G.L. Hills Funeral Home & Cremation Center

01/03/2026

Lawrence William Wetendorf, an Army veteran of the Vietnam War and a 49-year resident of Des Plaines, passed away December 28, 2025 at 76 years of age. He is survived by his son Keith (Stephanie), daughter-in-law Marie, granddaughter Lydia, and grandsons Lawson, Jaxson, and Alex. Also surviving are sisters Margaret Sponaugle, Marcia (Glen) Petersen and brothers Mark (Sue), Jeff (the late Sandy), Bill (Paulette) and Mitch (Jaime). Larry will be missed by many others including extended family, friends, co-workers, and neighbors. His smile, always so welcoming, could be seen across the room wherever he was. Larry loved a good cup of coffee with the newspaper, watching Chicago sports, sitting on the porch with friends and family (with a cold one), and spending time with his granddog Lucky. Of all the roles he had in life, though, he was most proud to be a grandparent. Whether it was a sporting event, a music performance, or an awards ceremony, he always showed up for his grandkids.

Larry is preceded in death by his son Gavin, parents William and Helen, brother Richard, and sisters Denise Straub and Eileen Clevenger.

A celebration of life honoring Larry will be held Sunday, January 11th from 12pm-3pm at Club Casa 353 N. River Road, Des Plaines. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Amyloidosis Foundation 7151 N Main St. Ste. 2 Clarkston, MI (www.amyloidosis.org). Funeral care provided by G.L. Hills Funeral Home and Cremation Center. For information, please call 847-699-9003 or visit www.glhillsfuneralhome.com.

01/02/2026

Renato Frioli, 90, of Belleair Beach, Florida, passed away on December 27th, 2025. He was born in Castel Madruzzo, Trento, Italy on January 23rd, 1935 to the late Guido & Inez Frioli. His wife Antonietta of 57 years preceded him in 2017. He was a loving father and survived by his children: son Guido (Shelly), and daughter Anna (Paul). He was a cherished grandfather of Michael and dear brother of Genevieve (Frank) Partipilo and the late Vic (Judy) Frioli. Fond uncle of many nieces and nephews. He worked as a supervisor for the Salerno Bakery in Chicago Illinois where he retired after 40 years. He was a diehard fan of the Chicago Cubs and Elvis’ music and movies.

Visitation will be held Monday, January 5, 2026 from 9:30 am until 10:30 am at G.L. Hills Funeral Home, 745 Graceland Avenue, Des Plaines, Illinois. Funeral Mass to follow at 11:00 am at St. Mary Church, 794 Pearson St., Des Plaines, Illinois. Entombment in All Saints Cemetery, Des Plaines. For information, please call the funeral home at 847-699-9003 or visit www.glhillsfuneralhome.com.

01/02/2026

Mary Misturak, age 93, a resident of Des Plaines, Illinois for 53 years passed away December 28, 2025. Beloved wife of the late Michael Misturak. Loving mother of Barbara (Kevin) Priske and Donna (the late John) Brachtl. Dear sister of the late Joan (Frank) Smith and Patricia (Anthony) Mustacci.

Mary was born May 5, 1932 in Chicago, Illinois to the late Frank and Helen (nee Wajda) Szymanowski. She was a long-time employee of Holy Family Hospital.

Visitation will be held Saturday, January 10, 2026 from 11:00 am until the time of service at 1:00 pm at G.L. Hills Funeral Home, 745 Graceland Avenue, Des Plaines, Illinois. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Mary's name to the Alzheimer's Association, https://www.alz.org/?form=FUNDHYMMBXU. For information, please call the funeral home at 847-699-9003 or visit www.glhillsfuneralhome.com.

12/29/2025

Mr. Samuel Edward Pincich, 85, of Glenview, Illinois passed away on December 23, 2025. He was born in Chicago to Samuel and Erma (nee Heitmann) Pincich and moved to Glenview in 1965. He was the beloved husband of 63 years to Theresa (nee Grunewald) Pincich and loving father of Samuel Pincich, Steven Pincich, and Susan (Michael) Pincich Cahill. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Fritz Long.

Sam began his banking career in 1960 and retired from the American Bankers Association in 2023. He enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1963 and served his country in the Signal Corps in Ankara, Turkey until his honorable discharge in 1965. He was a member of the Optimist International service club and Toastmasters and was president of his local United Way chapter. A man of deep faith, he was ordained a deacon by the Archdiocese of Chicago and served at St. Isaac Jogues Parish in Niles and St. Zachary Parish in Des Plaines.

Sam will be deeply missed and will be remembered for his love of cats, especially his cat Simon and all of the feral cats he has cared for over the years, most recently his little friend Spatz. He enjoyed spending time with his family and friends, tending to his vegetable garden, reading, photography, completing the Sunday crossword puzzles, watching the Cubs and flying the "W" flag when they won, and listening to a variety of music styles.

