Obituaries
Obituaries for Vandenberg Funeral Home
In Memory of Our Dear Loved Ones
Donald E. Grabski
Oct 23, 2023
Donald Edward Grabski Jr. (61), of Lockport, IL passed away on October 23, 2023. Fondly known as Chip, he was born to Donald Edward Grabski and Francine (Otto) Money on January 27, 1962, in Sandusky, OH. He was predeceased by his father and is survived by his mother, step-mother, sister, daughters, son-in-law, and grandson. He spent over 30 years working...
James J. Gress
Oct 22, 2023
James J. Gress, age 79, late of Mokena, IL, passed away October 22, 2023. U.S Army Veteran. Long-time parishioner of St. Mary Church in Mokena, IL. James and Patricia were season ticket holders to the Joliet Slammers for 22 years. James enjoyed traveling. Most of all he enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren. Beloved husband of Patricia...
Rita M. Patterson
Oct 19, 2023
Our Loving Mother, Rita M. Patterson (nee Ward), age 95, late of New Lenox, IL, passed away October 19, 2023. Rita loved her family dearly and was an excellent homemaker. Her greatest joy was watching her grandchildren and great-grandchildren grow. Rita was a parishioner of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Joliet, IL and St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Mokena, IL....
Elizabeth Leech
Oct 16, 2023
Elizabeth Leech (née Sopko), 85, passed from this life on October 16, 2023. Born October 1, 1938, in Streator, IL to George and Anne (née Collner) Sopko. She was preceded in death by her husband of 59 years, Edward Leech, her parents, her son-in-law Paul St. Michel, and an infant sister. She is survived by a twin sister, Ellen (Stephen)...
Kathleen M. Burke
Oct 15, 2023
Kathleen M. Burke, R.N., nee Ivers age 87, late of Marion Village, Homer Glen, IL. Passed away October 15, 2023. Long time nurse at South Suburban Hospital of Hazel Crest, IL., and a Hospice volunteer with Palos Community Hospital. Kathleen was a graduate of Visitation Grade School and High School in Chicago, IL. Kay attended St. Francis School of Nursing...
Charlotte A. Sabotnik
Oct 15, 2023
Charlotte Ann (Sassone) Sabotnik, 81 of Frankfort, IL passed away  on October 15th, 2023. She was born on October 21st, 1941 in Blue Island, IL. Charlotte was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She took great pride in her Italian heritage and Catholic faith. Charlotte owned her own catering business, Charlotte’s Catering for over 20 years and was known...
Georgia M. Stockman
Oct 15, 2023
Georgia M. Stockman, age 68, late of Orland Park, IL, passed away October 15, 2023.Georgia was an avid collector of turtles. She enjoyed baking for loved ones. She was an employee of Walmart for 6 years. Most of all she loved spending time with her family. Loving mother of Samantha (Lauren) Stockman-Medina. Dear daughter of the late Arthur and Oretha...
Barbara Ann Kastman
Oct 10, 2023
Barbara Kastman, age 76, of Findlay formerly of Frankfort, Mokena, and Orland Park, IL passed away on Oct 10, 2023. Loving mother to her son Gregg Kastman (Shannon) and granddaughter Olivia of Goshen, KY, and her daughter Cherri Kastman and granddog Charlie of Arcola, IL. Devoted sister to her brother James Yunker (Kathy) of Monee, IL, and sister Nancy Yunker...
Mary E. Eichelkraut
Oct 7, 2023
Mary E. Eichelkraut nee Burke, age 94, late of Frankfort, IL, passed away October 7, 2023. Long time parishioner of St. Mary Church in Mokena, IL. She was a devoted Catholic and would pray the rosary every day. Mary was an avid fast-food fan, her favorites being Culvers and McDonalds. She loved spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren...
Richard T. Gorski
Oct 6, 2023
Richard T. Gorski, age 75, late of Oak Forest, IL. Beloved husband of the late Elizabeth Gorski 'nee Konow. Loving father of Angela Rossow, Christine (Joseph) Barbato, the late David Kirby Jr., and Dana Gorski. Caring grandfather of the late Zachary, Kayla, Nathan, Anthony, Abigal, Mason, and Tristian. Caring brother and uncle to many nieces and nephews. Interment in Resurrection...
