Obituaries

Kurtz Memorial Chapel Obituaries

Local obituaries for the Frankfort and New Lenox, IL area

Geraldine A. Lokanc

Geraldine A. Lokanc

Sep 4, 2024

Geraldine A. “Gerry” Lokanc (nee Cox) 

Age 98 late of Mokena, formerly of Orland Park, IL, and Alsip, IL passed away Wednesday, September 4, 2024, at Clarendale of Mokena. Gerry was born in Sheridan, WY to the late James and Frances (nee Maher) Cox and was also preceded in death by her stepfather Bert Brooks. Beloved wife of the late Albert...

Anthony V. Sorrentino

Anthony V. Sorrentino

Sep 3, 2024

Anthony V. Sorrentino, age 99, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, September 3, 2024 at Smith Crossing Assisted Living in Orland Park. 

Anthony is survived by his beloved children, Gregg (Kate) and Mark (Denise); grandchildren, Dominic (Marissa), Christian (Christine), Dante, and Bianca; and his sister-in-law Carmella Donato. 

He is preceded in death by his loving first wife Anne Donato Sorrentino, his second wife...

Vernell Johnson Jr.

Vernell Johnson Jr.

Sep 2, 2024

VERNELL JOHNSON JR.

Age 82, of Flossmoor, IL passed away Monday, September 2, 2024 at Franciscan Health in Olympia Fields. 

Vernell is survived by his loving family, wife, Bernice Johnson (Clark), children, Vernice (Michael) Warren, Vernell III (Anita) Johnson, Verlon (Sean) Johnson, siblings, Dorothy Johnson, Laverne Tobias, grandchildren, Vernon (Ebony) Johnson, Darius Johnson, Avery (Geneva) Johnson, Michelle Warren, Mikayla Warren, Vernell Johnson...

James C. Hirsch "J.C."

James C. Hirsch "J.C."

Sep 2, 2024

James C. Hirsch “J.C.”, 68 of Munster, IN passed away on Sept. 2, 2024 at his home in Santa Rosa, Mexico. Through his 11 month cancer journey he was supported by family: husband, Klay Neri Hurtado, children: Lelia (Anthony) Hirsch-Amadio, David (Sarah) Hirsch, Emma Rogers, Carl (Liz) Hirsch, grandchildren: Anthony, Jameson, Ray, Cooper, Jackson, Otto, Knox and Josephine, Mother, Barbara...

Reynold E. Palesh

Reynold E. Palesh

Sep 2, 2024

Reynold E. Palesh 80, of New Lenox was born in Chicago to the late Ernest and Grace Palesh and passed away September 2, 2024. Beloved brother of Richard (Linda) Palesh, and Lynn (Mark) Hansen; dear cousin of Ralph Guderian; fond uncle to Michelle (Seth) Chaleunphonh, and the late Ryan (Deana) Palesh; and great uncle of Tor, Bruce, Gwendolyn, Alison, Payton,...

Wayne W. Karris

Wayne W. Karris

Aug 28, 2024

Wayne W. Karris 83, of Tinley Park was born in Chicago, IL to the late Fred and Marie (nee Prihar) Karris and passed away August 28, 2024. Beloved husband of the late Donna J. (nee Gay) Karris; beloved father of Julie (fiancé Paul DeCosmo) Stephens; cherished grandfather of Richard Stephens and Lea (fiancé Mark Arguello) Stephens; dear brother of Vernon...

Pamela S. Palmer

Pamela S. Palmer

Aug 27, 2024

Pamela “Pam” Palmer, 72, of Mokena, IL, passed unexpectedly on Tuesday, Aug. 27, 2024, at Silver Cross Hospital in New Lenox, Ill.

Pam was born June 17, 1952, in Somerville, Mass., as the middle daughter to Herbert and Sally Harper. Her family later moved to California, and she graduated from Arroyo High School in El Monte, CA in 1970.

Her first son,...

Florence S. Zekich

Florence S. Zekich

Aug 27, 2024

Florence Zekich 89, a cherished resident of New Lenox, passed away peacefully on August 27, 2024 with family by her side. Born in Chicago to the late Lawrence and Mary Ciebiera, Florence was the beloved wife of the late John Zekich; loving and devoted mother to Deborah (Steven Tempel) Zekich, MarySusan Zekich, Lisa (Erich) Stefans, and Tina Zekich.

She was a...

Alice C. Troutman

Alice C. Troutman

Aug 26, 2024

Alice C. Troutman (nee Tomlinson)

Age 100, of Mokena, passed away peacefully on Monday, August 26, 2024. Alice was born in Chicago, IL to the late Harold and Mary (nee Dyke) Tomlinson. Survived by her son Ray (Rita) Troutman, 11 grandchildren, numerous great grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren. Alice was preceded in death by her husband Glen Troutman; children, Henry “Hank” (Mary...

Shawn E. Hudson

Shawn E. Hudson

Aug 23, 2024

Shawn E. Hudson

Age 51, of Crest Hill, IL, originally from Hazel Crest, IL, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, August 23, 2024. Shawn was born to and was preceded in death by his mother, Joan Hudson Gyurko (nee Mills). Shawn was the dedicated and loving father of Cal Hudson, his best buddy, and Avery Hudson, his beautiful lefty. He was devoted...

