On August 2, 2021, Brian E. Hilty passed from this world at the young age of 50 to start anew in the loving hands of the Lord and God our father.  Free from pain and medical challenges, he is at peace.

Brian is survived by his wife, Diane (nee Barowsky) Hilty; father, Harold “Bud” Hilty; pet cats, Lily, Elwood, and Daisy. Uncle to Natalie, Hailey, Alicen, and Hunter; godfather to Kayla Dietz; nephew to Cathy (Leo) Lopez, and Phillip (Debbie) Martin.  His mother, Deanna (nee Martin) Hilty preceded Brian in death. 

Born in NW Indiana, Brian made his way to Illinois in the late ‘90s  to begin his professional career.  He secured a position with Grainger where he spent nearly 25 years in positions of increasing responsibility and the recipient of numerous recognitions. It was at Grainger that Brian met some of his dearest friends, and mentors.

When not working Brian filled many hours fine-tuning his guitar playing skills, eventually playing lead for many local bands.  Performing for his friends and fans throughout Lake County was his greatest joy.  Brian was a dedicated volunteer and board member for a local TNR non-profit, in addition to being affiliated with Children’s International for 20 years.

A loving husband, son, uncle, nephew, and brother-in-law, Brian will be missed for his wit, candor, and sage advice. To be around him was to be better.  Brian’s life will be celebrated with a memorial service at Strang Funeral Chapel, 410 E. Belvidere Road, Grayslake, IL 60030 on Saturday, August 28, 2021 at 2:00pm.  A memorial visitation will be held on Saturday at the funeral chapel from 12:00pm until 2:00pm.  In lieu of flowers, the family asks to honor Brian with a gift to any of the following organizations: www.spayandstay.org; www.lymediseaseassociation.org; and www.children.org.  For more information, please call (847)223-8122.   

Joanne M. Reinbold, 81, of Lincolnshire, IL passed away peacefully at her home on August 16, 2021.  She was born December 16, 1939 in Milwaukee, WI to Robert and Edna Ramsey.  Joanne earned a Marketing degree from Marquette University where she met her loving husband, Robert.  They married shortly after graduation, moved to Chicago, IL and were blessed with raising five children in their 59 years of marriage.

Joanne was a gentle soul and joyfully devoted her life to her Catholic faith and to raising her family.  She loved being a homemaker.  Joanne was an excellent cook and an avid reader, immersing herself in spiritual reading.  She also enjoyed gardening, sewing, knitting, and crafting.  In her later years, Joanne volunteered at the Marytown Gift Shop.

Joanne is survived by her husband, Robert, whom she wed in 1962.  She is further survived by her children, Joseph (Angelyn), Robert (Julie), Mary, Susan (Jeffrey), and Kathryn (Percy); her grandchildren Lauren (Josh), Alex (Olivia), Justin, Kaitlyn, Emily, Olivia, Isabelle, Dominic, Percy, and Genevieve; and great-granddaughter Kennedy.  She is preceded in death by her parents and son-in-law, Robert Tate.

A funeral mass will be held at St. Peter Catholic Church, 27551 Volo Village Rd, Volo, IL. 60073 on Saturday, August 21, 2021 at 11 am.  Interment will be held at Ascension Catholic Cemetery in Libertyville, IL.  A visitation will be held at Strang Funeral Chapel, 410 E Belvidere Road, Grayslake, IL  60030 on Friday, August 20, 2021 from 4pm – 9pm.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Joanne’s name for mass stipends.  For more information, please call 847-223-8122.

Joseph Janusz, 91 a resident of Grayslake, IL, passed away August 12, 2021 at Advocate Condell Medical Center in Libertyville, IL. 

He was born May 10, 1930 in Poland to Frank and Helen Janusz. He and his family survived labor camps during the war in Germany. He came to the United States in 1949. Learning a new language while working on a labor farm he was drafted into the United States Army during the Korean War. He served in the motor pool. It was there he learned his lifelong trade as an auto mechanic.

He never missed a day of work and always strived to provide a better way of life for his family. He never complained and had a work ethic like none other.

