G.L. Hills Funeral Home & Cremation Center

03/12/2026

Ron was born on July 6, 1935, in Chicago, Illinois, to Harry and Annette Kaufman. He lived in Des Plaines his whole life and graduated from Maine East High School. A lifelong learner, he attended more than 25 different universities throughout his life, always eager to pursue more knowledge in the subjects that fascinated him most—particularly the social sciences, including economics, history, politics, and geography. His curiosity also took him far beyond the classroom, and he enjoyed traveling the world, always eager to see firsthand the places and cultures connected to the history he loved.

Ron devoted his professional life to education, working as a high school social studies teacher for 37 years at Mather, Taft, Arlington Heights, and Prospect High Schools. He was deeply passionate about the subjects he taught and was known for bringing history to life for his students. One of his favorite ways to do this was by organizing and leading many field trips over the years, giving students the opportunity to experience history beyond the classroom.

In retirement, Ron enjoyed spending time with his family and continuing to feed his endlessly curious mind. He often attended lectures at nearby universities and at the Chicago Council on Foreign Relations. He also enjoyed watching his finance programs and following the stock market daily. An avid reader for much of his life, Ron continued reading until his eyesight began to fail. Until the very end, he also looked forward to the simple pleasure of a good meal.

Ron was known for his gift of conversation. He had a remarkable ability to strike up conversations with strangers, quickly finding common ground and making people feel seen and valued. Connecting with others truly brought him to life.

Ron also had a deep love for animals, especially cats. Over the years he gave many of his beloved feline companions safe, loving homes and was a devoted supporter of organizations dedicated to rescuing and caring for cats.

Ron passed peacefully, just as he had often said he hoped he would—“gently into the night,” echoing the well-known line from poet Dylan Thomas.

Ron is survived by his beloved wife of 62 years, Betty J. Kaufman; his daughters, Sharon (Tom) Nutter and Susan (Florian) Zwyssig; his five grandchildren, Janae (Reed) Hanson, Natalie Nutter, Danielle Nutter, Luc Zwyssig, and Oliver Zwyssig; and his two great-grandsons, Henry Hanson and Marcus Hanson.

He will be deeply missed by his family and all who had the pleasure of knowing him.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to either the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) https://secure.aspca.org or the National Foundation for Cancer Research (NFCR) https://www.nfcr.org

03/10/2026

03/09/2026

Marsha Kathleen Slotta (nee Aken), a resident of Des Plaines, Illinois since 1960, passed away March 7, 2026 at the age of 72. She was born May 31, 1953 in Dover, Ohio to Albert and Elaine (nee Affrisio) Aken. Marsha is survived by her beloved husband of 49 years, Harold Slotta, and her loving siblings, Steve (Lina) Aken of California, and Julie (Kerby) Watson of Ohio. She was preceded in death by her parents.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, March 14, 2026 beginning with visitation from 2:00 pm until the time of service at 5:00 pm at G.L. Hills Funeral Home, 745 Graceland Avenue, Des Plaines, Illinois. For information, please call 847-699-9003 or visit www.glhillsfuneralhome.com.

03/06/2026

From" The Remains of the Day"

03/03/2026

Mary Jane E. Lynn (nee Luschen), a resident of Des Plaines for 64 years, passed away March 2, 2026 at the age of 91 surrounded by her family. She was born February 18, 1935 in Chicago to Fred and Rose (nee Kos) Luschen. Mary Jane was the beloved mother of Debra (Tom) Futris; loving grandmother of Nicole and Thomas Jr. (Sheri), great-grandmother of Jason (Emily), Tyler, Nikolas, Chad, Arianna, and great-great-grandmother of Violet; dear aunt to many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Richard Lynn, her daughter, Susan Lynn, her parents, and her siblings, Gladys Wahlenfeld, Lillian (James) Boslaugh, Fred (Isabella Largay) Luschen, Robert (Shirley) Luschen, and Helen (Jack) Morgan.

Mary Jane lived a life marked by her devotion to her family and her faith. She was a committed member of her church, Lutheran Church of Mary & Martha. There Mary Jane could have been considered a backbone of the church. She participated in many groups, including but not limited to, the women's group, senior choir, handbell choir, altar guild, she baked the communion bread for a time, and was the first church secretary. Aside from her church commitments, she also had a passion for baking. Those who have tasted Mary Jane’s creations could attest to how great they were, even say she could have opened her own bakery. She will be dearly missed by all who knew her.