Brian W. Phelan
Oct 4, 2023
Brian W. Phelan, age 37, late of Tinley Park, Illinois, entered into rest Wednesday, October 4, 2023. Brian was a kindhearted man, loving and loyal friend to many and was known for his smart wit and fun-loving personality. His contagious laugh and vibrant smile will be missed by all who knew and loved him. Brian will live forever in the...
Darlene E. Waitekus
Oct 2, 2023
Darlene E. Waitekus, beloved mother, sister, grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully on October 2nd, 2023. Born on October 26th, 1937, in Chicago, Illinois to the late Robert Lill and Eileen Doyle. Darlene, known for her dry wit and boundless love, affection, and devotion to her children, leaves behind a legacy of love and kindness that will be cherished by...
Virginia J. Jecha
Sep 27, 2023
Virginia Jean Jecha, age 94, late of Mokena, a beloved mother, grandmother, and friend, who peacefully journeyed to her eternal rest on September 27, 2023 at her home surrounded by family in Mokena, Illinois. Virginia was born on January 8, 1929, in Omaha, Nebraska, to her loving parents Joseph and Frances Murphy. She dedicated her life to her family, always...
Helen R. Highfill
Sep 24, 2023
Helen R. Highfill, 94, passed away peacefully at her home, Sunday, September 24, 2023. Helen was born in Peoria, IL on May 9, 1929 to Norbert and Regina (Seipel) Bourscheidt. Many families in the area will remember Mrs. Highfill from her 20+ years of babysitting their children with care and affection: Helen never met a baby or child she didn’t...
Karen A. Cummings
Sep 23, 2023
Karen A. Cummings, nee Conley, age 78, late of Mokena, IL, passed away September 23, 2023. She was born on November 26, 1944, in Evergreen Park, IL. She was a parishioner of St. Mary Church for several years. Karen was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother who dedicated herself to her immediate and extended family. She was a loyal friend...
Alice F. Lesnik
Sep 18, 2023
Alice F. Lesnik, age 93, late of New Lenox, IL, formerly Tinley Park, IL. Beloved wife of the late Stanley Lesnik. Loving mother of Nancy (Donald) Rothermel, Darlene (Bruce) Kratochwill, and Wayne (Debbie) Lesnik. Cherished grandmother of Dawn (Dan), Tony (Katie), Kelly (Bill), Bradley (Dawn), Andy (Gul), BJ (Becky), Jill (John), Anne-Marie (Shane), and 16 great grandchildren. Caring sister of...
M. Josephine Wozniak
Sep 10, 2023
M. Josephine Wozniak passed away September 10th at the age of 95. Proceeded in death by her parents Pasquale and Louise Disabato, her husband Walter, daughter Patricia, sister Virginia, and brothers Ed and Jim. Her parents came to the US through Ellis Island with many people from their village in Italy to settle on the east side of Blue Island,...
Kristin K. Grib
Sep 10, 2023
Kristin K. Grib nee Gram, age 58, late of Oak Forest, IL, passed away September 10, 2023. She was a bartender at Teehan’s in Tinley Park, IL for over 20 years. Kristin would always be willing to help others and lend a hand to those in need. She enjoyed crafting, watching cooking shows and reality TV, and baking. Kristin doted...
Elizabeth M. Finigan Kraus
Sep 8, 2023
Elizabeth " Suzy" M. Kraus, age 86, late of Sister Lakes, Michigan, formerly of Tinley Park, IL, passed away September 08, 2023. Devoted wife of John "Jack" Kraus. Loving mother of Debbie Toomey, Jack (Mary), and Tommy Kraus. Cherished grandmother of 10, and 2 great grandchildren. Preceded in death by her 10 siblings. Caring aunt of many nieces and nephews....
Manuel Urquizo-Heredia
Sep 7, 2023
Manuel Urquizo-Heredia Se llevará a cabo una visita conmemorativa el lunes 26 de febrero de 2024, de 4:00 a 9:00 p. m. en Vandenberg Funeral Home, 17248 Harlem Avenue, Tinley Park, IL. 60477. Se han acordado ritos de cremación.