He lived for his grandchildren and great grandchildren always kissing their pictures that hung on the refrigerator !

His voice was loud and his hugs truly took your breath away…. Ask anyone !

Until we meet again rest in peace DAD !

Joseph is survived by his wife of 61 years, Anna Janusz, his sons Rich (Suzanne) Janusz and Bob (Nan) Janusz, his grandchildren Brody Janusz, Brittney Munson, Bailey (Tyler) Daniels, Alex Janusz, Tommy Janusz, his great-grandchildren Brixton Monette, Grady Daniels, and Goldie Daniels, and his sister Regina Danek. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother Steve Janusz.

A memorial visitation will be held at Strang Funeral Chapel, 410 E. Belvidere Road, Grayslake, IL 60030 on Sunday, August 22, 2021 from 1:00pm until 4:00pm.  Interment will be held privately.  For more information, please call (847)233-8122 or log onto www.strangfuneral.org

Louis S. Palka, passed away August 11, 2021 following a brief battle with pulmonary fibrosis.  He was born September 28, 1953 to Louis and Esther (nee: Chmura) Palka.  Louis leaves behind his wife, Susan, and his treasured daughters Dana Palka and Tracy (Christopher) Moscato.  He also leaves behind his 5 sisters and 2 brothers, Frances (Alex) Berlanga, Barbara Kuhns, Anna (Roy) Centanni, Brian Palka, Debra Salmon, Timothy (Marie) Palka, Katherine (James) Kirschenmann and many loved nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers, we ask that you make donations to the American Lung Association in his memory.  Go Cubbies! Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Strang Funeral Chapel & Crematorium 410 E. Belvidere Rd. Grayslake, IL 60030.  For information, please call 847-223-8122 or visit www.strangfuneral.org.

Douglas A Rockenbach, long time resident of Grayslake , Il passed away peacefully August 4, 2021 in Lake Forest, Il. Born on March 28, 1925 , he was 96 years young. Doug was preceded in death by his beloved wife Bonnie (2016), his cherished son Gary (1995), and his older sister Marjorie Rasmussen (2021).  He is survived by his oldest son Gregg (Marlene),his daughter Gail (John)Vitols, his granddaughter Stephanie Ponce and his three great great grandsons, Presley, Payton, and Memphis. 

He was born and raised in Grayslake, Il.  After graduating from Warren Township high school in June of 1943, he was drafted into the US Army. He saw action as a combat engineer, in North Africa, Italy, France, Belgium and ended his duty near Munich Germany.  After returning home from service,  he married his high school sweetheart Bonnie Winters. They built their dream home on Westerfield Place where they resided for over 70 years and lived and loved the American dream. Doug was a true gentleman whose word was his bond.  A thoughtful and generous man, he also quietly lent a helping hand to many who needed assistance. Doug was also very active in community organizations, including the Lake County Easter Seal Society as chairman and board member and Commander of the Grayslake American Legion Post 659.  Douglas was owner of Rockenbach Chevrolet, founded in 1925,  for over 50 years. Over the years he built the dealership into a powerhouse. The Megastore, as it was often called, was a sales leader for Chevrolet in the Chicago market for many years.  His industry achievements include Time Magazine Quality Dealer of the Year, four-time General Motors Dealer of the year, Chairman of the Illinois Auto Dealers Association, and President of the Chicago and Northwest Indiana Chevy Dealers Advertising Association.  One highlight of his time as president of the advertising association was signing Michael Jordan to his first contract as spokesperson for the Chevy dealers and was in studio during Michael’s first commercial shoot.  He leaves a lifetime of fond memories for all who knew him. Doug will also be honored later this month as a Grayslake history maker by the Grayslake History Museum. He is the first individual to be so honored. A life well lived.

Funeral arrangements were held privately and entrusted to Strang Funeral Chapel & Crematorium 410 E. Belvidere Rd. Grayslake, IL . A celebration of life will be scheduled in the coming weeks.  Remembrance donations can be sent to The Grayslake Historical society or to A Cure In Sight, an organization that supports the ocular melanoma community. Web address:  acureinsight.org. For more information please contact (847)223-8122 or visit www.strangfuneral.org.

