Chicago Tribune Obituaries

Carl L. Buggs

gqlshare — Mon, 05 May 2025 05:05:00 +0000

May 5, 2024
You’re in our hearts forever!
Loving Mother Arletha; Children, Carletha, Carl Jr., Crystal, Comfort and Carlexis; Siblings, Marcella, Torneanda, Wadnetta, Artis and Otis; and
Soulmate Darice.

Blaine Alan Brauck

gqlshare — Mon, 05 May 2025 05:05:00 +0000

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Blaine Alan Brauck, 74, who passed away on April 30, 2025, surrounded by his loving wife and family.
Blaine was born on March 25, 1951, in Waukegan, IL, the son of the late Clifford and Dorothy (Schwartz) Brauck. He was educated in the schools of Waukegan. Blaine married Phyllis Schultz on August 19, 1972, in Waukegan. He was a man of immense humor – Dad Jokes – and wisdom. He cherished every moment spent with his loved ones. Blaine worked for multiple sign companies and after 35 years retired from North Shore Sign Company. He was a member of IBEW Local 150. Blaine also painted and restored cars under Blaine’s Auto Body for many years. After retirement he started his own business, Blaine’s Crane Service… he loved that crane. He was a faithful Christian and a member of Wesley Free Methodist Church in Waukegan since 1979. Blaine was an avid guitar player and played in his worship team for over 40 years. His hobbies included restoring cars and playing guitar but most of all he loved spending time with his friends and family, especially with his grandchildren.
Survivors include his wife, Phyllis Brauck of Pleasant Prairie; children, Becky (Chris) Van Damme of Paris, Heidi (Rob) Millimaki of Pleasant Prairie, Leann (Mel) Smith of Bristol; sisters, Sharon (Chuck) Lowrance of Wadsworth, IL, Brenda LoMonaco of Grayslake, IL; Karen Brauck of Grayslake, IL and Cindy Brauck of CO; aunt, Cathy (Ron) Allen; grandchildren, Drake (Jenna) Peet, Jordan (Brooke) Smith-Franz, Kane Peet, Christopher (Natalie) Van Damme, Alayna Smith, Maggie (Jesse) Flores, Bailey Millimaki, Melaney Smith, Melly Smith; great-grandchildren, Chloe Peet, Dylan Peet, Thomas Van Damme, and two on the way; also included are many nieces and nephews. Blaine was preceded in death by his parents, Dorothy and Clifford; brother, David Brauck; sister, Sandra Zradicka; and his aunt, Elaine Bigelow.
A visitation will be held at Wesley Free Methodist Church (3601-North Lewis Ave., Waukegan, IL 60087) on Wednesday May 7, 2025, from 4:00 PM-7:00 PM. Thursday, May 8, 2025, visitation from 9:00 AM-10:00 AM with funeral services to follow. Burial at Highland Memorial Park (33100-Hunt Club Rd., Libertyville, IL 60048).
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Wesley Free Methodist Church or Sky Lodge Christian Camp.
Kenosha Funeral Services & Crematory
8226-Sheridan Rd.
Kenosha, WI 53143
(262) 652-1943
www.kenosha-funeral-services.com

Edward Joseph Szewczyk

gqlshare — Mon, 05 May 2025 05:05:00 +0000

Edward Joseph Szewczyk, age 67, of Chicago, Illinois, passed away on Thursday, May 1, 2025. Beloved son of the late Joseph and Serafina Szewczyk. Loving brother of Henry (Mary Ann) Szewczyk. A devoted caretaker to Walter, Ashley, and Kibbles, Edward had a special bond with animals and was a devoted caretaker to his beloved pets. Edward earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Biology from Northeastern Illinois University in 1983. He dedicated 15 years of his life as a paramedic for a private firm before continuing his service as a dispatcher city of Chicago, where he worked faithfully for 25 years until his retirement. In his free time, Edward found peace in nature and often visited Crivitz, Wisconsin, where he enjoyed feeding and watching hummingbirds. Even the hummingbirds will miss his gentle presence. We would like to express our heartfelt thanks to the nurses and physicians of the Palliative Care Unit at Illinois Masonic Hospital for your help and your compassion. Edward was a friend to many and will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
Visitation will be held at Malec & Sons Funeral Home, 6000 N. Milwaukee Ave., Chicago, IL 60646, on Tuesday, May 6, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. A final visitation will take place on Wednesday, May 7, at 9:00 a.m., followed by a Chapel Service at 10:00 a.m. Interment will be at Maryhill Cemetery in Niles, IL. For more information, please call (773) 774-4100 or visit www.malecandsonsfh.com.

