Dote L. Raddatz nee Schulz, age 92, of Wheaton, died March 27, at home in Wheaton.
Memorial Services will be held April 14 at 10:40 AM at the First Presbyterian Church, 715 N. Carlton, Wheaton.

Mrs. Raddatz is survived by a daughter, Andrea (Jeff) Alvis of Wheaton and a son, James B. (Barb) of Aurora; 3 grandchildren; Lindsay (Brandon) Cochrane of Wheaton, Lauren (Chase) Purdom of Chicago and Katie Alvis of Chicago; one great-grandson. Evan James Cochrane of Wheaton; two step-grandchildren, Mitch (Katie) Warner of Aurora and Brittany Warner of Naperville.
Mrs. Raddatz is preceded in death by her husband , Ralph L.
In lieu of flowers,Memorials to the First Presbyterian Church or C.N.S. Hospice, 690 E. North Avenue, Carol Stream, IL 60188-2172 would be appreciated.

Mrs. Raddatz was a resident of Wheaton for 51 years. She grew up in the St. Louis area. She moved to Chicago and graduated from Evanston Township High School. She studied at the Art Institute and received a Fellowship to study art in Sweden. She met her husband at the Art Institute. She did water colors and oil painting. She taught briefly at the Art Institute. She was a member of the Artist Guild of Chicago. She loved to bake, write poetry, and read. She was a devoted mother and ‘Storybook’ grandmother. She loved the White Sox and Fox News.

For information, call 630-629-0094

Shirley P. Janik,  nee Pawelczyk, age 85, of Lombard, died  March 29, at  Lexington Healthcare Center, Lombard.

Private  Funeral Services and Interment will be at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery.

Mrs. Janik is survived by two sons, Allan (Kathryn Kunkel) of MA and James (Laurene) of Glen Ellyn; two daughters, Joanne Gallagher of Naperville and Laura (Jeffrey) Schweppe of Lombard. 9 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren.

Mrs. Janik is preceded in death by her husband Matthew ‘Emmet’ and a grandson, Jason.

Mrs. Janik was a resident of Lombard for 47 years. She was a waitress at Dino’s Restaurant in Franklin Park.  She was a homemaker. She loved to Polka. She loved crossword puzzles and scrabble to keep her mind sharp.

Arrangements Brust Funeral Home, Lombard.

info  888-6290094

EILEEN M. HAPPEL, nee McKenna, age 94, of Lombard, died March 28 at Lexington Health Care, Lombard, Illinois.

Visitation will be Sunday, April 1 from 3 to 7 PM at Brust Funeral Home, 135 South Main Street, Lombard.

Funeral Service will be Monday, April 2 with prayers at 9:30 AM from Brust Funeral Home to Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Lombard, for 10 AM Mass.

Interment will be at Assumption Cemetery, Winfield, Illinois.

Mrs. Happel is survived by her son, Thomas P. of Lombard; her daughter, Kathleen H. (Kenneth) Naatz of Elmhurst; three grandchildren, Amy (James) Ryan of Lisle, Steven (Elizabeth) Naatz of St. Charles, and David (Nora Kelly) Naatz of Chicago; and four great-grandchildren, Bryce, Carson, Margie, and Morgan.

Mrs. Happel is preceded in death by her husband, Theodore ‘Ted’ H.; her parents, Thomas McKenna and Anna K., nee Knippen; her brother Arthur McKenna; and her sister, Helen Marie McKenna.

Mrs. Happel was a 1935 graduate of Glenbard West High School.  Her mother was part of the Knippen family who were one of the original settlers and farmers in Lombard.  Mrs. Happel was born in the farmhouse which her grandparents had built located at 563 Glen Oak in Lombard.

Mrs. Happel had been married at Sacred Heart Church and had been married for 30 years.  She was a life-long member and active at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Lombard.  She had been a Secretary for Edwin Deicke in Lombard and Suburban Insurance in Wheaton.

Memorials to Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 114 South Elizabeth, Lombard, Illinois 60148 or the American Cancer Society, 1801 South Meyers, Suite 100, Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois 60181 would be appreciated.

RAY BAEHR, age 84, of Lombard, died March 26 at Elmhurst Memorial Hospital, Elmhurst, Illinois.

Visitation and Funeral Service were held Wednesday, March 28 at Brust Funeral Home, 135 South Main Street, Lombard.

Interment was at Arlington Cemetery, Elmhurst, Illinois.