Muriel M. McKee, 67, a resident of Grayslake, IL, passed away July 29, 2021 at her home.  She was born June 10, 1954 in Chicago, IL to Muriel and Paul D. McKee.  Muriel grew up in Chicago and worked for Marshall Fields for over 30 years.  She was a loving aunt to many of her nieces and nephews.  Muriel is survived by her siblings Judy (Chuck) Shill of Poplar Grove, IL, Paul (Dianne) McKee of Bartlett, IL and Tony (Kathy) Kaminski of Rolling Meadows, IL.  She was preceded in death by her parents Muriel (nee: Gronek) and Paul D. Mckee and her brothers Mark and Victor.  A memorial visitation and service will be held on Sunday, August 29, 2021 from 11:00am until 12:00pm with the memorial service commencing at 12:00pm at Strang Funeral Chapel & Crematorium 410 E. Belvidere Rd. Grayslake, IL 60030.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family.  For more information please contact (847)223-8122 or log onto www.strangfuneral.org.

Ernest A. Van Es, age 81, a resident of Grayslake, passed away at his home on July 31, 2021.  He was born on April 16, 1940 in Lake Forest to Antone and Gertrude Van Es.  Ernie was a proud Marine Corp Veteran and was a Marine through and through.  He loved downhill skiing, fishing, biking, golfing, and spending time in the mountains. He loved to drive and was often known as the human GPS.  He helped run the Marine Toys for Tots for many years and loved giving back to children in need.  Ernie was a proud franchise owner of Juice Plus.  Ernies love for skiing helped him become a great ski instructor and worked with the National Blind Skiing foundation.  The most important part of Ernies life was his family and his devotion to them.  He was an amazing father, husband and friend to all.  He brought happiness to everyone he met.  Ernest is survived by his wife of 52 years, Lorna; his children, Keith of Dillon, CO and Kirsten (Eric) Hess of Antioch; his sister Charlotte (Gary) Gustafson of Poplar Grove; and nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents and sister-in-law, Susan Blythe. 

A funeral service will be held on Friday, August 6, 2021 at 2pm at Strang Funeral Chapel, 410 E Belvidere Road, Grayslake, IL 60030.  A visitation will be held on Friday at the funeral chapel from 11am until the time of service.  Interment will be held privately.  For more information, please call 847-223-8122 or visit www.strangfuneral.org.

Robert Joseph “RJ” Wegrzyn, Jr., age 30, passed away on Friday, July 23, 2021.  He was born on July 14, 1991 to Robert and Christine (nee Davis) Wegrzyn. 

Upon graduating from Waukegan High School, he had several different jobs, while searching for the right opportunity.  Being mechanically inclined, he found the opportunity with CSC Service Works.  It took little time for him to receive a promotion which took him to Kansas City.  RJ loved hanging out with family (especially his cousins), the Chicago Bears and rock music.  He was a motorcycle enthusiast…particularly Harleys.  Riding with his dad was always one of his happiest, most memorable times of his life.  RJ’s love for motorcycles led him to become a member of the motorcycle club know as Creed MC.  There he formed special bonds and a brotherhood unlike anything before.  He loved going on trips with them and just chilling at the clubhouse with his buddies.  He always referred to them as his second family. 

RJ is survived by his father, Robert; sibling, Oliver; many aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends; his maternal grandparents, Lance and Mary Davis; and his beloved fur babies, Bean and Felix.  He was preceded in death by his mother, Christine; and paternal grandparents, Walter and Anna Marie Wegrzyn.

RJ was a truly good hearted soul and he made friends of strangers just by entering a room.  No one could resist that beautiful smile and contagious laugh. 

A memorial service will be held on Sunday, August 8, 2021 at 2pm at Strang Funeral Chapel, 410 E Belvidere Road, Grayslake, IL 60030.  A memorial visitation will be held on Sunday at the funeral chapel from 11am until the time of service.  Interment will be held privately.  In lieu of flowers, his family requests donations in his name be sent to Creed MC, 1222 W. Rollins Road, Round Lake Heights, IL 60073.  The club gives donations received to many wonderful charities.  For more information, please call 847-223-8122 or visit www.StrangFuneral.org.  