Barbara Leslie

gqlshare — Sun, 04 May 2025 05:05:00 +0000

Barbara Crown Leslie, 97 died peacefully at her home in Touchmark Senior Living in Appleton, WI on March 29, 2025 of natural causes. Loving wife and mother, loyal friend, and faithful volunteer for church and community, she touched many lives over the years. Wherever she went, Barb made friends easily and always strove to keep in touch with handwritten notes to congratulate, thank, or share news. Born in Chicago, Barbara was the first child and eldest daughter of Einar and Ella Crown. She grew up in a grand Victorian house in Oak Park, IL in a neighborhood where the names of Hemingway and Frank Lloyd Wright were well known. “614”, as everyone in the family referred to it, was the site of extended family holiday gatherings where the “big table” and the children’s table entered into family lore as children became parents and new generations grew. Barbara graduated from Oak Park High School in 1946 and went on to Northwestern University where she earned her degree in biochemistry. Her college years were full not only of studies, but also of sorority life and elaborate themed parties, well-documented in family photo albums that capture the youthful spirit of a post-war generation finally at peace and ready for prosperity. Barb made many lifelong friends in her school years, including the brother of one of them, who would become her husband of 62 years, Stuart Leslie, a Navy veteran and fellow Northwestern student. They married in December 1950, and though offered a job as a biochemist, Barb was eager to start a family, and so followed Stu as he built a career, first in science, and then later in sales. While raising four children, Barb also kept the books for her father’s business, earned a teaching certificate and worked part-time for an accounting firm. Stu’s career took them to a number of cities, from the Midwest to Texas, where they always built a new house, joined a local church, helped with school sports and activities, and made new friends. A gracious hostess, Barb entertained the bridge club, church and community groups. Every child’s birthday was celebrated with school friends and a homemade cake. She made it look so easy, only her family knew how much effort and planning were needed to make it look that way. Barb loved spending summers at her parents’ summer home in Lake Geneva, WI. She was a seasoned traveler and even dared to undertake long road trips in a car with no AC, kids in the backseat, and a pop-up camper in tow. Trips to Disney World with the children and then the grandchildren made indelible memories. At 90, Barb wanted to see one more part of the country she had somehow missed, and joined her daughters on a trip to Utah’s National Parks.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Stuart, an infant daughter, siblings Arline, and Robert. She is survived by children Stuart (Susan), Ellen Braatz (Gregory), Donna, and Laura Miller (Eric); Grandchildren Emma Parsons (Neal), Kevin Leslie; Alex (Rosie), Elizabeth and Lili Braatz; Stuart Nikolai Leslie and Sarah Williams; Great-grandchildren Eloise and Edward Parsons; and nieces, nephews and many dear friends. As a mother, grandmother, and foster mother, Barbara could always be counted on to welcome new babies, soothe fussy toddlers, and witness baptisms, graduations and weddings. She gave new parents confidence and modeled how patience, tolerance and generosity nurture a family. Her family will remember her unfailing encouragement, how proud she was of their accomplishments, her quiet strength in difficult times and her cheerful optimism that most things could turn out for the best. The family wishes to thank the staff of Touchmark and St. Croix Hospice for their care throughout Barbara’s final days. Visitation Friday, May 9, 2025 from 9:30am until time of service, 10am, at First United Church of Oak Park, 848 Lake Street, Oak Park, IL. Family and friends are invited to meet at Memory Gardens Cemetery, 2501 E. Euclid Ave, Arlington Heights, IL for interment at 12:00pm. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in her name to P.E.O., a national sisterhood of which she was a member, dedicated to promoting the education and empowerment of young women, and dear to Barbara’s heart through all the times of her life. Please mail donations to: P.E.O. International, 3700 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50312. For info, 847-359-8020 or www.smithcorcoran.com.

