Kurtz Memorial Chapel Obituaries

October 17, 2022

Jacob VanGampler, born on February 3, 1987, age 35, was suddenly called home to the good Lord on Monday, October 17, 2022. Beloved son of Bernard and Lorel VanGampler, loving brother to Eric(Christine), Keith(Katherine) VanGampler, cherished Uncle to Madison, Keegan, Tyler, Landyn, Griffin, Jase and cousin to Victoria. Also survived by his loving grandmother Anne Daufenback and numerous relatives. Jacob...

October 15, 2022

Mary Jennifer Tannura (nee Lang)

“Jen”

Age 51, of New Lenox, passed away Saturday, October 15, 2022, after a long, courageous, battle with cancer. Jen was born in Chicago, IL to the late John and Celeste (nee Kordelewski) Lang. Beloved wife of Michael Tannura; loving mother of Natalie Tannura, Abbey Tannura, and Samantha Tannura; dear sister of Joe Lang and Steve Lang;...

October 14, 2022

Ruth Ann Stark, age 86, a resident of Mokena, Lockport, Calumet City and Chicago, passed away on Friday, October 14, 2022 at Spring Creek Nursing Home in Joliet. She is survived by her many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents Harry and Frances Stark; brother Richard Stark; sister Rita McCreary and Reggie Peterson. Ruth Ann...

October 10, 2022

MARGARET “PEGGY” J. REIF

(WILKINS)

Age 86, of Orland Park, passed away on Tuesday, October 10th, 2022 at her home at Smith Crossing in Orland Park.

Peggy is survived by her loving family, husband, Rev. Gordon H. Reif, children, Timothy (Dianne) Reif, Anne (Jeff Sherred) Rubley, Karen (Jack) Lester, Amy (Dean) Mackie, grandchildren, Kylie (Aaron) Parpart, Ryan Reif, Tyler Reif, Heather (Jon) Chiapetta,...

October 9, 2022

John G. Heidekrueger, age 56, a resident of Crete formerly of Chicago and Burbank, passed away Sunday, October 9, 2022. He is survived by his loving family; wife Lisa Heidekrueger (Banser); son John M. (Kali) Heidekrueger; Mother Margaret Heidekrueger siblings Dave (Toni) Heidekrueger, Peggy (Rick) Norris, Anne (Larry) Solomon, Linda (Kathy) Heidekrueger, Joe Heidekrueger, Donna (Bob) Joy, and Ricky Heidekrueger...

October 7, 2022

October 6, 2022

JUDITH G. KARAS

(KURTZ)

Age 68, of Peotone, passed away on Thursday, October 6th, 2022 at South Suburban Hospital in Hazel Crest.

Judith is survived by her loving family, husband, Donald Karas Sr., children, Donald (Suzanne) Karas Jr., Robert (fiancé Annie Phachansiry) Karas, Richard Karas, brother, William Kurtz, grandchildren, Josephine Karas and Konor Karas.

Judith was preceded in death by her parents, William Kurtz...

October 5, 2022

Fredrick W. Guendling Jr., age 92, passed away peacefully in the loving hands of the Lord with his loving family by his side. He will be laid to rest privately at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery. A Celebration of Life of life will be held at St. John's United Church of Christ in Mokena at a later date. 

October 5, 2022

ROBERT L. VALLEAU

Age 74, of New Lenox passed away on Wednesday, October 5th, 2022 at Lightways Hospice House in Joliet.

Robert is survived by his loving family, wife, Colleen Roe-Valleau, children, Rhonda (David) Warnke, Harmony (Lisa Tichy) Lopez, Amanda (Mark) Sandor, William (Jennifer) Evans, siblings, Linda Schlie, Patrick (Marianne) Flahive, grandchildren, Courtney (Mark) Yount, Olivia Warnke, Abraham Sandor, Isaiah Sandor, Julia...

October 4, 2022

JUDITH A. SMITH

Age 81 passed away on Tuesday, October 4th, 2022 at Prairie Manor Nursing and Rehabilitation home in Chicago Heights, IL. 

A private graveside service will be held at Chapel Hill Garden South Cemetery in Oak Lawn on Friday, October 14th, 2022. 