James “Jim” Poremba passed away on July 31, 2021 at his home in Grayslake.  He was the beloved husband of Patricia (Pat) nee Oksinski for 58 wonderful years. Loving father of Susan (Paul) Skowronski, David (Keith Jerdee) Poremba, and Michael (Tanya) Poremba.  Caring grandfather of Amanda (Miguel) Escobar, Michael (Lela) Skowronski, Katie (Brandon) Franz, Allyson, Emily, Nicholas, Blake, Jonathan, Steven and step grandfather to Kendra and Eric.  Son of the late John Poremba and Selma Poremba nee Bogaczyk.  Cherished brother of the late Dennis Poremba.  Also, survived by daughter-in-law Kathy (Rich) Yamada.  Longtime resident of Chicago and Grayslake.  Enjoyed the Wisconsin Northwoods Minocqua area where he had a cabin for over 20 years.  Served 26 years at Zenith Electronics as a RF electrical design engineer and was proud of many achievements mainly helping on the development of the last Transoceanic radio known as the R7000.  Also, served 9 years as an electrical engineer at Shure Brothers Inc. working on the first UHF wireless microphone system.  Proud alumni of Illinois Institute of Technology and St. Patrick High School.  

A visitation will be held at Strang Funeral Chapel, 410 E. Belvidere Road, Grayslake, IL 60030  on Monday, August 2, 2021 from 4:00pm until 8:00pm.  A funeral Mass will be held at St. Mary of the Annunciation Catholic Church, 22333 W. Erhart Road, Mundelein, IL 60060 on Tuesday, August 3, 2021 at 10:00am.  Interment will be held at St. Mary’s Cemetery.  For more information, please call 847-223-8122 or visit www.StrangFuneral.org.    

Marylyn Jean Kabealo Varitek, born on November 4, 1944, in Columbus, Ohio, went to rest in the arms of the Lord on July 25, 2021 in the comfort of her home in Wildwood, Illinois. She is preceded by her father George and her mother Mary Angela. She is survived by Vince, her adoring husband of 52 years; her brothers John (Jean) and Mike (Sandy); her sisters Judy (Tom) and Carol; her sons Matt (Joy) and Kevin (Kim); her daughters Monica (Rob) and Joan (Stan); her grandchildren Heather (Staci), Kevin Jr, Makenzie, Tori, Simon, Tristan, Daphne, Chloe, Jackson, Reece, Bre, Eugene, and a seventh grandson; her great-grandchildren Damien, Isaac, Anthony, Aaden, Asher, and Jameson; and many more beloved family members and dear friends. She will be remembered and honored by all whose lives she touched, and forever loved by all whose lives she truly made.

Her faith, her family, and her selflessness were central to the way that she lived her life. After graduating from Bishop Watterson High School in Columbus, she went on a Catholic lay mission to San Antonio, Texas, providing social services for underprivileged people. While there, in 1966 she met a young Army microbiology instructor stationed at Fort Sam Houston with whom she would share life’s journey. She and Vince married in 1969 at Our Lady of Peace in Columbus, and settled in Pocatello, Idaho, where he would continue his higher education and they would start their family.

Their sons Matt and Kevin were born in Pocatello while Vince earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees. In 1974, the family moved to Durham, North Carolina where their daughter Monica was born and Vince would earn his Ph.D. Marylyn provided all the emotional support that Vince needed to succeed in academics. She gave a mother’s love to her children through word and deed, every moment of every day, such that the memories of her kindness and examples of her dedication would fill pages. During the family’s time in Durham, she volunteered as a driver for Meals on Wheels, as an aide for various school events, and as a Sunday school teacher at Immaculate Conception Church. When the children were all old enough to go to school, she worked in a physician’s office at the Duke Medical Center.