Delores I. Skowronski

gqlshare — Sun, 04 May 2025 05:05:00 +0000

Delores (Sandy) Skowronski (nee Sandifer), age 91, of Tinley Park, Il passed away peacefully on April 16, 2025. Born in Chicago Heights and a graduate of Bloom High School. Longtime parishioner of St. Agnes and St. Stephen’s churches.
Beloved wife to the late Eugene Skowronski (d. 2024). Loving Mom to Steve Skowronski and Karen Skowronski. Proud Grandma to Thom (Melanie) Skowronski, Matt (Kate McIlvain) Skowronski, Katie (Brad) Allison, Laurie (Zack) Sitarz and David Skowronski. Great grandma to Isabelle, Ben, Billy, Patrick, Teddy and Dylan. Dear sister to Jim (Sheri) Sandifer, Thom Sandifer and Larry Sandifer. Loving Aunt to many nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by her loving parents Thomas John (Lewis) and Pearl Sandifer, her sisters Dorothy Burgess and Rosalie Sandifer and brother Ray Sandifer.
Delores’s happiest moments were spent with her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and her life-long friends.
Funeral Mass to be held at St. Stephen’s Church, 17500 S. 84th Ave, Tinley Park, Il on Saturday May 17th at 10:00AM. Interment will follow at Good Shepherd Cemetery, Orland Park, Il. Memorials in Delores’s name may be made to PAWS of Tinley Park or the Alzheimer’s Association. Arrangements entrusted to Kerr-Parzygnot Funeral Home, 540 Dixie Highway, Chicago Heights, Illinois.

Robert F Pagano

gqlshare — Sun, 04 May 2025 05:05:00 +0000

Robert F. Pagano, 70, resident of Delton, MI., formerly of Elmhurst, IL., passed away April 23, 2025 in Kalamazoo, MI. He was born February 16, 1955 in Chicago, IL., the son to the late Michael and Lucille Pagano. Beloved husband of 28 years to Ingrid Pagano; Loving Father to Lauren Pagano, Michael (Rebecca) Pagano and Michelle (Brad) Oswalt; Adored grandfather of Anthony, Nicholas, Lily, Josie and Willa; cherished brother of Mike (Candi) Pagano, Pat Pagano, Mary (Mike) Elste, the late Frank Pagano, and Kathleen (Anthony) Melone; dear uncle of Carrie, Bob (Clare) Elste, Jim (Jessica) Elste, Michael (Sheldon) Pagano, Nick (Danielle) Pagano, Anthony (Jessica) Melone and Kristina (Joe) Cardinal. Robert was deeply loved and will be dearly missed by his family and all who knew him. May he rest in peace. Visitation 10am – 2pm on Tues., May 6, 2025 at Elmhurst Community Funeral Home – THE AHLGRIM CHAPEL, 567 S. Spring Rd., Elmhurst.

Barbara Ann Gawaluck

gqlshare — Sun, 04 May 2025 05:05:00 +0000

Barbara Ann Gawaluck, 92 of Chicago was born on May 5, 1932 in Wisconsin to the late Daniel and Rose (nee Wesolowski) Borys and passed away on April 26, 2025. Barbara was the beloved wife to the late Steve Gawaluck; loving mother to Cynthia (Frank) Volante, Daniel (Sheila) Gawaluck, and Richard (Michaelene) Gawaluck; cherished grandmother to Keith Volante, Neal (Maria) Volante, Heather Gawaluck, Samuel (Rebecca) Gawaluck, Claire Gawaluck, and Jack (Grace) Gawaluck; and great-grandmother to Reese Gawaluck, Charlotte Volante, and Nash Gawaluck. Bonus grandmother and great-grandmother to Nicole (David) Deeke and son Connor. She will be missed dearly.
Barbara was a friend to many, loved playing cards with the ladies, crocheting and doing her word search puzzles. She leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter and unwavering dedication to her family and friends. In her honor, please pass kindness on to others. Thanks for the memories! For more information go to GlueckertFuneralHome.com

