OBITUARIES

Henry "Gonzie" Gonzales

Jan 4, 2026

Henry "Gonzie" Gonzales, age 76, born and raised in South Deering and a longtime resident of Hegewisch, passed away peacefully on Sunday, January 4, 2026.

Born on July 18, 1949, Henry was a cherished husband, loving father, and dedicated grandfather. He is survived by his beloved wife, Olga Gonzales (nee Rosario), and he was proud to be the father of his...

John J. Ell

Jan 3, 2026

Age 78, late of Hegewisch, passed away Saturday, January 3, 2026. Beloved husband of Joann M. Ell (nee Habzansky). Loving father of Julie Ell and the late Jennifer (late John) Stepek. Caring grandfather of Forsythia Pezel, Damon (NeVaeh) Pezel, Devon Pezel, John (Amanda) Stepek, Jillian Stepek, Jordan Stepek and Jacob Stepek. Proud great grandfather of Victor Robinson, Atlas Robinson, Atticus...

Richard "Moose" Koza

Dec 27, 2025

Richard J. Koza, a beloved member of our community, was born on October 10, 1951, and passed away peacefully at home in Hegewisch on December 27, 2025. He leaves behind a legacy of fond memories and cherished moments that will forever be held close to the hearts of his family and friends.

Moose was a caring brother to Robert Koza, the...

John T. Stachelski

Dec 16, 2025

John T. Stachelski, age 63, lifelong resident of Burnham, Illinois, passed away on December 16, 2025. Cherished son of the late Florence and John; beloved brother of Denise (Bob Cundiff), Mike, Steve and Dave (Angie) Stachelski; loving uncle of Bobby (Erica) and Mark Cundiff, Julie Machnikowski (Lenny), Payton and Jake Stachelski, Beckham and Kendall Cundiff, great uncle of the late...

Edward R. Bednarz

Dec 16, 2025

Edward R. Bednarz, 91, passed away early the morning of December 16, 2025. Born July 25, 1934, in Chicago; later of Hegewisch.

A 1952 graduate of Chicago Vocational School, Edward studied plastics and was a member of the 1952 CVS city-championship basketball team. He also played on the school’s baseball team. Following graduation he served honorably in the U.S. Navy.

After his...

Marlene R. Schichner (nee Blazek)

Dec 5, 2025

Age 87, late of Hegewisch, passed away Friday, December 5, 2025. Beloved wife for 57 years of the late Alvin J. Schichner. Loving mother of Paul (Julie), Dale (Jill) and Todd (Jennifer) Schichner. Proud grandmother of Dennis, Stephanie and Arik Schichner. Kind aunt of many nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by parents: Lillian and Ralph Missal. She served the...

Harriet "Babe" Whitely (nee Shields)

Nov 28, 2025

Harriet "Babe" Whitely, formerly of Hegewisch and most recently a resident of Monon, Indiana, passed away peacefully at her home with family by her side on November 28, 2025, at the age of 86. She was born on June 19, 1939, to Thurman Wade "Shorty" Shields and Martha Evelyn Gallagher Shields.

Harriet was the beloved wife of the late Delis "Dee"...

Antoinette M. Tomasek (nee Basile)

Nov 28, 2025

Antoinette M. Tomasek (nee Basile), a cherished soul whose warmth and kindness touched the lives of many, passed away on November 28, 2025, at the age of 87. Born on June 23, 1938, Antoinette lived a life enveloped in love and dedication, both to her beloved family and to her esteemed career as a librarian. Her passion for books not...

Jane Mary Moll (nee Czerwinski)

Nov 12, 2025

 Jane Mary Moll (nee Czerwinski), 91 years old, formerly of Hegewisch, passed away on Wednesday, November 12, 2025. She was the beloved wife of the late Edward Vincent Moll and mother of Margaret (Albert) Anderson, Janine (Mark) Krueger, Elaine (Steve) Emge and Sandra Moll.

 She was the Grandma of Jacqueline, Gabrielle, Joshua, Anthony, Janelle, Alexandra, Marissa, Bert and Vincent. She was...

