REV. MICHAEL P. AHLSTROM
Rev. Michael P. Ahlstrom, 82, retired priest of the Archdiocese of Chicago, passed away Friday, May 3, 2024.
Rev. Ahlstrom was born on April 7, 1942, in Indianapolis. He attended Quigley Preparatory Seminary in Chicago, the University of St. Mary of the Lake/Mundelein Seminary in Mundelein and the University of Notre Dame du Lac, where he earned a master’s degree in Liturgical Studies.
Rev. Ahlstrom was ordained to the priesthood on May 14, 1969, by Cardinal John Cody, and he celebrated his first solemn Mass on May 17 of the same year at St. Athanasius Parish in Evanston (now merged under St. John Newman Parish).
After ordination to the priesthood, Rev. Ahlstrom was a faculty member at Niles College of Loyola University and assistant pastor at St. Bernadette Parish in Evergreen Park. He then served as associate pastor at St. Gertrude Parish in Franklin Park, Mary, Seat of Wisdom Parish in Park Ridge, and Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish on Spaulding Avenue in Chicago. Following his time at those parishes, Ahlstrom served as pastor of St. Colette Parish in Rolling Meadows from 1989 until 2003.
In 2004, Rev. Ahlstrom started a new assignment as vicar for deacons. He served in that role until 2013 and continued serving as vicar emeritus. As reported in the archdiocesan newspaper Chicago Catholic on the occasion of the 50th priesthood anniversary of the 1969 ordination class, Rev. Ahlstrom served the Archdiocese of Chicago in a variety of ways, including: associate director of the Office for Divine Worship; instructor and chairman of the board of the Liturgical Institute in Mundelein; instructor in medical ethics at the Little Company of Mary School of Nursing; priest presenter for Engaged Encounter and Marriage Encounter; pastor in residence and liturgy instructor at Mundelein Seminary; board member of Chicago Studies; member of the Annual Catholic Appeal board; and member of Catholic Charities’ Parish Outreach Committee.
Deacon David Brencic, assistant director of the Office of the Diaconate, also was a friend and colleague of Ahlstrom. “He was really loved by the deacons and wives, and it was mutual,” Brencic said. “I remember him saying at several gatherings of deacons and wives, ‘My main job is to love you.’ He was a true shepherd and generous servant.”
Funeral services took place Wednesday, May 15, at St. Barbara Church of Holy Guardian Angels Parish, 4000 Prairie Avenue in Brookfield. Cardinal Blase J. Cupich, archbishop of Chicago, was the main celebrant.
Interment was set for Thursday, May 16, at 2 p.m. at Calvary Catholic Cemetery in Evanston.
RAYMOND CHAMBERLAIN
Raymond S. Chamberlain passed away peacefully at home on May 5, 2024.
He joins his beloved wife Susan in eternal peace. He leaves his humor, charm and wisdom on his loving children Chris (Jessica), Kate (Dave); grandchildren Tyler (Elizabeth), Cody (Emma), Paige, Charlotte, Makailey, and Nataliya.
There will be only one “Chicken” Ray “Mover” Chamberlain. He may have been one of the most selfless men to ever grace our earth. He was loved by anyone that had the pleasure of meeting him. Many considered Ray as their second dad.
He was, bar none, the best storyteller.
Ray was both ASE certified and aircraft mechanic. He was a dedicated member, recording secretary, and business representative for the Union Millwright Local 1693. He also was an instructor at the Carpenters International Training Center in Las Vegas.
Visitation was May 14 at Palos-Gaidas Funeral Home, 11028 Southwest Hwy., Palos Hills. Interment Private.
KIMBERLY A. FONTANEZ
Kimberly A. Fontanez (nee Zelasko), age 46, passed away suddenly April 24.
Loving mother of Drew, Brandon (Brianna), Caitlyn and Matthew; loving grandmother of Everly; dear sister of Bruce Jr. and her twin sister Christine Zelasko; beloved daughter of Bruce and Donna (nee Fell) Zelasko. Fond aunt to many. Wife of Matthew.
Visitation was held May 3. Funeral Chapel Service were held May 4 at the Richard-Midway Funeral Home, 5749 Archer Ave. (corner of Lorel). For more information, please call 773-767-1840.
OCTAVIA GALARZA
Octavia Galarza, age 62, passed away March 2.
Visitation was held March 11 at Szykowny Funeral Home. Cremation private.
