G.L. Hills Funeral Home & Cremation Center

11/06/2025

11/04/2025

On November 1st Bogumila (Bogusia/Bobbie) Bialas passed at the age of 73 peacefully at home. Born in Poland, then moved to Chicago as a child with her parents, Jan and Zofia Patyk, and sister Teresa. In Chicago, Bogumila went on to graduate from UIC in education and married her partner Anthony. She is survived by her daughter, Stefanie Bialas, and niece, Melissa Karch. Bogumila was a kind soul, with a touch of stubborn, and a true animal lover. In the wake of her passing a donation can be made to your local animal shelter in her name. Visitation will be taking place on Thursday, November 6, 2025 beginning at 4:00 p.m. until time of funeral service at 7:30 p.m. at G. L. Hills Funeral Home, 745 Graceland Avenue, Des Plaines, Illinois 60016. For information please call (847) 699-9003.

11/03/2025

Veronica Josephine Cooke (nee Ware), 88, of Des Plaines, Illinois, loving wife of the late Martin Cooke; dear mother of Valerie, Rose, Bernadette, Martin Jr., and the late Ann Cooke-Myers; caring grandmother of Daniel, Dena, Scotty, Aaron, Shannon, Christina, Brian, and Devon; great-grandmother to Daniel Jr., Angelina, Kenzey, Anthony, Kayley, Dominic, Mariah, Ava, Bella, and Cameron; fond sister of five siblings, passed away October 31, 2025 after a long battle with dementia.

Veronica was a loving mother and grandmother who enjoyed spending time with her family. Besides working at a nursing home the majority of her life and caring for others she loved her faith, reading the bible, garage sale shopping with her husband at the neighboring towns, scratch off lottery tickets hoping for the big win and her Dunkin' donuts coffee with a chocolate cake donut. Her grandchildren loved her big heart and her silly sense of humor.

She will be sorely missed by all.

Visitation will be held Friday, November 7, 2025 from 4:00 pm until 7:00 pm at G.L. Hills Funeral Home, 745 Graceland Avenue, Des Plaines. Funeral services will be held Saturday, November 8, 2025 beginning with prayers at 9:15 am at the funeral home, followed by Mass at 10:00 am at St. Stephen Protomartyr Church, 1280 Prospect Ave., Des Plaines. Interment in All Saints Cemetery, Des Plaines. For information, please call the funeral home at 847-699-9003 or visit www.glhillsfuneralhome.com.

10/30/2025

Joanne Marie Schimka (nee Juenger), a lifelong resident of Des Plaines, passed away peacefully October 29, 2025 at the age of 85. She was born July 18, 1940 in Chicago to Clem and Ethel (nee Honickel) Juenger.

Joanne will be remembered for her caring nature and generosity to others. She loved to cook and always had more than enough food for anyone who came to visit. Her family was most important to her. She was an amazing wife who never left her husband's side, in sickness and in health. Her daughter, Deborah, was her best friend. She also loved her dogs.

Joanne is survived by her sons, Ronald Jr., Daniel (Sheila), Thomas, and John (Mary Pat); her grandchildren, Neil, Natalie (Tracy), Kaile (Cindel), Jordan, Taylor (Dan), Chandler (Joey), Dylan, Meghan, Maddie, Krystina, Kyle (Nikki), Jessica (Bill), Sarah, Jessica (Tony), Noelle, and Alex, and great-grandchildren, Sophia, Scarlett, Leona, Henry, William, Collins, Joey, Kylie, McKenzie, Alex Jr., Shane, and Olivia; her siblings, Mike (Ellen), Dave (Paulette), and Bob (Nance). She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband of 66 years, Ronald Sr., daughter Deborah (Raymond) Cook, and her sisters Marcy and Carol.

Visitation will be held on Friday, November 7, 2025, from 10:00 am until the time of service at 12:00 pm at G.L. Hills Funeral Home, 745 Graceland Avenue, Des Plaines, Illinois. Burial to follow at Memory Gardens Cemetery, Arlington Heights, Illinois. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Oakton Animal Hospital, info@oaktonanimalhospital.com, or an animal shelter of your choice. Funeral care is provided by G.L. Hills Funeral Home. For information, please call 847-699-9003 or visit www.glhillsfuneralhome.com.

10/27/2025

Con profunda tristeza, anunciamos el fallecimiento de Arturo Ramirez, quien partió en paz el 24 de octubre de 2025 en su hogar, rodeado del amor de su querida familia.

