, Jodi Rosebach; Joe Murray; James Sancken, Jacquie Ochs; Kelly Jo McGinley, Michelle Kautz; Brian Miller, John (Jack) Bowes III, Brooke Bowes; Shauna Thayer and Kristy Barlass. In addition, she is survived by great-grandchildren; Rita Krueger; Tori, Wiley and Ryan Krueger; Mathew and Casey Gipson; Weston and Madison Donnelly; Travis, McKenzie and Tyler Sancken; Rylee, Sydnie and Justin Ochs; Cora and Harper McGinley; Zoe and Reese Miller; Brady and Ashton Thayer; and Sophia and Blake Barlass. She was predeceased in death by her husband, Joe E. Gipson; her parents, Walter Rook and Viola Smith Rook; her brother Clifford Rook; and sisters Hazel Rook Knuth and Lois Rook Shelter. Violet enjoyed square dancing, bowling, crafts, music, reading, sewing and horses. She will be always remembered as a loving mother, grandmother and aunt whose greatest passion in life was her family. There was nothing that gave her more pleasure than having her family together. The strength, beauty and unconditional love that she possessed will live on through those who knew and loved her. A celebration of her life will be held on Thursday, May 26, 2016 at Strang Funeral Chapel, 410 E. Belvidere Road, Grayslake, IL. 60030 from 10AM to 12PM. The funeral service will commence at 12PM . Interment will follow at Willow Lawn Cemetery, 24090 N Highway 45, Vernon Hills, IL. 60061 Anyone wishing to send a memorial in Violet’s name may do so to the Ronald McDonald house Charities of Madison, 2716 Marshall Court, Madison, WI 53705 or www.rmhcmadison.org. For information, please call 847-223-8122 or log on to www.strangfuneral.org.
Barry “Pepa” Flammini
Barry “Pepa” Flammini, 84 of Grayslake, Illinois, passed away on Saturday, May 21, 2016 at his home. Barry was retired from The Chicago Plumbers Union Local 130. He loved the Chicago Blackhawks and being with his family. He is the son of the late Francisco and Maria (nee Lanciones) Flammini. Survivors include his children Frank (Donna) Flammini of Zion, IL, Theresa (William) Lichon of Third Lake, IL and Catherine (Daniel) Cunningham of Chicago, IL, his 15 grandchildren, and 12 great-grandchildren, and his brother Frank Flammini of Wisconsin Rapids. He is preceeded in death by his wife Joan of 54 years, his son Barry Jr. and his sisters Filomena, Baldina, Elvira and Genevieve and his brother Alfred. The funeral service will be at St Paul the Apostle Church, Gurnee, IL on Wednesday, May 25, 2016 commencing at 10 AM. The visitation is Tuesday, May 24, 2016 at Strang Funeral Chapel, 410 E. Belvidere Road, Grayslake, IL from 5 PM to 9PM. Interment will be private. Donations to St Jude’s Children’s Hospital would be appreciated. For information, please call 847-223-8122 or log on to www.strangfuneral.org.
Robert A. Hopton
Robert A. Hopton, 90, longtime Grayslake resident passed at his Florida home February 4th, 2016. Beloved father of Bob (Birgit) Hopton, Mike Hopton, Dave (Nancy) Hopton, Kathy (Joav) Kohn, and Scott Hopton. Grandfather of Melissa, Robert, Jess, Tony, Shannon, Lauren, Nicole, Ava, and Leo. Great-grandfather of Riley, Reid, Dayton, Jacob, Logan, Sofia, and Tristan. He was preceded in death by his wife of 65 years, Faye Jones Hopton. He was a U.S. Navy veteran of WWII, and also served his family and community in many ways. Funeral services for both Robert and Faye Hopton will take place at the Avon Cemetery, Monday, May 30th at 1:30pm. Following, a celebration of their lives will occur at the Vine in Grayslake from 2:30 until 6:30pm. All are welcome.
Rebecca R. Nielsen
Rebecca R. Nielsen, age 84, of Grayslake, IL, died on May 14, 2016. Mrs. Nielsen was a long time resident of Grayslake, Glenview, and Chicago. Becky was born in Fowlkes, TN, to Carrie Lee and Eddie Elmer Roach, Sr. who preceded her in death. She was also preceded in death by her husband Elmer Nielsen, sister Christine Henning, brother Eddie Elmer Roach, Jr., and brothers-in-law Earl Nielsen and Carl Nielsen. She is survived by her sister Mary Lynn Brooks of Montgomery, AL, brothers-in-law Walter Henning of Memphis, TN, and George Nielsen of Harvard, MA. In addition, Becky is survived by her nieces Carrie Ann (Don) Akey of Memphis, TN, Sandra (Don) Rice of Memphis, TN, and nephew Phillip (Frankie) Henning of Arlington, TN, six children, many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-nieces, and great-nephews. Becky worked for Dr. George Lemire and Dr. Edward Lemire in Chicago for more than 40 years. After retirement she worked at the Lakehurst Mall, Catholic Charities, ushered at the College of Lake County, and volunteered at the Grayslake Thrift Shop. Becky traveled extensively, loved to garden and to entertain for and with her friends. Plus, she was a die hard Cubs fan. A celebration of Becky’s life will be held on June 11, 2016 at noon at the Fishing Pier Shelter in Central Park in Grayslake. Please come and share your stories of this remarkable lady who never lost her southern charm. Memorials can be sent to Becky’s church, The Chapel 25270 W. IL Rt 60, Grayslake, IL 60030. Arrangements were entrusted to Strang Funeral Chapel & Crematorium, 410 East Belvidere Road, Grayslake, IL 60030. For information, call 847-223-8122 or go to www.strangfuneral.org.
