Today's Obituaries and Guest Books

Amos, Linda Fay 45, of Waukegan, IL transitioned this life on May 14, 2013. Linda was born March 22, 1968 in Waukegan, IL. She accepted Christ at an early age. Linda leaves to cherish her memories husband, Bobby; their 3 sons, Quincy, Marqus and Julian Amos, all of Waukegan, IL; 3 granddaughters, Sinya and Serria Amos of N. Chicago, IL and LaMaria Amos of Waukegan, IL; parents, Joseph and Mildred Coburn of Waukegan, IL; sister, Valerie Connor and brother, Joseph Coburn Jr. of Waukegan, IL; 2 sisters-in-law, Jacque Amos of Waukegan, IL, and Rhonda (Clarence) Brewton of N. Chicago, IL; a brother-in-law, Vaness Crawford of Waukegan, IL; and grandmother, Thelma Brewton, N. Chicago. Also, a host of extended brothers and sisters. Funeral is Monday, May 20, 2013, at Greater St. James, 2131 Wright Ave. N. Chicago, IL, 10 a.m. wake, funeral at 11 a.m.

Bennett, William Lewis 95, of Waukegan passed away on Tuesday, May 7, 2013 at Vista East Medical Center. He was born May 21, 1917 in Jamestown, ND and grew up in Mason City, IA and had lived in Waukegan for 60 years. He was a Navy veteran of WW II, serving on the USS Suwannee, an aircraft carrier, in the South Pacific. After the war he remained in the US Navy Reserve for twenty years, retiring as a Lt. Commander. He was a longtime board member of the Waukegan Exchange Club and a former member of the Salvation Army Board. He loved the outdoors and was an avid gardener, golfer, bowler, fisherman and hunter. He worked at the Electronic Supply Office (Computer Division) at Great Lakes from 1946 until his retirement in 1968. Bill is survived by his son, Dr.William (Diane) Bennett of Oak Brook, IL and Estero, FL; his grandson, Dr. Michael Bennett of Iowa City, IA and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife, Grayce; parents, William and Agnes Bennett, and brother, Bob Bennett of Mason City, IA. Funeral Service, with military honors, will be 4:00 P.M. Saturday, May 25, 2013 at PETERSON & PATCH FUNERAL HOME, 408 N. Sheridan Rd. Waukegan. Friends may call at the funeral home for one hour prior to services. In lieu of flowers, donations in William Bennett's memory may be made to the Wounded Warriors Support Service Program, C/O Armed Forces Foundation, Washington, DC.

Corcoran, Timothy Joseph John Passed away on May 15, 2013. He was born April 15, 1955 in Waukegan, where he was a member of the Immaculate Conception parish. Timothy was a dedicated, loyal employee belonging to Local Plumbers Union #93 as a licensed plumber for over 30 years after which he retired in 2004 at age 49. He enjoyed fishing and bike rides to the lake with his children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Most of all, he loved sharing and listening to the stories and adventures that he took and those that his family had lived. He is survived by his children, Lovessa (Carl) Gloria, Mia, Joseph, and Daniel Corcoran,, Carrie and Brad Corcoran; his beloved grandchildren, Marayna, Jason, Devon, Amoressa, Honor, Alden, Aveleen, and Baby Corcoran due June 25th; beloved siblings, Patty, Patrick, Sharron, Cathy, Denise, Brian, Maureen, and Shawn; and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by mother, Lorraine Pepe; father, Patrick Corcoran; sisters, Mary Corcoran and Ann Marie Talley; and brother, Michael "Razzel" Corcoran. Funeral service will be held at Immaculate Conception, 508 Grand Ave., Waukegan at 1:00 pm on Friday, May 24, 2013. Visitation will be from 5:00-8:00 pm on Thursday, May 23, 2013 at the Peterson and Patch Funeral Home 408 N Sheridan Rd., Waukegan. Interment will be private. For information, please call 847-623-0495.

Dixon, Gilbert H. Age 77, of Waukegan, IL went to meet his supreme commander on this 12th day of May. Gilbert was born in Oakland, California and was raised alternately between California and Missouri. At 18 years he joined the U.S. Navy and spent 20 years traveling the world, and was finally retired after 20 years of service in 1973 as a Chief Petty Officer. He is survived by his wife, June; their two daughters, Jacki and Sherry; four grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. After being discharged from the Navy he went on to complete a Masters Degree in Hospital Administration. He was then employed by IL Department of Public Health where he helped develop the State Trauma System, St. Therese Hospital in Waukegan, IL where he also taught Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) courses, and spent 10 years as Director of Hospital Services for a Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) based in Chicago, IL. Gilbert and wife, June, enjoyed traveling and made trips from the West Coast to the East Coast, Alaska to Mexico, Maine to Florida and a Carribean cruise. Traveled the Mississippi River on a paddle wheeler ship north from New Orleans and made a trip to China, traveling the Yangtze river and on to the Great Wall of China. Gilbert belonged to several Fraternal organizations, among them are: Fleet Reserve Organization, Masonic Lodge of Guam and the Medinah Temple in Chicago. A private ceremony for the family, with military honors, will be held at PETERSON & PATCH FUNERAL HOME 408 N. Sheridan Rd. Waukegan. His cremains will be buried at sea. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred In Gilbert's name to the , or .