Donald E. Grabski
Oct 23, 2023
Donald Edward Grabski Jr. (61), of Lockport, IL passed away on October 23, 2023. Fondly known as Chip, he was born to Donald Edward Grabski and Francine (Otto) Money on January 27, 1962, in Sandusky, OH. He was predeceased by his father and is survived by his mother, step-mother, sister, daughters, son-in-law, and grandson. He spent over 30 years working...
James J. Gress
Oct 22, 2023
James J. Gress, age 79, late of Mokena, IL, passed away October 22, 2023. U.S Army Veteran. Long-time parishioner of St. Mary Church in Mokena, IL. James and Patricia were season ticket holders to the Joliet Slammers for 22 years. James enjoyed traveling. Most of all he enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren. Beloved husband of Patricia...
Rita M. Patterson
Oct 19, 2023
Our Loving Mother, Rita M. Patterson (nee Ward), age 95, late of New Lenox, IL, passed away October 19, 2023. Rita loved her family dearly and was an excellent homemaker. Her greatest joy was watching her grandchildren and great-grandchildren grow. Rita was a parishioner of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Joliet, IL and St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Mokena, IL....
Elizabeth Leech
Oct 16, 2023
Elizabeth Leech (née Sopko), 85, passed from this life on October 16, 2023. Born October 1, 1938, in Streator, IL to George and Anne (née Collner) Sopko. She was preceded in death by her husband of 59 years, Edward Leech, her parents, her son-in-law Paul St. Michel, and an infant sister. She is survived by a twin sister, Ellen (Stephen)...
Kathleen M. Burke
Oct 15, 2023
Kathleen M. Burke, R.N., nee Ivers age 87, late of Marion Village, Homer Glen, IL. Passed away October 15, 2023. Long time nurse at South Suburban Hospital of Hazel Crest, IL., and a Hospice volunteer with Palos Community Hospital. Kathleen was a graduate of Visitation Grade School and High School in Chicago, IL. Kay attended St. Francis School of Nursing...
Charlotte A. Sabotnik
Oct 15, 2023
Charlotte Ann (Sassone) Sabotnik, 81 of Frankfort, IL passed away  on October 15th, 2023. She was born on October 21st, 1941 in Blue Island, IL. Charlotte was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She took great pride in her Italian heritage and Catholic faith. Charlotte owned her own catering business, Charlotte’s Catering for over 20 years and was known...
Georgia M. Stockman
Oct 15, 2023
Georgia M. Stockman, age 68, late of Orland Park, IL, passed away October 15, 2023.Georgia was an avid collector of turtles. She enjoyed baking for loved ones. She was an employee of Walmart for 6 years. Most of all she loved spending time with her family. Loving mother of Samantha (Lauren) Stockman-Medina. Dear daughter of the late Arthur and Oretha...
Barbara Ann Kastman
Oct 10, 2023
Barbara Kastman, age 76, of Findlay formerly of Frankfort, Mokena, and Orland Park, IL passed away on Oct 10, 2023. Loving mother to her son Gregg Kastman (Shannon) and granddaughter Olivia of Goshen, KY, and her daughter Cherri Kastman and granddog Charlie of Arcola, IL. Devoted sister to her brother James Yunker (Kathy) of Monee, IL, and sister Nancy Yunker...
Mary E. Eichelkraut
Oct 7, 2023
Mary E. Eichelkraut nee Burke, age 94, late of Frankfort, IL, passed away October 7, 2023. Long time parishioner of St. Mary Church in Mokena, IL. She was a devoted Catholic and would pray the rosary every day. Mary was an avid fast-food fan, her favorites being Culvers and McDonalds. She loved spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren...
Richard T. Gorski
Oct 6, 2023
Richard T. Gorski, age 75, late of Oak Forest, IL. Beloved husband of the late Elizabeth Gorski 'nee Konow. Loving father of Angela Rossow, Christine (Joseph) Barbato, the late David Kirby Jr., and Dana Gorski. Caring grandfather of the late Zachary, Kayla, Nathan, Anthony, Abigal, Mason, and Tristian. Caring brother and uncle to many nieces and nephews. Interment in Resurrection...