Amado esposo de Maria Teresa (Ayala) Ramirez, Padre y Suegro ejemplar de Maria (Daniel) Contreras, Arturo Ramirez Jr., Daiana (David) Garibay, y Emiliano Ramirez. Abuelo orgulloso de sus nietos Kassandra Contreras, Dalila, Devin, Damian y Dalen Garibay y Jesse Arturo Ramirez (Q.E.P.D). Querido hermano de cuatro y amigo de muchos.

Arturo nació el 29 de septiembre de 1953 en Ecuandureo, Michoacán, México, hijo de Augustine y Angelita Pimentel de Ramirez (Q.E.P.D).

Arturo dedicó su vida a los demás, trabajando con esfuerzo y pasión en todo lo que hizo, sin dejar de ayudar, appoyar y orientar a quienes lo rodeaban. Él fue dueño de un restaurante, que dirigió con entrega, reflejo de su compromiso por servir y animar a otros, una vocación que mantuvo hasta sus últimos días. El dio todo por su familia. Fue un esposo, padre y abuelo extraordinario, conocido por su gran corazón y la forma de ver la vida con humor. Lo más sobresaliente de Arturo fue que era hijo de Dios, y su fe le dio la fortaleza y la pasión para ayudar a todos los que lo rodeaban.

Arturo será recordado y extrañado por todos los que tuvieron el privilegio de conocerlo.

La visita funeraria será el sábado 1 de noviembre de 2025, de 10:00 a.m. a 12:00 p.m., en G.L. Hills Funeral Home, 745 Graceland Avenue, Des Plaines, Illinois, seguida por el entierro en el cementerio All Saints Cemetary, en Des Plaines. Cuidado Funerario proveído por G.L Funeral Home.



With deep sadness, we announce the passing of Arturo Ramirez, who departed peacefully on October 24, 2025, at home, surrounded by the love of his cherished family.

Beloved husband of Maria Teresa (Ayala) Ramirez. Exemplary father and father-in-law to Maria (R) and Daniel Contreras, Arturo Ramirez Jr., Daiana (R) and David Garibay, and Emiliano Ramirez. Proud grandfather of Kassandra Contreras, Dalila, Devin, Damian, and Dalen Garibay, and Jesse Arturo Ramirez (R.I.P.). Dear brother to four and friend to many.

Arturo was born on September 29, 1953, in Ecuandureo, Michoacán, Mexico, son of Augustine and Angelita Pimentel de Ramirez (R.I.P.).

Arturo dedicated his life to others, working with effort and passion in everything he did, never ceasing to help, support, and guide those around him. He owned a restaurant, which he ran with devotion—a reflection of his commitment to serve and uplift others, a calling he upheld until his final days. He gave everything for his family. Arturo was an extraordinary husband, father, and grandfather, known for his big heart and his humorous outlook on life. Most remarkable of all, Arturo was a child of God, and his faith gave him the strength and passion to help everyone around him.

Arturo will be remembered and missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Visitaiton will be held Saturday, November 1, 2025 from 10:00 am until the time of service at 12:00 pm at G.L. Hills Funeral Home, 745 Graceland Avenue, Des Plaines, Illinois. Interment to follow in All Saints Cemetery, Des Plaines. Funeral care provided by G.L. Hills Funeral Home. For information, please call 847-699-9003 or visit www.glhillsfuneralhome.com.