AIDA DE LA LUZ GOMEZ (NÉE GARZA)
Aida Gomez, a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and pillar of her community, passed away March 6, following complications from open heart surgery. Born on February 1, 1946, in Monterrey, Mexico, Aida was the daughter of Manuela (Leal) and Francisco Garza.
Aida lived a life filled with love, adventure, and service. She married Daniel Gomez on February 2, 1980, and together they raised three children. Her deep faith and her love of her family defined her life. Aida’s love of travel took her to many corners of the world, and she cherished the memories and friendships made along the way.
Aida was a kind soul, always putting others before herself. Her warmth and generosity made her a beloved member of her community, and she will be deeply missed.
Aida is survived by her children, Zaida, Daniel, and Victoria (David), her sister, Angelica and brother, Frank. She is also survived by her granddaughter, Lyanna, and countless friends and family members whose lives she touched.
Rest in peace, dear Aida. Your love will live on in our hearts forever.
Visitation was held March 15 at Szykowny Funeral Home Ltd. Funeral Mass was held at Holy Cross 1740 W. 46th St. Final resting place St. Mary’s Cemetery.
ANDREW J. GOWIN
Andrew J. Gowin, age 73, passed away April 6.
Beloved husband of Veronica Gowin (nee Labuda); dearest father of Andrew T (Tanya) and Jacob (Kristen); loving Dziadek of Tessah, Mayah, Avery, Logan, Kelly and Nicolette; cherished son of the late Jozef and Wladyslawa (nee Prochot); dear brother of Peter (Patricia), and the late Zbyszek. Fond brother-in-law, uncle, cousin and friend to many here in the U.S as well as Poland.
Andrew retired from CTA (Chicago transit authority) as a multiple time Garage Driver Champion. In retirement, Andrew took great pride in the maintaining of his home in the Clearing/Garfield Ridge area. If you ever stopped by, he would surely be raking leaves, cutting the grass, trimming bushes, vacuuming the pool, sweeping the sidewalk, watering the plants, and countless other things. He loved his sons and especially loved his grandchildren, taking pride in setting up outdoor holiday lights, knowing the smile it would put on all the children’s faces, regardless of weather conditions. This is just one example of the many selfless things Andrew would do to make others around him happy. Andrew was beloved by all that met him and will be remembered for his unforgettable presence and his ability to light up a room.
Visitation was held April 12 at Damar-Kaminski Funeral Home & Crematorium, 7861 S. 88th Avenue, Justice. Funeral was held April 13, Prayers and procession to from the funeral home to Saint Daniel the Prophet Church, 5358 S. Nashville Avenue, Chicago, for Mass. Interment, Resurrection Cemetery, Justice. For more information, 708-496-0200 or www.kaminskifamilyfuneralhomes.com.
ADELINE HARDEN
Adeline Harden a resident of Chicago’s Garfield Ridge community since 1957, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family May 3.
Beloved wife of the late Howard D. Harden; cherished mother of Joy (Gary) Stone, Jill (Richard) Russell, Jacqueline Harden and the late Gerald Harden; treasured grandmother of Laura (Eric) Reeb, Sarah (Christopher) Wunder and the late Rachel Harden; loving great grandmother of Jack Reeb, Lucinda Reeb, Charles Reeb, Maya Wunder, Jane Wunder and Aubree Meller; dear sister of the late Donald (late Lillian) Salazar, Rudy (late Ida) Salazar and Naomi (Larzo) Ortiz. Aunt and great aunt of many nieces and nephews.
Adeline had an enormous spirit and lived her life to the fullest. She was an inspiration to all. She loved to exercise, attended Jazzercise and aerobic classes, enjoyed walking and bowling. A devoted member of West Lawn Baptist church and previously was a longtime member of the Garfield Ridge Baptist Church where Adeline was the secretary, a Church Deaconess and Sunday School Teacher. Adeline was a ray of sunshine and an example of a beautiful person. She leaves behind a wealth of treasured memories and a model of realizing a full and loving life.
Visitation was held May 9 at Foran Funeral Home, 7300 W. Archer Ave. (55th street just west of Harlem) with a Service in Celebration of Adeline’s life. Per her request Adeline was cremated and buried next to her husband in South Haven Michigan. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in honor of Adeline to Pacific Gardens Mission www.pgm.org.
ISABEL HERRERA
Isabel Herrera, age 90, passed away March 7, 2024.
Visitation was held March 12 at Szykowny Funeral Home LTD. Burial at St. Casimir.