Visitation will be held Saturday, March 7, 2026 from 9:30 am until the time of service at 10:30 am at the Lutheran Church of Martha & Mary, 606 W. Golf Rd., Mt. Prospect, Illinois. Entombment to follow in Memory Gardens Cemetery, Arlington Heights, Illinois. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Mary Jane’s name to the Lutheran Church of Martha & Mary, https://tinyurl.com/35td8jjb. Funeral care provided by G.L. Hills Funeral Home. For information, please call 847-699-9003 or visit www.glhillsfuneralhome.com.

03/02/2026

Baby Carole Grace Miller, born February 3, passed away February 24, 2026 from SIDS. She was the beloved daughter of Benjamin and Elizabeth (nee Adcox) Miller, dearest sister of George, and cherished granddaughter of Richard and Frances Miller, Shannon Adcox.

Visitation will be held Friday, March 6, 2026 from 3:00 pm until 7:00 pm, with a service at 5:30 pm, at G.L. Hills Funeral Home, 745 Graceland Avenue, Des Plaines. Private interment in Elmwood Cemetery, River Grove, Illinois. Out of respect for the family, we kindly ask that children not attend the services. Thank you for your understanding. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the American SIDS Institute, https://sids.org/ways-to-help/donate/, or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, https://www.stjude.org/donate/. For information, please call 847-699-9003 or visit www.glhillsfuneralhome.com.

03/02/2026

Maria Rosario Ramirez was born on February 20, 1956 in Piedras Negras, Coahuila, Mexico to Guadalupe and Francisca (nee Santos) Gutierrez Sanchez. She passed away surrounded by her loving family on February 27, 2026 at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago, Illinois. Maria was the beloved wife of Tiodolo Ramirez; Loving mother of Sonia (Sergio) Mendez, Tiodolo Jr. "Panda", Vanessa, and Miguel Angel (Sandra) Ramirez; Proud grandmother of Nathaniel Peter J., Adrian Ramirez, and Alexa Mendez; Dearest sister of Maria Agapita, Maria Margarita, Jose Juan, Jesús, Maria Guadalupe, Dora Elia, Francisco Javier, Antonio, Maria del Socorro, and Miguel Angel Gutierrez Santos.

Visitation will be held Tuesday, March 3, 2026 from 4:00 pm until 8:00 pm at G.L Hills Funeral Home, 745 Graceland Avenue, Des Plaines. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, March 4, 2026 beginning with prayers at 9:15 am at the funeral home, followed by Mass at 10:00 am at the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe, 1170 N. River Rd., Des Plaines. Interment in All Saints Cemetery, Des Plaines, Illinois. For information, please call 847-699-9003 or visit www.glhillsfuneralhome.com.

o tenemos palabras para expresar la tristeza que sentimos al perder a nuestra madre. Sólo Dios sabe que ya la necesitaba. Ahora ella ya es un angelito más en el cielo regocijándose en la presencia de Dios. Te Amamos mamá eres la mejor Madre, Amiga, Esposa para nuestro padre, la mejor Abuela para nuestros hijos que Dios nos mando Y la mejor suegra. No se como vamos a vivir sin ti, pero sé que tenemos que vivir porque así tú lo hubieras querido. Te Amamos mamá, no es una despedida si no hasta pronto.

Hoy despedimos a mi hermana, la segunda de once, pero para muchos fue como una segunda mamá.

Fue una hermana protectora, siempre pendiente de nosotros, siempre cuidando, siempre dando sin esperar nada a cambio. Su corazón era noble y generoso; sabía compartir lo poco o lo mucho que tuviera.

Crecimos juntas, compartimos risas, momentos difíciles, secretos y recuerdos que me acompañarán toda la vida. Su lugar en nuestra familia es imposible de llenar.

Me duele despedirte, hermana, pero me quedo con tu amor, con tu ejemplo y con todo lo que sembraste en nosotros.

Descansa en paz. Siempre vivirás en mi corazón.

02/27/2026

02/25/2026

Kenneth Joseph Szwed, age 84, and a resident of Des Plaines for 57 years, passed away on February 18, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. He was born January 4, 1942, in Chicago, Illinois, to Joseph E. and Stephanie (nee Gonka) Szwed.