The family moved to Wildwood in 1983, and within the next year, the birth of their daughter Joan made the family complete. Marylyn again dedicated herself to nurturing a baby and setting the example that helped all four children grow and thrive. As the needs of her children changed, she started work as an administrative assistant in the Educational Affairs department at the College of Lake County. For 25 years she helped ensure that every teacher had a room for every class. Her warm and engaging personality made the days better for all of her colleagues. She developed several valued friendships that continued long beyond her retirement.

Marylyn found her greatest joy in the love and happiness shared within her family. As her children each progressed through school, work life, and family life, she thrilled at every success, dried tears from every heartbreak, and never wavered in her focus on their well being. Her volunteer work continued throughout the years, cooking meals for the priests at St. Gilbert’s Catholic Church, helping feed the hungry through St. Vincent de Paul, and helping others less fortunate establish new homes through the Public Access to Deliver Shelter (PADS) program.

Marylyn did not chase material wealth or care for its trappings; she always sought to make sure that everyone she encountered had enough of what they needed – and no one left her house hungry. She loved traveling to new places and engaging in new experiences, even when those experiences required confronting personal fears. All throughout her life, as her children grew and sought their own paths, she continued to enjoy and appreciate every visit and every bit of news that her family could share. Her bright eyes remained a window to her beautiful, sweet soul.

Marylyn set a lasting example of service to others without concern for oneself, and especially, one of love for her family whom she saw as her treasure. She lived as an angel on Earth. No doubt she dances as one in Heaven.

Visitation at Strang Funeral Chapel 410 E. Belvidere Rd. Grayslake, IL 60030 on August 6 from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m., with a funeral Mass to be said at the Chapel of St. Gilbert’s Catholic Church 301 E. Belvidere Rd.Grayslake, IL 60030 on August 7 at 10:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Vincent de Paul or to the PADS Lake County program (www.padslakecounty.org). For more information please contact (847)223-8122 or log onto www.strangfuneral.org.

Tina M. Verwijst, age 86, passed away Tuesday, July 20, 2021 at her home in Burlington, WI.  She was born in Holland on December 19, 1934. Oma (Tina) immigrated to America with her husband, Tony, their three young boys and 8-months pregnant with a daughter.  Her family was the center of her world.  Nothing could make her smile the way she did when she saw her grandkids. She had a caring heart, a great sense of humor, a positive attitude, was completely selfless, and was an incredibly strong woman.  Oma was most definitely placed on this earth for a purpose and that was to raise a loving family just like her.  She left this world the way she lived her life—surrounded by her family. Tina is survived by her children, Jerry (Julie) Verwijst of Edgerton, WI, Adrian Verwijst of Burlington, WI, Anton (Judy) Verwijst of Grayslake, and Dorothy (Tom) Hawkins of Burlington, WI; her grandchildren, Joshua Verwijst of Chicago, Brian (Brittany) Verwijst of Carrolton, TX, Michael (Christy) Verwijst of Romeoville, Brandon (Norie) Verwijst of Palatine, Justin (Emily) Verwijst of Vernon Hills, Collin Verwijst of Chicago, Jakob (Brittany) of Genoa City, WI, and Kyle (Kassie) of Champaign; and her great-grandchildren, Cozette and Graham Hawkins.  She was preceded in death by her husband, Tony Verwijst; her sisters, Ann and Mein; and her brothers, Pete, Adrian, Toon, Bill, Jerry and Joe.  Friends of the family may visit from 5:00pm until 9:00pm on Tuesday, July 27, 2021 at Strang Funeral Chapel & Crematorium, 410 E Belvidere Road, Grayslake, IL 60030. The funeral mass will be held at 11:00am, Wednesday, July 28, 2021 at St. Gilbert Catholic Church, 301 E Belvidere Road, Grayslake, followed by interment at St. Charles Cemetery in Burlington, WI.  For information, call 847-223-8122 or visit www.strangfuneral.org. 