Mr. Baehr is survived by his daughter, Marilyn (William) Seymore of Lombard; two sons, David (JoAnne) of Lombard and Alan of Warrenville; his daughter-in-law, Jane; four (4) grandchildren, Daniel (Kerri) Seymore of Lake of the Hills, Jason (Amanda) Seymore of Lombard, and Michael (Janeane) Seymore of Lombard, and Eric Baehr of Wooddale; seven (7) great-grandchildren; and many other relatives.

Mr. Baehr is preceded in death by his wife, Bernice, nee Cameron; his son, Bruce; and 11 brothers and sisters.

Mr. Baehr was a resident of Lombard for over 60 years and was formerly of Villa Park.  Mr. Baehr was a Veteran having served in the U.S. Army during World War II.  He had been a Carpenter doing home building with Roy Hall Custom Homes in Glen Ellyn.  Mr. Baehr was a quiet man.

Arrangements made by Brust Funeral Home, 135 South Main Street, Lombard. Info 1-888-629-0094

PATRICIA A. DE HESUS, nee LaSorella, age 65, of Lombard, died March 25 at Elmhurst Memorial Hospital, Elmhurst, Illinois.

Visitation and Memorial Service will be held Thursday, March 29 with Visitation from 5 pm until time of Service at 7 pm at Brust Funeral Home, 135 South Main Street, Lombard.

Interment Private.

Mrs. DeHesus is survived by her son, George S. (Heather Kramer) DeHesus of Lombard; one grandchild, Reece of Lombard; two sisters, LouAnn (Adolph) Veldt of Clarendon Hills, and Michelle (James) Powers of Germantown, Tennessee; and 5 nieces and nephews.

Mrs. DeHesus was a resident of Lombard for 6 months and was formerly of Texas and Darien, Illinois.  She grew-up in the Cicero and Elmwood Park area.  Mrs. DeHesus was a graduate of Rosary College and received her Masters from Northern Illinois University.  She studied at Appalachian State University for her Doctorial work.  Mrs. DeHesus had taught and was an administrator in Texas at Palo Alto College in San Antonio and Texas A&M.  She had later worked on the State of Illinois Community College Board.  She retired from the State of Illinois.  Mrs. DeHesus loved to travel and read.

Memorials to the American Cancer Society, 1801 South Meyers, Suite 100, Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois 60181 would be appreciated.

Marion Felgenhauer Fonner, age 89, of Montana, formerly Chicago and Lombard. died March 21 at St. John’ Lutheran Home, Billings MT.

Visitation and Funeral Service was held Saturday at Brust Funeral Home, 135 S. Main St. Lombard.

Interment was at Mt. Emblem Cemetery, Elmhurst.

Mrs. Fonner is survived by two sons, William W. “Bill” (Alexis) of Abington, PA and Rev. Michael G. (Leslie) of Washington VT; a daughter, Jerri (Donn) Vorisck of Billings, MT.; six grandchildren; Eric Fonner, Megan Fonner, Zach (Ginny Tedrow) Fonner, Jessica (Sean) Fonner-Reed, Sophie Fonner and Lydia Vorisek.

Mrs. Fonner is preceded in death by her husband, Gerald Gordon Fonner, her parents, Elsie Bush and William Felgenhauer and two brothers, William, U.S.Army Paratrooper,KIA, Holland, WWII and LeRoy  Felgenhauer formerly of Lombard.

Mrs.Fonner grew up in Chicago. She graduated from Tully High School, Chicago  and received her Bachelor of Science Degree from Northwestern University. She was a former Math Teacher at Notre Dame Academy, Chicago and Concordia Lutheran School in Peoria.  She resided in Joliet, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Ohio and Wisconsin with her husband. She was married for 53 years.

For information call 630-629-0094

VIRGINIA “SUNNY” EGAN nee Nelson, age 85, of Lombard, passed away peacefully at home on March 20.  Many of her family members were with her.  Visitation will be Monday, April 2, from 3 to 8 p.m. at Brust Funeral Home, 135 South Main Street, Lombard.  Funeral will be Tuesday, April 3, with 9:30 prayers at Brust Funeral Home and a 10 a.m. mass at Sacred Heart Church.  Interment will be at Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Joliet.

Sunny was born in Denver, CO, on April 9, 1926, to the late Carl Bernard and Ottolina (nee Pihl) Nelson.