Beverly A. Zimmerman

Beverly A. Zimmerman

Aug 22, 2024

Beverly A. Zimmerman (nee Boles) age 84, passed away peacefully on Thursday, August 22, 2024 at Palos Hospital. 

Beverly is survived by her beloved daughters, Barbara (Michael) Bronkala, Christine (Kenny Youngren) Aguirre, and Patricia (David) Zbonski; grandchildren, Michael (JoAnna) Bronkala, Sean (Mary) Aguirre, Kyle Bronkala, Adam Aguirre, Abby Aguirre, Brandon (Sam) Youngren, Samantha (Ian) Lynch, and Abigayle Youngren; great grandchildren, Dean...

Norma J Winter

Norma J Winter

Aug 20, 2024

Norma Jane Winter 

Age 76 of New Lenox, formerly of Frankfort, passed away at home surrounded by her loving family on Tuesday August 20, 2024. Beloved wife of the late Robert E. Winter Sr.; loving mother of Robert E. Winter Jr, Constance (Randy) Schram, and Dawn (Ken) Kirkland; cherished grandma of Stephanie, Courtney, Kenny (Megan), Garrett, Jessica, and Jacob; proud great...

Peter A. Fernandez

Peter A. Fernandez

Aug 18, 2024

Peter Anthony Fernandez

Age 69, of Buncombe, IL, passed away peacefully on Sunday, August 18, 2024. Peter was born in Chicago, IL, to Agapita (nee Arias) and the late Valentine Fernandez. He was the beloved husband of Karen (nee McCarthy) Fernandez, sharing 40 years of devotion and partnership. Together, they built a family filled with love.

Peter was the proud and loving...

Paul J. Laitar

Paul J. Laitar

Aug 15, 2024

Paul John Laitar 

Age 79, of Mokena, passed away Thursday, August 15, 2024. Paul was born in La Junta, CO to the late Paul and Joan (nee Fleming) Laitar. Beloved husband of Nancy (nee Gerlich) Laitar; loving father of John (Cindy) Laitar and Laura (Bill) Choi; cherished grandfather of Bob Laitar, Bill Laitar, Katie Choi, and Ellie Choi; dear brother of...

John "Jack" Rourke

John "Jack" Rourke

Aug 15, 2024

John James Rourke "Jack" 77, of Oak Lawn was born in Evergreen Park, IL to the late John and Marjorie (nee Eichorst) Rourke and passed away August 15, 2024. Beloved husband of LaVerne (nee Vanaria) Rourke; loving father of Jack (Sharon) Rourke, and Denise (Kevin) Jankist; proud grandpa of Justin Jankist, Kaitlyn Jankist, and Kelley Rourke; dear brother of the...

John C. Ellis

John C. Ellis

Aug 13, 2024

John Charles Ellis, a Vietnam-era veteran and longtime resident of Frankfort, IL, and a man whose life was defined by his unwavering commitment to "Always do the right thing," passed away peacefully, while surrounded by family, on August 13th, 2024, leaving behind a legacy of integrity, service, and love. His faith-driven life was a model of dedication to his family,...

William C Walter

William C Walter

Aug 13, 2024

William C. Walter, age 91, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, August 13, 2024 at Lightways Hospice in Joliet.

William is survived by his beloved family including his daughter Linda (Bill) Macy; grandchildren, Ryan Macy, and Lori (Brian) Macy-Meltzer; great grandchildren, Beckham Meltzer and Brooklyn Meltzer; brother, Phillip (Joan) Walter; sisters, Judith (Bill) Preuss and Susan (Jim) Kreger; cherished cousins, Terry McCready...

Robert Widlacki

Robert Widlacki

Aug 12, 2024

Robert K. Widlacki 85, of Coldwater Michigan was born in Evergreen Park IL. to the late Stephen and Mary (nee Rybka) Widlacki and passed away August 12, 2024. Beloved husband of the late Diane (nee Kusmider) Widlacki; loving father of Robert Widlacki, Tim (Nita) Widlacki, Julie Widlacki, Janet (Joshua) Malo, John (Qian) Widlacki, and Lisa Widlacki; proud papa of Kacie,...

Judith Victoria Northrop

Judith Victoria Northrop

Aug 12, 2024

Judith V. Northrop 71, of New Lenox was born in Chicago to the late Joseph and Beverly (nee Carpenter) Doria and passed away on August 12, 2024. Beloved companion and life partner of Kim Reichenbach; loving mother of Angela (Sasha Preble) Northrop; proud grandma of Sebastian Preble (9), and Genevieve Preble (6); dear sister of David (Bonnie) Doria, Michael (the...

Dennis P. Galle

Dennis P. Galle

Aug 9, 2024

Dennis Paul Galle of New Lenox, was called home to our Lord and Savior on August 9, 2024. Loving Husband, Father, Brother, Grandfather and Friend; blessed to be with us for 88 years. Survived by his wife Kathleen (Gast) of 61 years. Seven children, Julianne Galle, Michael Galle (Erin), Beth deVente (Kameron), Jeffrey Galle (Katrina), Christopher Galle (Melanie), Andrea Noonan...

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