Visitation will be held on Friday, January 2, 2026 from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at GL Hills Funeral Home, 745 Graceland Avenue, Des Plaines. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, January 3, 2026 beginning with prayers at 10:15 a.m. at the funeral home followed by a Mass at 11:00 a.m. at St. Isaac Jogues Parish, 8149 W. Golf Rd., Niles. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Sam's name to Feral Feline Project (www.feralfelineproject.org) or the American Heart Association (www.heart.org), both 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organizations. Funeral care provided by G.L. Hills Funeral Home and Cremation Center. For information, please call 847-699-9003 or visit www.glhillsfuneralhome.com.

12/27/2025

12/24/2025

On this Christmas Eve,
may your home be warm,
your heart be light,
and the night be gentle.

12/09/2025

Richard Joseph McAndrews of Des Plaines, Illinois, age 67, beloved husband of Megan (nee Bennett), loving father of Conor Bennett McAndrews, brother of Dr. Martha McAndrews, the late Catherine Bushur, Michael, Matthew, and Andrew McAndrews, with many cherished cousins, nieces, nephews, and in-laws. Richard was preceded in death by his parents Richard and JoAnn McAndrews.

Richard attended St. Gabriel Catholic School and St. Joan of Arc Catholic School. He was an altar boy, active in sports, especially as a football quarterback, and formed and cultivated lifelong friendships. He attended Shortridge H.S., Cathedral H.S., and graduated from Thomas Carr Howe H.S. Richard continued his education at Valparaiso University and was a member of Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity. Richard found a fulfilling career as an award-winning accomplished chef achieving executive chef for many years. He worked in the hotel and hospitality industry in Arizona, California, and the Chicago area including Rockford, Illinois. Richard moved into sales of restaurant food, beverage products, and equipment, and achieved top sales status. He was an expert in commercial kitchen design and layout, and was highly sought after and well liked by his vast customer base. Richard enjoyed motorcycling, skiing, music, and attending live music events, open wheel Indy car and stock car racing.

Richard and Megan were married at Megan's parents' farm September 25, 2004. Their son Conor was born October 11, 2003. Conor is an excellent athlete like his father. Rich and his family enjoyed Conor's athletic and Cub Scout activities, which brought pride to the whole family. Conor continues his Dad's legacy in golf and being an all-around sportsman. Richard had a generous giving spirit, a tender-hearted Irishman. He lived and loved life, family, God and country, and was passionate about humanity, equality, the environment, and the family dog, Nitro. He will be missed by all who have known and loved him. May he touch God's face in the glorious hereafter.

Private family services will be held. In lieu of flowers, please support your local public broadcasting station or NPR, https://www.npr.org/donations/support. Funeral care provided by G.L. Hills Funeral Home and Cremation Center. For information, please call 847-699-9003 or visit www.glhillsfuneralhome.com.

12/09/2025

Ruth Mazzoni, age 94, of Des Plaines, Illinois passed away December 7th, 2025. Ruth Watson was born on May 27th, 1931, at her family home in Caney, Kentucky. She was the 8th of 9 children born to Mae Goodman and Joseph Minor Watson. The children in order are; Mildred, Burnel, Cecil, Richard, Grover, Mitchel, Everett, Ruth and Jack.

Life in the hills of Eastern Kentucky was simple and hard. Ruth loved Caney and her home deep in the holler at the base of White Oak Hill. Love and family surrounded her since the time of her birth. The next home down the road were the Hattons, Ruth's Aunt and Uncle. Down the road in the other direction was the Adams family. Three of the Watson Boys, Burnel, Cecil & Richard, married three of the Adams girls, Myrtle, Jewel and June.

The days slowly rolled by in Caney and Ruth helped her mother with chores and taking care of all the boys. Ruth also loved taking care of many of her first cousins as the family grew. A love of babies and children would last for the rest of her life. A major change came to Ruth's life just after completion of her second year of High School. Her mother decided to move north to Chicago where most of her sons were already living. The house in Caney needed repairs and she needed money and there were jobs in Chicago. Ruth did not want to leave Caney, but off to Chicago they went.

The family was all together again in the same apartment building. One of Ruth's brothers was able to get her a fake birth certificate, making her old enough to work. Cook county hasn't changed much. It was at this job where the next major change in her life occurred. She met George Young and fell in love. George and Ruth were married on January 9th 1948 and blessed with their first child, Stephen, in November. The start of a new life and family.

Change again came quickly and unexpectedly, George was found to have cancer. They always wanted to have two children and decided to have another child knowing that George would not be there to raise them. Ruth was hoping for a girl and already had a name picked out. Ruth and George welcomed their second boy, Danny, on February 20th, 1954. Shortly after Danny was born, George's condition worsened. Ruth and George decided to move back to her family home in Caney. Grandma Mae could help with the kids and George would be in a VA hospital nearby.

Ruth loved being home, and the boys loved Kentucky and living with their cousin Glen. Time in Kentucky was limited though, and George passed away just days ahead of Ruth's 27th birthday. In March of 1959 her father Joseph Minor passed away and the family again moved north to Chicago to be with the rest of the family. Ruth moved with her boys and mother into a studio apartment on Sheridan Rd., just north of Irving Park Rd. Her brother Mitchel was in the apartment next to her with his wife Sue and their son Glen. At the end of the building was her brother Everett with his wife Peggy and their daughters Sherry & Beth. Steve walked to school with Glen, and Danny with Sherry. Life was starting again.