10/24/2025

Grace Ann Olsowski (nee Schroeder) passed away September 22nd 2025 at the age of 97. Grace was born June 29, 1928, to Frank and Anastasia Schroeder. Born and raised in Chicago, she graduated from Knickerbacher Grammar School in 1942 and Waller High School in 1946. She worked at Chicago Lock Company until 1952 when she had her first child Linda and then Gerald in 1953. Grace returned to Chicago Lock Company a few years later until she retired at age 65. She married Leroy F Olsowski on June 24, 1950, a marriage of 52 years, that lasted until Leroy’s death in 2002. Leroy and Grace moved to Glenview in 1961, where they built a home on a half-acre lot they purchased. They built the home themselves with the help of family and friends. A home large enough to raise their 2 children and accommodate Graces mother Anastasia(Stazy)who lived with them and helped care for Linda and Gerald, as Grace returned to work. Grace lived in this home until 2021 when she was no longer able to live on her own. In 2021 she moved to an assisted living facility in Park Ridge where she enjoyed playing cards dice and her favorite, bingo. During their marriage Leroy and Grace loved to travel. Too many cruises to count to the Caribbean, Mexico, Hawaii, and Alaska. They traveled to many states including Florida, and many trips to Las Vegas. Grace also traveled to Denmark with girlfriends and went on a Mediterranean cruise to Greece and Egypt with several friends. During her long life she had many hobbies including a weekly bowling league for decades. She enjoyed playing cards and pool with weekly get togethers with her many friends. Grace had passion for gardening, cooking and baking. Grace is survived by her 2 children Linda (Richard)Sarmento and Gerald Olsowski. Along with 3 granddaughters Kimberly, Laura, and Kathryn, and 6 great-grandchildren Nash, Drew, Cole, Dakota, Adam and Bryce. She is also survived by her lifelong friend Darlene Eaton, friends from the age of 4. She was preceded in death by her husband Leroy, granddaughter Sharon Lee Sarmento, her brothers Stanley, John, Leonard, Raymond, and sister Eleanor (Kass).

A celebration of her life was held on October 11th at Palm Court Restaurant in Arlington Heights with her immediate family and a few close friends. Grace had a long healthy life that was well lived and well loved. May she rest in peace. Arrangements by G.L. Hills Funeral Home. For information, please call 847-699-9003 or visit www.glhillsfuneralhome.com.

10/20/2025

Kathryn Irene Ladendorf (nee Pedley), a lifelong resident of Des Plaines, passed away surrounded by her family on October 20, 2025. Born on September 26, 1938, in Evanston, Illinois, she was the beloved daughter of the late Howard and Hilda (nee Ellern) Pedley. Kathryn was preceded in death by her husband, Harold Ladendorf, and her brother, Philip Pedley.

She is survived by her loving children, Robert (Joan), Glen, and Deborah Ladendorf, as well as her cherished grandchildren, Dennis (Michelle) and Scott (Rebecca), and great-grandchildren Aria, Ezra, and Ian.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, October 23, 2025, from 4:00 pm until 8:00 pm at G.L. Hills Funeral Home, 745 Graceland Avenue, Des Plaines. A funeral service will take place on Friday, October 24, 2025, at 10:00 am at the funeral home, followed by interment at Ridgewood Cemetery in Des Plaines. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Kathryn's name to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, https://www.stjude.org/donate/. For information, please call the funeral home at 847-699-9003 or visit www.glhillsfuneralhome.com.

10/18/2025

Karen Ann Gabbert (nee Hamm), a resident of Arlington Heights, Illinois, for more than 46 years, passed away Oct. 17, 2025, at the age of 79, after a multi-year struggle with Alzheimer's. She was born Nov. 15, 1945, in Chicago, Illinois. Karen is survived by her beloved husband of 56 years, John, and daughter Kirsten (Geoff) Akens. Karen was preceded in death by her infant daughter Kiley, and parents Wayne and Angeline (nee Sisson) Hamm.

Visitation will be held Tuesday, Oct. 21, 2025, from 3 p.m. until 7 p.m. at G.L. Hills Funeral Home, 745 Graceland Ave., Des Plaines, Illinois. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, Oct. 22, 2025, beginning at 10 a.m. at the funeral home. Interment to follow in Memory Gardens Cemetery, Arlington Heights. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Karen's name to the Alzheimer's Association, https://www.alz.org/?form=FUNDHYMMBXU, or the American Indian College Fund, https://engage.collegefund.org/page/77467/donate/. For information, please call the funeral home at 847-699-9003 or visit www.glhillsfuneralhome.com

10/16/2025

Today we celebrate the life of Charles Robert Wielosinski (aka West), who was born on September 10, 1942, in Chicago, Illinois, to Walter and Cecelia (née Nowakowski). He passed away on October 15, 2025. Charles is survived by his life partner and spouse Jill (nee Tobias), former wife Mary Ann West, his son Mark (Terri née Stone), grandsons Christopher (Taylor) and Chad (Samantha), and great-grandchildren Kennedy, Madison, and Charlie Jonathan. He is also survived by his sister Lucia (Jerome) Strzyzynski and her children, son David (Jane née Grabowski) and their children Nicholas, Katherine, and Timothy, daughter Kathleen (Terrence) Tasior and their children Ethan and Austin, and daughter Sandra Strzyzynski; and his brothers John (Barbara née Minutillo) Wielosinski and son Scott, and Philip (Patricia née Flood) Wielosinski and son Nathan.