Brian W. Phelan
Oct 4, 2023
Brian W. Phelan, age 37, late of Tinley Park, Illinois, entered into rest Wednesday, October 4, 2023. Brian was a kindhearted man, loving and loyal friend to many and was known for his smart wit and fun-loving personality. His contagious laugh and vibrant smile will be missed by all who knew and loved him. Brian will live forever in the...
Darlene E. Waitekus
Oct 2, 2023
Darlene E. Waitekus, beloved mother, sister, grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully on October 2nd, 2023. Born on October 26th, 1937, in Chicago, Illinois to the late Robert Lill and Eileen Doyle. Darlene, known for her dry wit and boundless love, affection, and devotion to her children, leaves behind a legacy of love and kindness that will be cherished by...
Virginia J. Jecha
Sep 27, 2023
Virginia Jean Jecha, age 94, late of Mokena, a beloved mother, grandmother, and friend, who peacefully journeyed to her eternal rest on September 27, 2023 at her home surrounded by family in Mokena, Illinois. Virginia was born on January 8, 1929, in Omaha, Nebraska, to her loving parents Joseph and Frances Murphy. She dedicated her life to her family, always...
Helen R. Highfill
Sep 24, 2023
Helen R. Highfill, 94, passed away peacefully at her home, Sunday, September 24, 2023. Helen was born in Peoria, IL on May 9, 1929 to Norbert and Regina (Seipel) Bourscheidt. Many families in the area will remember Mrs. Highfill from her 20+ years of babysitting their children with care and affection: Helen never met a baby or child she didn’t...
Karen A. Cummings
Sep 23, 2023
Karen A. Cummings, nee Conley, age 78, late of Mokena, IL, passed away September 23, 2023. She was born on November 26, 1944, in Evergreen Park, IL. She was a parishioner of St. Mary Church for several years. Karen was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother who dedicated herself to her immediate and extended family. She was a loyal friend...
Alice F. Lesnik
Sep 18, 2023
Alice F. Lesnik, age 93, late of New Lenox, IL, formerly Tinley Park, IL. Beloved wife of the late Stanley Lesnik. Loving mother of Nancy (Donald) Rothermel, Darlene (Bruce) Kratochwill, and Wayne (Debbie) Lesnik. Cherished grandmother of Dawn (Dan), Tony (Katie), Kelly (Bill), Bradley (Dawn), Andy (Gul), BJ (Becky), Jill (John), Anne-Marie (Shane), and 16 great grandchildren. Caring sister of...
M. Josephine Wozniak
Sep 10, 2023
M. Josephine Wozniak passed away September 10th at the age of 95. Proceeded in death by her parents Pasquale and Louise Disabato, her husband Walter, daughter Patricia, sister Virginia, and brothers Ed and Jim. Her parents came to the US through Ellis Island with many people from their village in Italy to settle on the east side of Blue Island,...
Kristin K. Grib
Sep 10, 2023
Kristin K. Grib nee Gram, age 58, late of Oak Forest, IL, passed away September 10, 2023. She was a bartender at Teehan’s in Tinley Park, IL for over 20 years. Kristin would always be willing to help others and lend a hand to those in need. She enjoyed crafting, watching cooking shows and reality TV, and baking. Kristin doted...
Elizabeth M. Finigan Kraus
Sep 8, 2023
Elizabeth " Suzy" M. Kraus, age 86, late of Sister Lakes, Michigan, formerly of Tinley Park, IL, passed away September 08, 2023. Devoted wife of John "Jack" Kraus. Loving mother of Debbie Toomey, Jack (Mary), and Tommy Kraus. Cherished grandmother of 10, and 2 great grandchildren. Preceded in death by her 10 siblings. Caring aunt of many nieces and nephews....
Manuel Urquizo-Heredia
Sep 7, 2023
Manuel Urquizo-Heredia Se llevará a cabo una visita conmemorativa el lunes 26 de febrero de 2024, de 4:00 a 9:00 p. m. en Vandenberg Funeral Home, 17248 Harlem Avenue, Tinley Park, IL. 60477. Se han acordado ritos de cremación.
Vandenberg Funeral Home
is a collection of obituaries for Tinley Park and Mokena, Illinois. With services throughout Illinois that are updated regularly. Find local Tinley Park and Mokena, Illinois obituaries and join us in celebrating memories and honoring their lives and legacies.
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