For live streaming of services, families can access the link to the Saint Gilbert YouTube channel through the parish website link:  www.stgilbert.org/home
OR directly at: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMP0PFhS_wyXxgsTzbPEEyw

Edward Leo Piggott, 65, a resident of Grayslake, IL, passed away Monday, July 19, 2021.  He was born July 14, 1956 in Chicago, IL to Richard and Shirley Piggott.  Edward was known to be a great friend to those close to him.  Edward is survived by his wife of 32 years, Michele, his children Renee (Steven) Marino and Drew Piggott, his grandchildren Jude, Lucy, and Lochlan Marino, his sisters Helen Pritikin and Janice Dickinson, his nephew Jimmy (Patty) Garcia, his nieces Deanna Pritikin and Lexie Magrisi and several great-nieces and great-nephews.  A visitation is scheduled for Sunday, July 25, 2021 from 3:00pm until 7:00pm at Strang Funeral Chapel, 410 E Belvidere Road, Grayslake, Il 60030. The visitation will continue on Monday, July 26, 2021 at the funeral chapel from 9:30am until 10:30am. A funeral mass will be held on Monday, July 26, 2021 at 11:00am at St. Paul the Apostle 6401 Gages Lake Rd. Gurnee, IL 60031. Interment will be held privately.  For more information please contact (847)223-8122 or log onto www.strangfuneral.org.

Elvia “Rosy” Taylor, 41 a resident of Gurnee, IL, passed away Tuesday, July 13, 2021 at Advocate Condell Medical Center in Libertyville, IL. She was born July 25, 1979 in Mexico.  Rosy is survived by her parents Jose Silva and Irma Baez, her children Angelica, Ryan, and Julian, and her siblings Johana Silva and Alex Silva.  She was preceded in death by her husband Charles Taylor.  A visitation will be held on Monday, July 19, 2021 from 10:00am until 11:00am with the funeral service commencing at 11:00am at Strang Funeral Chapel, 410 E. Belvidere Road, Grayslake, IL 60030.  Interment will follow the services at Avon Centre Cemetery in Grayslake, IL.  For more information, please call (847)223-8122 or visit www.StrangFuneral.org. 

Melinda “Mindy” Gonzales, a resident of Third Lake, passed away at her home on Tuesday, July 13, 2021 at the age of 41.  She was born on October 1, 1979 in Highland Park to Erasmo and Bertha (Talamantes) Gonzales.  Mindy was an avid reader.  She enjoyed doing puzzles.  She also loved gardening and flowers and had a fondness for dogs and cats.  Mindy is survived by her brother-in-law, Robert Fritts and numerous aunts and cousins.  Melinda was preceded in death by her parents and her sister, Ada Fritts.  A visitation will be held on Monday, July 19, 2021 from 11:00am until 1:00pm at Strang Funeral Chapel & Crematorium, 410 E Belvidere Road, Grayslake, IL 60030.  The funeral service will follow at 1:00pm at the funeral chapel.  Interment will be at Ascension Cemetery, 1920 Buckley Road in Libertyville.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Midwest Dachshund Rescue, 2023 Ridgewood Street, Highland, IN 46322.  For  more information, please contact (847)223-8122 or log onto www.strangfuneral.org.

Dennis Joseph Kane, age 74, of Round Lake Beach passed away on July 4, 2021.  He was born on June 7, 1947 in Chicago to Lucille (nee Collette) and Robert Kane.  In High School, he was a Golden Gloves Champion.  He served in the United States Marine Corps. He loved riding his motorcycle.  He enjoyed hunting and spending time with his family and friends.  He was a master carpenter and a true craftsman.  He specialized in restoring 100 year old homes. 

Dennis is survived by his siblings, Jean (Walt) Kern of Davenport, Fl and Jim (Raye) Kane of Alta, WY.  Dennis was preceded in death by his siblings, Thomas, Jack, and Raymond; and his parents. 

A funeral service will be held at Strang Funeral Chapel, 410 E. Belvidere Road, Grayslake, IL 60030 on Saturday, July 17, 2021 at 2:00pm.  A visitation will be held on Saturday at the funeral chapel from 1:00pm until the time of the service.  Interment will be held privately.  For more information, please call (847)233-8122.