Durka, William Joseph Retired attorney and manager of General Electric's International Trade Policy Operation, died May 12 at age 91. Born in Kenosha, Wisconsin, the son of Anthony and Mary Durka, immigrants from Poland, he was raised in Waukegan, Illinois, and attended Waukegan Township High School. He went on the University of Chicago College and Law School (AB, 1943; JD, 1944). William received many honors during his schooling, including Valedictorian of his 1939 graduating class, Honor Scholar, and Student Marshal at the University of Chicago, Debate Coach, Editor of the Law Review, election to the Order of the Coif, and first in his class. He was Research Assistant to the President of the University, Robert M. Hutchins, for two years. Afflicted by childhood polio, and unable to serve in the Military, he signed up with the U.S. Navy to give talks in the Chicago area on how the home front could aid the war effort. William began his law career in 1944 with James Lawrence Fly who had started a New York firm specializing in communications law. He became a full partner in five years. In 1956, he joined the General Electric Company, retiring as the manager of G.E.'s International Trade Policy Operation. A highlight of William's life was his two hour meeting in June, 1947, to discuss philosophy with Albert Einstein at Einstein's Princeton home. He was an avid reader and loved books and libraries, finding fulfillment of his thirst for knowledge and desire to discuss theories and ideas. He was curious about human nature, and the reasons people tend to behave in certain ways. Bill believed in the fundamental rights of all living creatures. He loved his country, and wanted to do what he could to aid America and other nations that experience injustice and suffering. Bill married Margaret Reichardt in 1950. They had one daughter, Margaret (Peggy). Bill's first wife died in 1978. In 1981, he married Nancy Weaver. As a husband, Bill was dedicated, faithful, forgiving and loving. As a brother, he was ever present to his large extended family, and willing to help anyone who was in need. He is survived by his wife, Nancy; daughter, Peggy; stepdaughter, Phoebe Trachtenberg, her husband, Gordon, and their two children; as well as many nieces and nephews who loved and cherished him. We honor his memory by aspiring to live as he did, with a positive outlook, a search for knowledge, appreciating what we have, and by loving and respecting all life, as he did.

Hazard, Amy 59, of Zion, IL, went home peacefully to be with the Lord on Monday, May 13, 2013, at Vista Medical Center East in Waukegan. Amy was born April 7, 1954, in Laguna, Philippines. She married Charles L. Hazard on November 17, 1990, in Zion, IL. Amy was a member of Meadowridge Baptist Church in Zion where she served on the church council and was prayer director. She previously had worked for the United States Government as a teacher's aide for special needs children in Korea and Germany. During this time she served with the Protestant Women of the Chapel and did volunteer work for an overseas aid group. Amy was a loving wife, mother and sister who can best be described as a "Prayer Warrior". She is survived by her husband of 22 years, Charles; children, Christy (Richard) Montoya of Omaha, NE, Adriane Dunn of Topeka, KS, and Charles Hazard Jr. of Zion, IL; 5 grandchildren; three sisters, Eva Scott and Eden Fieweger of San Diego, CA, and Leah Lapid of the Philippines; and many other family members in the Philippines. She was preceded in death by her parents; 2 sisters and 3 brothers. A Memorial Service will be held on Friday, May 17, 2013, at 7:00 p.m. at Meadowridge Baptist Church, 4500 Rte. 173, Zion. Friends may greet the family on Friday from 6:00 p.m. until the time of service at the church. Memorial donations are suggested to the . Please visit the online guest book at www.congdonfuneralhome.com.

Kangas, Kevin A. 61, of Waukegan, passed away on Thursday, May 9, 2013 at his home. He was born June 7, 1951 in Norway, MI and was a long time Waukegan resident. Kevin served in the United States Army, loved to travel and was an avid fisherman and hunter. He retired from Midwestern Generation after over 30 years of service. Kevin is survived by his aunt and uncle, Dorothy and Jim Armstrong; niece, Laura (Alex) Acosta; nephew, Andrew Hirsch; many cousins and dear friends. He is preceded death by his parents, Arnold and Frances Kangas and sister, Karen. Visitation will be from 4:00 to 7:00 pm on Thursday, May 23, 2013 at THE MEMORIAL CHAPEL OF WAUKEGAN 1521 Washington St. Waukegan. Interment will be at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery In Elwood, IL at 1:00 pm, Friday, May 24, 2013.