In the late Summer of 1960 another surprise hit the family. The TV stopped working. Ruth's brother recommended a TV repair man that they used to play baseball with. So, Aldo Mazzoni showed up to fix the family TV. Somehow he was able to get the TV working, though he spent most of the time looking at Ruth. Aldo provided great customer service stopping by regularly to make sure the TV was OK. At some point, he asked her out on a date. Dinner and a movie. The dinner was good, the movie was PSYCHO. Aldo was in luck, Ruth loved scary movies. Ruth and Aldo were married on July 31st, 1962. They were blessed with another boy, Anthony, on July 8th, 1963 and moved into their new home at 81 West Windsor Drive in Des Plaines.

Ruth and Aldo would live here together for the next 58 years. Welcoming grandchildren, Elisa, James, Colette and Mark, and her beloved great-grandchildren, Ember, Miles and Jordan. Many holidays, many dinners, and finally many many years all together.

Private family services will be held. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Ruth's name to the Multiple Sclerosis Foundation, https://msfocus.org/donate.aspx. Funeral care provided by G.L. Hills Funeral Home. For information, please call 847-699-9003 or visit www.glhillsfuneralhome.com.

12/08/2025

George J. Bielat, a resident of Des Plaines, Illinois since 2011 and lifelong Chicagoan, passed away at the age of 79 on December 2, 2025. He was born October 30, 1946, in Chicago, Illinois to the late George Sr. and Cecylia (née Pidek) Bielat. Beloved life partner of Catherine Wiesner. Loving father of Matthew (Nicole) Bielat and Norah (Alex) Offutt. Proud grandfather of Noah (Penny), Carter, Abby, Amelia, Violet, and Kellan. Dear cousin of Tracy Pidek and Mary Beth Boehm.

George was a devoted life partner, father, and grandfather, and a member of Christ Church – UCC, where he served faithfully on the church council and contributed in many meaningful ways to the life of the congregation. Deeply service-oriented and philanthropic, the Community Backpack Project became his passion, offering him a renewed sense of purpose after retiring. It brought him immense joy and allowed him to use his talents in ways that made a meaningful difference—work that fulfilled him. A participant in the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life, George lived out his commitment to others in both word and action.

George cherished sharing life’s adventures with his beautiful life partner, Cathy. Together, they embraced both the big moments and the simple joys, creating countless memories, always with Triscuit and Bailey nearby. George found his deepest and greatest joy in the life they created together. Their love was a constant source of comfort, purpose, and happiness for George.

He also loved spending time with his children and grandchildren. Time together was always filled with laughter, stories, and countless words of encouragement. The memories they made together were among his greatest blessings.

George spent many years as a truck driver, a career that suited his steady and reliable nature. In his quieter moments, he enjoyed reading, staying up to date on current events, cheering on the Green Bay Packers, and tending to his garden.

A memorial visitation will be held Saturday, December 13, 2025, from 1:00 p.m. until the time of service at 1:30 p.m. at Christ Church – UCC, 1492 Henry Ave., Des Plaines, Illinois. A luncheon will follow in the church’s fellowship hall until 4:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in George's name to the Community Backpack Project, 769 Holiday Ln., Des Plaines, IL 60016. Funeral care provided by G.L. Hills Funeral Home and Cremation Center. For information, please call 847-699-9003 or visit www.glhillsfuneralhome.com.

12/02/2025

Kathleen Lynn Malek (nee Boettcher), a resident of Mount Prospect, formerly of Pekin, Illinois passed away November 21,2025 at the age of 74. She was born February 14, 1951 in Chicago, Illinois and raised in Park Ridge as the third oldest of 12 children. Kathy was a registered nurse who worked in multiple facets of the nursing field from the hospital setting, to skilled nursing, home care and a burn unit in her extensive nursing career. She was a dedicated and compassionate nurse who always went above and beyond for her patients. Most importantly, Kathy was a loving and devoted Mother to her two children, Daniel and Karen. Kathy was a familiar face in the St. James Parish community.

Kathy is survived by her children, Daniel Malek and Karen Day along with her siblings, Walter Boettcher, Elizabeth (William) Bielanski, Theresa (Richard) Cordes, Paul (Mary) Boettcher, Geralyn (Kevin) Walsh, Mary (Mark) Tambeaux, Annie (Lisa Hempen) Boettcher. Kathy is preceded in death by her parents, Hubert and Marguerite (née Schneider), and her siblings, Cynthia (the late Wayne) Soph, Susan (William) Luebke, Margaret (the late Thomas) Erwin, and Joseph Boettcher. Kathy will be fondly remembered by numerous nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, December 13th at 12:00 PM at St. James Church in Arlington Heights, Illinois.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Kathy’s name to NorthWest Compass, Inc., https://northwestcompass.org/get-involved/donate/, or Lighthouse Hospice, https://www.lighthousehospice.com/hospice-and-palliative-care-donation, who provided Kathy with loving, compassionate and dignified care in her final days. Funeral care provided by G.L. Hills Funeral Home and cremation center. For more information, please call 847-699-9003 or visit www.glhillsfuneralhome.com.