Rick Maciejczak

Oct 21, 2025

Memorial Service: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM, Saturday, November 8, 2025 at Opyt Funeral Home

Chapel Service: 12:30 PM at Opyt Funeral Home

Please omit flowers.

Renee Thais Bochenek (nee Poirier)

Oct 16, 2025

Renee Thais Bochenek (nee Poirier), a radiant soul whose warmth and love touched the lives of so many, passed away on October 16, 2025, at the age of 49. Born on April 29, 1976, Renee was a beacon of joy and laughter, cherished by all who had the privilege to know her.

Renee’s spirit was exemplified through her dedication to family...

Frank "Sonny" Rys

Oct 4, 2025

Frank Rys Jr, lifelong resident of Hegewisch, entered into eternal life on October 4, 2025, at the age of 92. He is survived by his beloved wife of 70 years Dolores (nee Rapacz) .

Frank's journey was one marked by devotion—to his faith, to his family, and to those fortunate enough to know him. A devoted Catholic, Frank’s life was deeply...

Herminia "Miña" Cornejo (nee Mota)

Sep 30, 2025

Herminia "Miña" Cornejo, aged 70, of Hegewisch, peacefully entered eternal rest on Tuesday, September 30, 2025. Born on December 8, 1954, she was a beacon of love and joy to all who knew her, touching lives with her kindness and unwavering spirit.

Herminia was the cherished matriarch of the Cornejo family, imparting her values of faith, compassion, and resilience. She was...

Kalliope Dukas (nee Karantzas)

Sep 30, 2025

Kalliope Dukas (nee Karantzas), a cherished matriarch of her family, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, September 30, 2025, at the venerable age of 95. Born on November 30, 1929, in Piraeus, Greece, to Zacharias and Maria (nee Paloukis) Karantzas.

Kalliope's journey to the United States in 1959 marked the beginning of a new chapter. She arrived by boat, carrying the rich...

John C. Stepek

Sep 21, 2025

John Stepek, a devoted father and respected member of the community, passed away unexpectedly on September 21st, 2025 at the age of 51. He left with his beloved wife Jennifer Stepek by his side. Born on June 28th, 1974, John lived a life full of love, laughter, and dedication to his family and friends. He will be...

Maria Pallas

Sep 21, 2025

Maria Pallas (née Sacketos), age 74, of Highland, IN, passed away Sunday, September 21st, 2025. Mrs. Pallas was born on July 13, 1951, in Nafpaktos, Greece. She is preceded in death by her mother and father, George and Eleni Sacketos, her sister Denise Drakopoulos, and her daughter Viviana Pallas.

She is survived by her husband...

Jennifer (Ell) Stepek

Sep 21, 2025

Jennifer Stepek, a beloved mother and cherished friend, passed away unexpectedly on September 21st, 2025 at the age of 54. She left with her beloved husband John Stepek by her side. Born on June 17th, 1971, Jennifer was known for her infectious laughter, unwavering kindness, and her ability to light up any room she entered. She dedicated...

Foad Y. Mansour

Sep 20, 2025

With deep love and sorrow, we announce the passing of our beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and father-in-law, Foad Yacoub Mansour, who went home to be with the Lord on September 20, 2025. He was 88 years old.

Born in Husn, Jordan, Foad spent his younger years on their farm and later worked for...

Athena "Teena" D. Uranowski (Nee Lourgos)

Sep 20, 2025

Athena "Teena" D. Uranowski (nee Lourgos) age 77, of Momence, IL departed her worldly life on September 20, 2025 and entered her Heavenly home with the Lord. She is the beloved wife of John Uranowski; Loving mother of John Paul (Andrea) Uranowski, Darcy (Richard) Dodd, and Jane Lawson; Proud grandmother (Yia Yia) of Larry, Drew, Christopher, and...

Athanasia A. Dinas (Nee Houpoulos)

Sep 14, 2025

Age 99, late of Hegewisch, passed away Sunday, September 14, 2025. Beloved wife of the late Theodore A. Dinas Sr. Loving mother of Theodore A. Dinas Jr.

No services to be held.