Mildred Hinds

gqlshare — Sun, 04 May 2025 05:05:00 +0000

Mildred (Millie) Hinds, 93, of Batavia, Illinois, passed away peacefully on April 25, 2025, with her son by her side.
Millie was born on January 26, 1932, in Aurora, Illinois, to the late Roy and Marie Fiester. She spent many years working at Bergner’s/Weise’s/Carson’s, where she truly enjoyed serving her customers.
She had a love for gardening, spending countless hours with her family tending to her large garden and fruit trees. Each fall, she would stay up late canning and making homemade jellies to share with loved ones. Millie also cherished her doll collection, antique glassware, and the joy of planting flowers every spring. She took great pride in the home she and Fred built together, filling it with warmth and love.
Millie loved feeding the birds, often sitting near a window to enjoy watching them in her birdbaths. She also loved to bake pies and cakes, and she never let anyone leave without having a cookie with her – a sweet gesture that made everyone feel at home.
Above all, Millie loved her family. She met the love of her life, Fred, at just 14 years old while working at a root beer stand in Aurora. Their love story grew and endured through 61 wonderful years of marriage until Fred’s passing in 2018.
Millie leaves behind many who will cherish her memory, including her son, Gary (Sherry) Hinds of Sandwich, Illinois; her grandson, Jonathan (Katie) Hinds of Sandwich; her great-grandsons, Colton Hinds of DeKalb and AJ Nagy of Sandwich; and her beloved fur baby, Elliott. She is also survived by many dear nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her husband, Fred; her sisters, Carolyn, Shirley, and Betty; and her brother, Jim.
A Celebration of Millie’s Life will be held at a later date. Memorials may be directed to Compassus Hospice or to your local senior hearing center. For more information or to sign the online guest book, go to www.EighnerFuneralHomes.com
Burkhart-Eighner Funeral Home at 606 E. Arnold Rd. in Sandwich, IL 60548 815-786-2165

Mary Margaret Schultze (nee McGough)

gqlshare — Sun, 04 May 2025 05:05:00 +0000

Mary, age 82, of Park Ridge (formerly of Union, MI, Northbrook, Mt. Prospect and Chicago, IL) died April 17, due to complications from Parkinson’s Disease. Beloved wife of 56 years to the late Robert Schultze; loving mother to James, Mary (John) Leonard and Barb; and cherished grandmother to Connor Schultze, Clare and Kate Leonard. Born to the late Margaret (nee Sullivan) and the late James McGough, she was a beloved eldest sister to her brother James and sisters Patricia (Patrick) Rung, the late Eileen Decker, the late Jeanne (the late Patrick) Clark, Rosie Weissmueller, and Joan (the late Dennis) Sheehan; treasured sister-in-law to Marilyn (the late Frank) Jamora; and fond aunt to many nieces and nephews. She was a proud graduate of Resurrection Grammar School, Siena High School, and Rosary College, and active in St. Angela’s, St. Raymond’s and St. Norbert’s parishes. Mary worked for the Chicago Police Department, Boeing, several libraries, Stepan Company and Accenture. Visitation on Thursday, May 8, 3-8pm at Ryan-Parke Funeral Home, Park Ridge. Funeral mass on Saturday, May 17, at 10am at St. Paul of the Cross, Park Ridge. Memorial donations may be made to the Big Shoulders Fund or Dominican University.

Kurt Gebert

gqlshare — Sun, 04 May 2025 05:05:00 +0000

Kurt Gebert of Northbrook, passed away April 19, 2025. His beloved wife Frida preceded him in death in 2011. Kurt believed that he was always protected and guided by the invisible hand of God. He is survived by his son Michael (friend Ann), daughter Susan (husband Chris), son Paul (wife Gina), granddaughters Vicky and Chrissy, Juergen (brother) and his close friend Meridel Newman. Memorials may be made to the Covenant Living Benevolent Care Fund. Memorial Service will be held Tuesday, May 13, 2025 at 2 pm at Covenant Living of Northbrook -North South Village Rooms – Town Center, 2625 Techny Rd., Northbrook. Please go to www.nhscotthanekamp.com for full obituary.