JAN ANDRZEJ KOZIOL
Jan Andrzej Koziol, age 43, passed away April 18.
Dear father of Adrian Koziol; cherished son of Maria (nee Zon) and Andrzej Koziol; loving brother of Janina Koziol, Kazimierz Koziol, Bogdan Koziol, Tadeusz Koziol and Barbara Potoczak. Also survived by nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
Visitation was held April 26 at Damar-Kaminski Funeral Home & Crematorium, 7861 S. 88th Avenue, Justice followed by a Service and Time of Remembrance at the funeral home. Interment, Cmentarz Parafialny, Debno, Poland. For more information, 708-496-0200 or www.kaminskifamilyfuneralhomes.com.
MARIA CONSUELO LAZARO
Maria Consuelo Lazaro, age 87, passed away March 18.
Visitation was held March 28. Funeral Mass was held March 29 at Manantial de Vida, 4300 S. California Ave. Chicago. Final resting place Forest Home, 863 S Des Plaines Avenue. Forest Park.
BEVERLY J. LOZADA
Beverly J. Lozada graced this earth for 91 years, passed away peacefully May 6. She was previously a resident of Chicago’s Garfield Ridge community and Lyons.
Beverly was the beloved mother of Linda (Dorothy) Lozada. She was preceded in death by her three sisters, Virginia, Thelma and Rhea and her parents, James and Leota Mc Intire. Beverly loved to cook and made many delicious meals. She was so happy to have her family and friends enjoy her wonderful meals. Per her request, Beverly had a graveside service and was laid to rest at Resurrection Cemetery on May 8.
ANNA MAKA
Anna Maka (nee Fafrowicz), age 82, passed away April 20.
Beloved wife of the late Stanislaw Maka; loving mother of Helena (the late Jozef) Piatek and Jozef (Aneta) Maka; dearest grandmother of Monika (Dariusz) Galica, Joanna (Dariusz) Klimaszka, Kamil (Klaudia) Maka and Kacper Maka; treasured great-grandmother of Krystian Galica, Sebastian Galica, David Klimaszka, Daria Klimaszka and Klemens Maka; cherished daughter of the late Aniela (nee Strama) and the late Jozef Fafrowicz; dear sister of the late Ludwina Suchecka, the late Jan Fafrowicz, the late Andrzej Fafrowicz, the late Maria Kruczak, the late Stanislaw Fafrowicz and Wojciech Fafrowicz. Also survived by nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
Visitation was held April 23 at Damar-Kaminski Funeral Home & Crematorium, 7861 S. 88th Avenue, Justice. Funeral was held April 24, Prayers and procession from the funeral home to Saint Faustina Kowalska Church, 5255 S. McVicker Avenue, Chicago for Mass. Interment, Resurrection Cemetery, Justice. For more information, 708-496-0200 or www.kaminskifamilyfuneralhomes.com.
JERRY A. MNACEK
Jerry A. Mnacek, 95, passed away peacefully on May 8, 2024.
Jerry was an Army veteran who served in the honor guard and had the privilege to guard the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Washington, D.C.
He was later transferred to Germany where he met the love of his life Gertrud Hoffmann. They promised each other they would never be apart and celebrated 74 wonderful years together.
He delighted his family with his never-ending good-natured spirit and his incredible smile.
Jerry was a wonderful father to Mildred Nelson (Allan), Irene Weyer (Herbert), and Susan Pauliks (Larry R.). He was a loving grandfather to Jerry N. (Kelly), Nicole B. (Jesse), Andrew W. (Jen), Bradley N. (Christine), Alexander W. (Edward J.), Melissa P. (Nathan S.), and Erik P. (Xan H.) and a cherished great-grandfather to Christian N. and Logan, Lilly and Hayden B. He was a fond brother-in-law to Adelheid (Wolfgang), Herbert (Henny), Siegfried (Brunhilde), and Gerhard (Wanda) as well as a cherished uncle and friend to many.
His motto was: The Most Important Thing in Life is Your Family.
There will be a Celebration of Jerry’s Life at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Hines VA Hospital.
Arrangements entrusted to Palos Gaidas Funeral Home, 11028 Southwest Highway, Palos Hills.
For information or to express your condolences, please visit ww.palosgaidasfh.com or call 708-974-4410.
FELIX “PHIL” PIEKARZ JR.
Felix “Phil” Piekarz Jr., 82, passed away peacefully on April 29, 2024.
He was an Army veteran.