Miller, Ralph T. 85, of Beach Park, IL, died peacefully from cancer on Friday, May 10, 2013, at his home. He was born July 3, 1927, in Zion, IL, to Fred and Isabelle Miller, and at age 5 adopted by Miss Ellen Lloyd. He was a veteran of both World War II and the Korean War serving with the United States Army. His first enlistment went from August 11, 1944 until May 4, 1947, where he was assigned to the #65 Engineer Combat Battalion. On August 16, 1947, he married the love of his life, Dorothy Ellen Welton from Beach Park, IL. His second enlistment went from December 4, 1950 until December 8, 1953. Ralph was a car mechanic for 40 years, a truck driver for 10 years, and he also rehabed old houses. Survivors include his wife Dorothy; daughter, Patricia (Rick) Nelson of Pleasant Prairie, WI; sons, Stephen (Christa) Miller of Dyer, IN, and David (Michelle) Miller of Zion, IL; 13 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; and 5 sisters, Claudette, Janice, Barbara, Earlynn, and Maggie. He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Mark Fred Miller; and 2 brothers, Chuck and Andy. Friends may greet the family on Saturday, May 18, 2013 from 1:00 p.m - 4:00 pm with a Funeral Service, at 4:00 p.m. at Christ Community Church, 2500 Dowie Memorial Dr., Zion, IL, with Pastor Ken Langley officiating. Memorial donations are suggested to the Camp Zion Ministry of Christ Community Church. Please sign the online guest book at www.congdonfuneralhome.com.

Orna, Impi Elisabeth 93, of Zion, IL, passed away on Friday, May 17, 2013, at Barton Senior Residences in Zion. She was born August 24, 1919, in Helsinki, Finland and moved to the Waukegan area in 1950. On June 28, 1951, she married her late husband, James R. Orna at St. Mark's Lutheran Church in Waukegan, where she was a longtime member. Impi was a loving mother, grandmother, and aunt. Survivors include her children, Carey Orna of Waukegan, IL, and Diana (Richard) Mack of Oconomowoc, WI; grandchildren, Andrew Paulausky and Zachary, Nicole, and Megan Mack; nephews, Oliva and Matti Sjoholm of Finland; niece, Leena Sjoholm also of Finland; and nephew, Allan Sjoholm of Waukegan, IL, and other family. She was preceded in death by her husband, James; son, James A. "Jimmy" Orna; father and mother, Arvo and Impi Sjoholm; and two brothers. A Funeral Service will be held on Tuesday, May 21, 2013, at 10:30 a.m. at Congdon Funeral Home, 3012 Sheridan Rd., Zion, IL, with Rev. Jeffrey Koth of St. Mark's Lutheran Church of Waukegan, officiating. Interment will follow at Northshore Garden of Memories, North Chicago, IL. Visitation will be Monday, May 20, 2013 from 5:00-8:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Memorial donations are suggested to St. Mark's Lutheran Church, 3350 N. Delany Rd., Waukegan, IL 60087. Please sign the online guest book at www.congdonfuneralhome.com.

Richards, Dolores C. 83 years old of Zion, IL passed away Wednesday, May 15, 2013 at St. Catherine's Medical Campus, Pleasant Prairie, WI. She was born January 12, 1930 in Chicago, IL the daughter of the late Fred and Mary (Smolinski) Miller. Dolores graduated from Antioch Township High School where she was Homecoming Queen, was active in 4H and the Daughters of the American Revolution. Later in life, she volunteered with the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill. She was also a member of North Prairie Church, Winthrop Harbor, IL, and loved gardening, taking care of her farmette, reading, cooking, canning, and her beloved pet Tillie. Dolores's true love was her family, taking care of the grandchildren and great-grandchildren. On October 2, 1948 she married Theodore Paul "TP" Richards in Zion, IL and he preceded her in death on January 22, 2001. Survivors include: four children, Diane (Mervin) Falk of Marion, IL, Deborah (Paul) Suhadolnik of Antioch, IL, Paula Schiera of Zion, IL and Theodore (Karen) Richards III of Brodhead, WI; seven grandchildren, Mervin Falk Jr., Kirt (Sara) Falk, Nicholas (Corinne) Richards, Jennifer (Brent) Bunger, Julie (Tim) Rout, Andrew and Samantha Schiera; five great-grandchildren, Arika, Tanner, Elaina, Addisyn, and Callista; a sister, Marion January of Fairchild, WI, and many other relatives and friends. In addition to her parents and husband she was preceded in death by a grandson, Eric Paul Falk, and three brothers, Fred, George, and Jim. Funeral services and interment will be private in Mt. Olivet Memorial Park, Zion, IL. Arrangements were entrusted to the Strang Funeral Home of Antioch. In lieu of flowers donations to the Newport Fire Protection District are appreciated in Dolores's memory. Please sign the online guest book for Dolores at www.strangfh.com.