Sunny was the beloved wife of John J. Egan for 64 years, loving mother of Joseph (who preceded her in death),  John P. of Milwaukee, Michael T. (Sandra) of Geneva, Patrick N. (Karen) of Lombard, Nancy A. (Ronn) Ammons of Lombard, and Kathleen E. (Stephen) Hoelter of Arlington Heights; cherished grandmother of:  Aileen (Elliot) Kloss, Sean Egan, Travis (Jennifer) Egan, Shannon (James) Whelan, Justin Egan (who preceded her in death), Thomas Egan, Joseph Egan, Nicholas (Jes) Ammons, Matthew Ammons, Chalie (August) Ammons, Samantha Ammons, Jessica Ammons, Emily Hoelter, Jacob Hoelter and Sydney Hoelter; and proud great grandmother of:  Janel Kloss, Evan Kloss, Max Egan, Kily Egan, Finn Egan, Maggie Whelan, Joshua Whelan, Kyler Giampolli, Cash Ammons, Lennon Ammons, Chalie Mae Ammons, Ziya Griffin, and Jaxen Ammons.  Sunny was also the dear half sister to Clark Nelson (Michael Smith), caring aunt to Marilyn (Ron) Anderson, Terry (Kathy) Egan, and Jeanine (Chuck) Weilmuenster; and fond former mother-in-law to Deidra Egan and Debbie (Egan) Swans.

Born and raised in Denver, Sunny attended the Denver public schools followed by three years at the University of Colorado where she was an Arts and Science major and belonged to the Kappa Kappa Gamma Sorority.  There she met her future husband, John, and on July 2, 1947, they were married.  After living in Joliet for one year they moved to Lombard where they enjoyed almost 65 years of marriage while raising their family.

Throughout her life, Sunny was extremely proud of her Swedish heritage and enjoyed collecting many Scandinavian keepsakes.  She was an accomplished artist and writer.  Her art work and poetry often reflected her love of family and their interests.  She also enjoyed a variety of crafts, cake decorating, calligraphy, antique shopping and adding to her numerous collections.

Sunny chose to get involved with the Lombard Civic Concerns and Development Program working to make Lombard a wonderful community to raise a family.  Her other early activities included positions at Sacred Heart Church, the PTAs at Lincoln and Green Valley Schools and clubs at Glenbard East High School.  Sunny also served in the Lombard Junior Women’s Club and became a founding member of the Lombard Service League.

As her children grew, Sonny became more active in Lombard organizations and was elected to the Helen Plum Library Board, served in various positions on the Lombard Historical Society, the Lombard Panhellenic Club, the Lombard Women’s Stamp Club, and the Lombard Service League.  Church work was always important to her as she volunteered to be on various committees and commissions, served as Eucharistic Minister, Adoration Chapel Adorer, teacher and Bible study member.

Special honors achieved were Lombard Woman of the Year in 1987, Lombard Service League Honor Life Member in 1996 and a Blue Ribbon for her Garden Rocks and Irish Village artwork in 2003.

Sunny was a true servant to the community, a dedicated leader in all those groups dear to her heart and a wonderful friend to so many.  Above all she was devoted to her family and took great pleasure in visiting with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  She loved attending all their special events and made every day they spent together seem special.

In lieu of flowers, memorials to the Helen Plum Library, 110 West Maple Street, Lombard, IL  60148 would be appreciated.

Selwyn J. Wilson, age 86, WWII Tuskegee Airman, longtime resident of Lombard since 1955, died March 20 at home.

Visitation will be held Sunday, March 25, from 2 to 8 PM at Brust Funeral Home, 135 S. Main St. Lombard.

Funeral services will be Monday 11AM at Brust Funeral Home.

Mr. Wilson is survived by two sons, Mark of Texas and Scott ( Sylvia) Wilson of Bellwood; 4 daughters Tranita Jackson of Villa Park, Toni Royster  of Lombard, Debra Jackson of Lombard and Kellye Wilson of Lombard; 8 grandchildren, Dante’, Damon, Kortney, Tranyce, Collin, Corey, Kyle and Alicia and 3 great-grandchildren.

While surviving a plane crash in World War II and integrating his family into a white community, 84-year-old Lombard resident Selwyn Wilson had one characteristic that got him through it all: determination.

“Every day, it’s good to be alive,” Wilson said.

It was the summer of 1942 when he enlisted in the military after graduating from Crane Technical Prep High School with high honors and a 3.8 grade point average. From there, he was off to become one of the first Tuskegee Airmen, America’s first black military airmen.