Andrew C. Driggers
Andrew “Andy” C. Driggers, 28, a resident of Round Lake Beach, passed away Monday, May 16, 2016. He was born August 6, 1987 in Chicago to Bernard and Carol Driggers. Andy attended Round Lake High School and worked for Rosatti’s Pizza in Gurnee. He was a loving son, brother, grandson, and uncle. Andy is survived by his mother Carol (Norman) Dixon, his grandparents Elsie and Carl Justus and Alese Griffith, his sisters Tiffany Driggers, Shelby Dixon, Sara Dixon, and Maycee Jewel, his nieces Jaelynn, Saydee, and Baylee, his nephew Benjamin, and his dog Bark Lee. He was preceded in death by his father Bernard, his grandpa Charles Driggers, and his step-grandpa Gordon Griffith. A visitation is scheduled for Saturday, May 21, 2016 from 3:00pm until 7:00pm with a funeral service commencing at 7:00pm at Strang Funeral Chapel & Crematorium, 410 East Belvidere Road, Grayslake, IL 60030. For information, call 847-223-8122 or go to www.strangfuneral.org.
Mary C. Reid
Mary C. Reid, nee: Nee, 81, the wife of the late James (Knappabeg, Westport), daughter of Martin and Nora Nee (Rosmuc, Conamara); mother of Colleen (Daniel) Vela, Patrick and Kathy (Scott) Hampton; grandmother of Cory (Liz) and Tad; sister of Barbara Zacher, John and Michael and the late Nancy and Martin. A memorial mass is scheduled for Saturday, May 21, 2016 at 11:00am at St. Gilbert Catholic Church 301 E. Belvidere Rd. Grayslake, IL 60030. Arrangements were entrusted to Strang Funeral Chapel & Crematorium. For information, call 847-223-8122 or go to www.strangfuneral.org.
J. Thomas Hoffman
Justin Thomas Hoffman of Grayslake, Illinois passed away on May 12, 2016. Tom was born on April 15, 1935 to Justin Warren and Agnes Cecelia Hoffman in Menominee, Michigan and moved to the Milwaukee area as a child. After graduating from high school, Tom served in the U.S. Army. During his years of service, he earned a Sharp Shooters medal and spent some time in Germany working in military intelligence. After leaving the military, Tom studied at Marquette University, majoring in accounting. He began his professional career at IBM where he worked for several years before joining Allstate Insurance Company, where he worked for the remainder of his career before retiring as a Senior Director.
Tom was a devoted husband to his wife of 57 years, Patricia Ann Hoffman, who preceded him in death. The couple had three children; Kurt, Laurie, and Karl, and one grandaughter, Carley Hoffman, all of whom currently reside in Georgia. He is also survived by his sister Nancy Kramasz of California, his brother Rod of Arizona, sister-in-law Vicky, daughter-in-law Julie, and a number of nephews. He was preceded in death by his brother Dale and his sister Sandra.
Throughout his life, Tom persued a number of interests and hobbies, including running and playing in a competitive tennis league as well as watching the Chicago Cubs and Bears play ball. He was a good sports prognosticator and the undefeated champion of the family football pool. He enjoyed reading, history, music, and movies, but his primary passion was flying his 1963 Beachcraft Muskateer. An accomplished pilot, he flew as often as he could, logging nearly 3000 hours of flight time, and relished the freedom and beauty of flight. Tom also loved to tell a good story or a bad joke. His sense of humor, his willingness to listen and to offer heart-felt advice will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. A visitation is scheduled for Sunday, May 15, 2016 from 4:00pm until 8:00pm at Strang Funeral Chapel & Crematorium 410 E. Belvidere Rd. Grayslake, IL 60030. A funeral service is scheduled for Monday, May 16, 2016 at 10:30am at the funeral chapel. Interment will follow at Ascension Catholic Cemetery in Libertyville, IL. For more information please log onto www.strangfuneral.org or call (847)223-8122.