October 4, 2022

Bill Bruton, age 49, a resident of Odell, formerly of Midlothian and Chicago, passed away suddenly on Tuesday, October 4, 2022. Loving brother of Pat (Lisa) Bruton. Beloved uncle, nephew, cousin and friend to many. He was preceded in death by his parents Patrick J. and Margaret (Hyland) Bruton. Bill was a truck driver and volunteer fireman for Central Stickney...

October 4, 2022

David Edward Burja, beloved father, son, and brother passed away in Kankakee, IL on October 4th, 2022.

He was born on October 24th, 1991 to Jennifer M. Bailey and David E Prack in Harvey, IL. David was a family man, as his family was the most important thing to him. No matter who you are, David would always pull you in...

October 3, 2022

Robert Edward Schultz

Born on November 17, 1946 at St. Joseph Hospital in Joliet, Illinois. Son of the late George and Mildred Kent-Schultz of Lockport.

Passed on October 3, 2022 at Silver Cross Hospital in New Lenox, Illinois.

Bob was baptized and confirmed at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Joliet. He then became a member of St. Peter’s United Church of Christ in...

October 3, 2022

Richard D. Anderson

Age 93, of New Lenox, passed away Monday, October 3, 2022, at Lightways Hospice in Joliet, IL. Richard was born in Chicago to the late Edward and Mable (nee Closson) Anderson. Beloved husband of Mary Ann (nee Sundling) Anderson; loving father of Laura (Martin) Biggs and Linda (Joseph) Karceski; cherished grandfather of Joseph Karceski Jr. and William Karceski;...

October 2, 2022

Caroyl Lee Bush (nee Beckstrom), age 81, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Sunday, October 2, 2022.

Caroyl is survived by her loving children, Bradley (Michael Patton) Bush, Stephanie (John) Hosman, Gary “JR” Bush, and Caroyl “Coco” (Rob) Hollis; grandchildren, Landon Hosman, Tyler Hosman, Mitchell Hosman, Jackson Hosman, Jayna Hosman, Jaclyn (Paul) Sanfilippo, and Lydia Hollis.

She is preceded in death...

October 2, 2022

Celeste E. Laszlo (nee Gasmann)

Born: September 12, 1935 in Chicago, IL

Died: October 2, 2022 in New Lenox, IL

Celeste E. Laszlo passed away not to death, but to eternal life; at Silver Cross Hospital in New Lenox, IL with family by her side at age 87. Celeste was born in Chicago to the late Calmer Gasmann and Claribel (nee Bebber). Beloved...

October 1, 2022

Sharon Smith (Hepfinger), age 65, a resident of Frankfort, formerly of Oak Lawn, Hometown and Chicago, passed away on Saturday, October 1, 2022, at Northwestern Memorial Hospital. Loving mother of Amy (Jason) Gilbert and Lindsey (Patrick) Larson; dearest sister of Mark Hepfinger; cherished grammie of Grace, Gwen, Jacob, Sydney and Brody; fond aunt of Danny Hepfinger. She is also survived...

October 1, 2022

Karen S. Labaj (Wayda)

Age 68, of Matteson formerly of Frankfort Square, passed away on Saturday, October 1, 2022 at Franciscan Health in Olympia Fields. Loving wife of Michael Labaj; beloved mother of Trishia (Richard) Krupa, Michael (Robin) Labaj, Jr. and Mary Rose (Phillip) Warbiany; dearest sister of Kathy Donnelly, Michele (Bruce) Watson, the late Pam (late Robert) Bankhead and Michael...

September 30, 2022

Janice E. Bartel

Age 84, of New Lenox, passed away Friday, September 30, 2022, at Lightways Hospice, Joliet, IL. Jan was born in Joliet, IL to the late Harold A. and Hazel M. (nee Muncey) Jacobs. Loving wife of the late Donald V. Bartel; dear sister of Terry (Judy) Jacobs and the late Gilbert (Carol) Jacobs; cherished aunt of Dawn (Tom)...

September 28, 2022

Sara A. Zulfer (nee Neyers)

Age 58, of New Lenox, formerly of Oak Lawn, passed away Wednesday, September 28, 2022, at her home. Sara was born in Chicago, IL to the late Leonard and Evelyn (nee Renspie) Neyers. Beloved wife of Charlie Zulfer; loving mother of Sylvia (Dave) Zulfer-Aultman and Josh (Sarah) Zulfer; cherished grandmother of Zac (Jen Nichols) Ruckle, Brandon...