He is survived by his children Kathleen (Dr. John) Elsen, Larry (Tracy) Piekarz, and Julie (Joseph) Gudeman. Grandfather of six: Kaitlyn, Jaclyn, Colin, Paige, Colton and Jaxson. Loving brother of Frank (Dorothy) Piekarz. Uncle to many nieces and nephews.
Visitation for Phil was held May 6 at the Palos-Gaidas Funeral Home, 11028 Southwest Hwy., Palos Hills. The funeral was held May 7 at Sacred Heart Church, 8245 W. 111th St., Palos Hills. Interment was at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery.
For information or to express your condolences, visit www.palosgaidasfh.com or call 708-974-4410.
MARYLYN POLLARD
Marylyn Pollard passed away on April 25, 2024.
She is survived by her loving husband John; her children John (Beth Ann) Pollard, Scott (Mary) Pollard, Tracy Pollard and Debbie (Dave) Pollard Pawlowski will deeply miss her guiding light. Loving sister to Ken (Judy) Susmarski, Donna (Bill) Gordon and Wayne (the late Cindy) Susmarski. Amazing Grandma to Kelsey, Katelyn, Jack, Riley, Jordan, Brandon, Delilah and Milo. Adored aunt to many, many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Leonard and Ginnie Susmarski.
Visitation was held on April 30 at Palos Gaidas Funeral Home, 11028 South Southwest Highway, Palos Hills. Funeral services were held May 1. Marylyn will be laid to rest privately at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to Ronald McDonald House, which is a charity that Marylyn volunteered at and held close to her heart.
For information or to express your condolences, please visit www.palosgaidasfh.com or call 708-974-4410.
KAREN SINGER
Karen Singer passed away on May 1, 2024.
A Memorial Mass was held on May 10 at St. Christina Church, located at 3342 W. 111th Street, Chicago.
Arrangements entrusted to Palos-Gaidas Funeral Home, 11028 Southwest Hwy., Palos Hills.
For information or to express your condolence, please visit www.palosgaidasfh.com or call 708-974-4410.
FLORENCIO VILLANUEVA
Florencio Villanueva age 69, of Summit, passed away May 5.
He was the loving father of Michelle Villanueva, Miguel Villanueva, Florencio Villanueva, Jessica (Antonio) Mendoza and Jose Villanueva; frandfather of soon to be Sabrina Michelle Mendoza; dear brother of Dolores (Hector Martinez) Villanueva, Maria (Luis) Valdez, Ramon Villanueva, Carmelo (Marta) Villanueva and many deceased brothers and sisters. Uncle to many nieces and nephews. Dear son of the late Florencio Villaneuva and late Jesusita Sanchez. A Visitation in Celebration of Florencio’s life was held May 11 at Foran Funeral Home, 7300 W. Archer Ave. (55th street just west of Harlem). Per his request, Florencio was cremated.
ANDREW ZLOZA
With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Andrew Zloza, a devoted father, loving spouse, son, and son-in-law, who departed this world on March 19.
An accomplished MD, PhD and an esteemed church musician, his legacy is marked by his unwavering dedication to his family, his contributions to medical science, and his profound musical talents. He will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.
Born September 10th, 1978 in Zakopane, Poland, Andy grew up on the southwest side of Chicago. After attending St. Laurence High School, he graduated from the Illinois Institute of Technology with a degree in Chemical Engineering, and then Rush Medical College with an MD, PhD. He dedicated his career to advancing cancer research, and his contributions to the field were numerous and impactful, earning him the respect and admiration of his peers.
Beyond his work in cancer research, Andy was also a gifted musician, sharing his talents as an organist and pianist within the Polish Catholic community. His music touched the hearts of many and brought solace and inspiration to all who had the privilege of listening to him play.
Andy was a devoted husband to his wife Donna and loving father of Zack, Alex, Sammy, and JoJo. His family was the cornerstone of his existence, and he found immense joy and fulfillment in nurturing and cherishing each one of them. He is also survived by his parents Stanislaw and Czeslawa Zloza, his in-laws Raymond and Tina Jauregui, and numerous family and friends.
Visitation was held April 12 at Damar-Kaminski Funeral Home & Crematorium, 7861 S. 88th Avenue, Justice. Prayers and procession to begin from the funeral home to Saint Fabian Church, 7450 W. 83rd Street, Bridgeview, Illinois for 12:00PM Mass. Private Interment, St. Mary Cemetery, Evergreen Park, Illinois. For more information, 708-496-0200 or www.kaminskifamilyfuneralhome.com.