During a silent mission Wilson was on, a B-25 bomber “Bright Eyes” malfunctioned and started going down. Wilson, who served as a tail gunner, was blown out of the plane and was the sole survivor of the crash. His burned body lay for 19 hours in gasoline before he finally was rescued.

He spent 37 months in a hospital recovering from his injuries, and he had to learn to walk, write, and drive all over again. His wartime injuries included an amputated left leg, fused right hand, loss of equilibrium because of severe damage to his left ear, and burns on more than 75 percent of his body. He was one of the first recipients of a skin graft, a procedure where unaffected skin is transplanted to injured sites.

His doctors told him he would never be able to walk, have his hair grow back, have children, or live a normal life. However, Wilson said, he was determined his life would have a better outcome.

Upon completing his service, he received a variety of medals and awards including the Good Conduct Medal, World War II Victory Medal, Congressional Medal, and even a letter from President Truman thanking him for his service.

After the war and his recovery, including regaining the ability to walk, he got married and proved his doctors wrong again by having four children.

Wilson bought a plot of land in Lombard in 1952. He built his house, where he lives in today, with his own hands and moved his family into the home in June 1955. They were among the first African American families to move into Lombard.

“We had our problems, but I was determined,” said Wilson, who experienced racial discrimination when first moving to town. A cross was burned on his front lawn, and the bank revoked his home loan when it found out the neighborhood would be integrated.

“I refused to let my children grow up in a bad environment,” Wilson said.

Despite initial challenges, Wilson said he truly has enjoyed living in Lombard.

“The families in the area have been terrific,” Wilson said.

Wilson has raised four biological children and four step-children. He was active in the community, and even held a high school prom in his basement for one of Elmhurst High School’s first graduating classes in the late 1950s.

His youngest biological daughter, Kellye Wilson, said her father’s life has been miraculous.

“I am so proud of him,” Kellye said. “He is truly my hero.”

Kellye said her father wanted nothing but the best for his children and was determined to give them everything.

“I can’t complain,” Wilson said. “Life turned out well.”

For information call 1-888-629-0094

MARY AGNES MADDEN, age 91, of Lombard, died March 13 at Oregon Nursing Home, Oregon, Illinois.

Visitation will be held Sunday, March 18 from 4 to 7 PM at Brust Funeral Home, 135 South Main Street, Lombard.

Funeral Service will be held Monday, March 19 with prayers at 10 AM from Brust Funeral Home to Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Lombard, for 10:30 AM Mass.

Interment will be at Queen of Heaven Cemetery, Hillside, Illinois.

Mrs. Madden is survived by her son, Terrence (Georgia) of Oswego; her daughter Mary Agnes Madden; and 3 Grandchildren.

Mrs. Madden was a resident of Lombard since 1954.  She was a “stay at home” mom.  Mrs. Madden was active with the CCW at Sacred Heart Catholic Church.

DOROTHY J. ALEXANDER, nee Kolinski, age 77, of Lombard, died March 16 at Lexington Health Care, Lombard.

Visitation will be held Wednesday, March 21, from 3 to 8 pm at Brust Funeral Home, 135 South Main Street, Lombard.

Funeral Service will be held Thursday, March 22 with prayers at 9:30 AM from Brust Funeral Home to Sacred Heart Catholic Church for a 10 AM Mass.

Interment Private at Assumption Cemetery, Winfield, Illinois.

Mrs. Alexander is survived by her fiancé, Helmut Winkler of Lombard; three sons, John C. (Debbie) of Lisle, David B. (Katie) of Mt. Prospect, and Neal E. (Charon J.) of Naperville; her daughter, Virginia S. (Daniel) Oelslager of West Chicago; 10 Grandchildren; two sisters, Rita A. (D. Dwain) Heinselman of East Liverpool, Ohio, and Mary Clare Kolinski of Geneva, Illinois; her sister-in-law, Randi Kolinski of Rockford; and many nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and nephews.

Mrs. Alexander is preceded in death by her husband, John; her daughter, Kristen K.; two brothers Robert A. (the late Rosanne) Kolinski and Michael S. Kolinski; and her parents Stanley C. and Zena V., nee DuBrovin.

Mrs. Alexander was very devoted to her family and friends.  She was a very active member of the Lombard Garden Club and was a member of the Morton Arboretum and the Horticulture Club.

In lieu of flowers, memorials to the Salvation Army, 1S415 Summit, Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois 60181 or Morton Arboretum, 4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle, Illinois 60532 would be appreciated.