A Vietnam Veteran of the 1st Cavalry Division, Charles served from 1964 to 1966 and was honored with the Parachute Badge, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, and the Expert Service Badge with the M-14 Rifle. After his military service, he pursued his passion for SCCA B and A production Corvette Racing, building and innovating with his partner Bill Morrison as part of the West Morrison Racing Team. Charles was an avid photographer, a licensed airplane pilot, and a model train enthusiast, belonging to the “ShortFlaggers” and S Gaugers train groups, where he made many valued friends. He had a big heart for all the pets in his life...and there were many dogs and cats, for sure!

Charles enjoyed a successful career as a Realtor, starting with Wm. L. Kunkel and retiring from Baird and Warner after over 30 years, working alongside his wife. He was dedicated to helping clients find their dream homes and was known for developing long-term, lasting relationships. Charles was a person who made a real impact on those he met, and he will be dearly missed. Godspeed on your next adventure, Charles "Chuck," we'll miss you!

Visitation will be held Friday, October 24, 2025 from 3:00 pm until the time of service at 7:00 pm at G.L. Hills Funeral Home, 745 Graceland Avenue, Des Plaines. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Chuck's name to Disabled American Veterans, https://help.dav.org/page/66135/donate/, Tunnel to Towers, https://dogood.t2t.org/give/320847/, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, https://www.stjude.org/donate/, or to a pet charity of your choice. Funeral care provided by G.L. Hills Funeral Home and Cremation Center. For information, please call 847-699-9003 or visit www.glhillsfuneralhome.com.

10/15/2025

Louise M. White (nee Morelli), a long-time resident of Des Plaines, passed away peacefully into the loving arms of the Lord October 5, 2025 at the age of 97. She was born February 20, 1928 in Chicago, Illinois to the late Oreste and Carmela (nee Abbate) Morelli. Beloved wife of the late John White Jr. Loving mother of Barbara (the late Mark) Hauser, Michael (Eleanore) Millhiser, and David Millhiser. Proud grandmother of Matthew (Jennifer) Hauser, Michael Jr., and Lauren Millhiser, and Great-grandmother of Sean and Cole Hauser. Dear sister of the late Joseph Morelli, Tony Morelli, Mary, Rose, Angie, Terese, Margaret, Catherine, Mildred.

Louise graduated from high school in Chicago, IL where she developed her skills to become a legal secretary for several large corporations during her career. She was devoted to her three children, Barbara, Michael, and David; and her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. To them, Louise gave her tireless support and love until her death. She also loved her daughter-in-law, Eleanor, who helped care for her in her later years. Louise loved to host dinner parties - especially for her birthday. She also took great pride in working alongside her sons in their family business as the accounting manager. When customers called, Louise made them feel like family.

The sum of her life was captured by her sister, Rose, who wrote this in a letter to Louise: "To my dearest sister Louise, you are a precious person to me: honest, sincere, loving, and generous. All good stuff." Her life was a testament to love, family, and faith. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

Private services will be held at All Saints Cemetery, Des Plaines, Illinois. Funeral care provided by G.L. Hills Funeral Home and Cremation Center. For information, please call 847-699-9003 or visit www.glhillsfuneralhome.com.

10/13/2025

Ann F. Scalia, of Des Plaines, Illinois, formerly of New York, passed away October 10, 2025 at the age of 81. Loving aunt of Anthony (Karen) V***a, Teresa (Michael) Bender, and Frances (Kenny) Kear. Beloved sister of the late Angela V***a and the late Frances Conforti. Dear great-aunt to many nieces and nephews.

Ann was born November 17, 1943 in New York City to the late Anthony and Anna (nee Buttacavoli) Scalia. While living in New York, she was employed many years at Alexander's Department Store. After moving to Illinois, she was employed at Millward Brown Inc. until she retired. She was a great fan of Abbott and Costello as well as Englebert Humperdinck.

Funeral services will be held Friday, October 17, 2025 at 10:00 am in the chapel at All Saints Cemetery, 700 N. River Rd., Des Plaines, Illinois. Funeral care provided by G.L. Hills Funeral Home. For information, please call 847-699-9003 or visit www.glhillsfuneralhome.com.