Kenneth “Ken” Szwed lived his life with loyalty, laughter, faith, and an unwavering devotion to family. Married to his beloved wife Donna (née Siemieniec) for over 61 wonderful years, Kenny built a life rooted in love, tradition, and showing up — always early, and many times staying until the very end.

A graduate of St. James Catholic Grade School and St. Pat’s High School, Ken went on to attend Northeastern Illinois University and began his career as an accountant. In retirement, he found one of his greatest joys as a school bus driver. Ken was known throughout the community — a true people person who always wanted to learn your story and never let you leave still a stranger.

Ken was a lifelong and devoted fan of the Chicago Bears, holding season tickets for over 50 years and rarely missing a game. He loved sports of all kinds and could talk knowledgeably about everything from politics to the latest sports statistics. He was a proud president and board member of Northwest Little League and a perennial spectator at his grandchildren’s sporting events.

Lake Lawn Resort in Wisconsin was Ken’s happy place. For five decades, it was the backdrop to cherished family memories, along with spring breaks in Siesta Key, Florida — where days were spent stretched out on the beach and evenings included cocktails at the Crescent Club. He loved to travel and managed to visit nearly all of the lower 48 states, driving 100 miles out of the way just to see a stadium. As a boy, he would watch airplanes fly overhead, dreaming of travel; his first flight was a touring trip around Chicago. Later in life, he delighted in tracking his family’s flights on airline apps, making sure everyone landed safely.

Faith was central to Ken’s life. A devout Catholic, he served as an altar boy at St. James Church — famously once setting his altar robes on fire, a story that never failed to bring laughter. He enjoyed his parish activities, including Men’s Night at St. Emily’s, and carried his faith with quiet strength throughout his life.

Ken maintained friendships with the “Old Gang” neighborhood crew for nearly 80 years — a testament to his loyalty and steady presence. He enjoyed bowling, stock club meetings, intense games of Acquire with his brothers-in-law, and tackling crossword puzzles from the Chicago Tribune and New York Times. He could often be found watching the History Channel, absorbing knowledge with his trademark curiosity.

He was affectionately known as “Uncle Martini,” a nod to his appreciation for a good stinger, 7 and 7, or gin on the rocks. A man of particular culinary opinions, Ken wouldn’t eat anything that swam or flew; Thanksgiving was never complete without his beloved kielbasa and kapusta on the table.

Ken took pride in his immaculate tool bench and showed his grandsons how to be handy. He taught his grandchildren to ride bikes, wore college gear from each of their schools with enormous pride, and was endlessly supportive of all their pursuits. He was happiest when the house was full — first to arrive at any gathering and the last to leave, soaking in every moment.

Ken was the devoted father of Peter (Julibeth Corwin), Karen, and Paul. He was the proud grandfather of David, Ian, and Evan Shacklette; Delaney and Sydney Szwed; and Liam and Maeve Szwed. He was the loving brother of the recently deceased Tom Szwed and Diane Szymul (née Szwed).Above all, Ken adored his family. He showed his love by showing up — to games, to gatherings, to conversations, to life. His legacy lives on in the traditions he built, the lessons he taught, and the laughter he leaves behind.

He will be deeply missed and forever celebrated.

A memorial visitation will be held Saturday, February 28, 2026 from 9:30 am until the time of Mass at 10:30 am at St. Emily Church, 1400 E. Central Rd., Mount Prospect. Funeral care provided by G.L. Hills Funeral Home and Cremation Center. For information, please call 847-699-9003 or visit www.glhillsfuneralhome.com.

02/23/2026

David M. Cunningham, age 71, of Orland Park, formerly of Oak Park, passed away February 12, 2026. He was born July 10, 1954 in Oak Park, Illinois. He was the loving son of the late Harold and Lea (nee Armstrong) Cunningham, and dear brother of the late Tom (Nancy) Cunningham. A memorial service will be held Friday, February 27, 2026 at 11:00 am at Grace Episcopal Church, 924 Lake St., Oak Park, Illinois. Entombment to follow at the church. Funeral care provided by G.L. Hills Funeral Home and Cremation Center. For information, please call 847-699-9003 or visit www.glhillsfuneralhome.com.

02/23/2026

02/23/2026