G.L. Hills Funeral Home & Cremation Center

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Des Plaines, IL
G.L. Hills Funeral Home & Cremation Center

We are a locally owned and operated establishment, dedicated to providing highly personalized service with honesty and dignity. Welcome to G.L.

Hills Funeral Home, Ltd. In our community, the families we serve are more our neighbors than our customers. Our home-like facilities offer comfort and serenity. Our wide range of options meet the needs of every family we serve. If you would like further information about the care we provide, please contact us at (847) 699-9003 or by e-mail at glhillsfuneralhome@sbcglobal.net. Please let us know how we may help you. As a service to the community, we are pleased to offer educational programs to church groups, schools, or community organizations. Our informative programs provide a unique and engaging way to learn about funerals, cremation, and traditions.

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.

12/01/2025

Joreen L. Wood (nee Tressler), 91, of Des Plaines, Illinois, passed away on November 20, 2025 in Melbourne, Florida.

Born on August 11, 1934 in Chicago, Illinois, Joreen is predeceased by her husband Robert D. Wood, daughter Alicia Wood, granddaughter Sasha Wood, daughter-in-law Traci Wood and son-in-law Frank Loftus.

She is survived by her daughter Jenee Loftus, son Robert W. Wood, grandchildren Alexander Wood, Faith Wood and Bo Wood. Joreen is also survived by her brother Richard Tressler and his wife Patricia as well as many nieces and nephews.

Joreen attended Foreman High School in Chicago and in 1951 her senior year was chosen among a field of Chicago public and parochial seniors as Queen of the Chicago State Street Christmas Parade. In 1958 she married her high school sweetheart Robert D. Wood and relocated to Miami, Florida. Bob and Joreen started their family in Miami while Bob attended Embry-Riddle School of Aviation. Bob's employment with Eastern Airlines brought them back to Des Plaines, Illinois in 1963. Joreen was a devoted mother to her three children, Jenee, Bob and Alicia. Her early involvement with Northwest Suburban League of United Cerebral Palsy helped navigate Alicia's challenges. In her commitment to ensure that Alicia and others with disabilities could live a fulfilling life, Joreen and Bob along with other parents established The Over The Rainbow Association.This foundation provided housing for non-ambulatory physically handicapped adults allowing them to live independent fulfilling lives.

Joreen was an active member of Immanuel Lutheran Church where her faith and dedication remained instrumental throughout her life. In addition to her involvement in her church, Joreen was the past president of the Maine Township Republican Womens club, where she dedicated her time and energy to supporting the values and principles she held dear.

In her final years Joreen moved to Melbourne, Florida and eventually moved to Chateau Madeleine. She was blessed to have the love and support of her amazing caretakers Michelle and Monique and the loving staff of Chateau Madeleine. She truly had an amazing life and will be greatly missed.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, December 4, 2025 from 4:00 pm until 8:00 pm at G.L.Hills Funeral Home, 745 Graceland Avenue, Des Plaines, Illinois. Funeral services will be held on Friday, December 5th at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 855 Lee Street, Des Plaines, Illinois with visitation at 10:00 am until the time of service at 11:00 am. Interment to follow in Ridgewood Cemetery, Des Plaines, Illinois. In lieu of flowers, Joreen’s family is requesting donations to: Immanuel Lutheran Church, 855 Lee Street, Des Plaines, Illinois 60016 or Over The Rainbow Association, 2040 Brown Avenue Evanston, Illinois 60201, https://www.otrhousing.org/kindnesstag. Funeral care provided by G.L. Hills Funeral Home. For information, please call 847-699-9003 or visit www.glhillsfuneralhome.com.

11/26/2025

Carol Joan Chiakas (nee Lonergan), age 89, a resident of Des Plaines since 1962, passed away November 24, 2025. She was born January 10, 1936 to the late John and Olive (nee Clark) Lonergan. Beloved wife of the late Paul Chiakas. Loving mother of Bradley (Pam), Randy (the late Sue), Kenny, and Steve (Gina) Chiakas. Proud grandmother of Lee, Alicia, Carissa (Michael), Jackie, Laurel, Madelyn, Katie (Caleb Michael), Lily, Nicholas, and the late Stephanie, and great-grandmother of Delilah, Sophie, and Alton.

Carol was a long time member of Trinity Lutheran Church and First United Methodist Church. She truly loved the outdoors and had a passion for gardening. For many years, she was a floral designer. As a hobby she enjoyed traveling all over the world any chance she could. Dancing was a staple in Carol’s life. In High School, she took ballet classes and so it became a big part of her life with friends. Socially, she attended plays at the Frisbee Center, the Fireside, Pheasant Run, Marriott Theatre and so many more. She was an avid card shark and loved to play with all of her family and friend’s. Ultimately, her biggest love was her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She was very proud of each and every one of them and always spent time watching them dance, play sports, celebrate birthdays, holidays and so much more.

Visitation will be held Tuesday, December 2, 2025 from 3:00 pm until 7:00 pm at G.L. Hills Funeral Home, 745 Graceland Avenue, Des Plaines, Illinois. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, December 3, 2025 beginning at 10:00 am at the funeral home. Interment to follow in St. Luke Cemetery, Chicago, Illinois. For information, please call the funeral home at 847-699-9003 or visit www.glhillsfuneralhome.com.

11/22/2025

Walter Magiera, Jr., age 79, of Des Plaines, Illinois, passed away on November 21, 2025, after a courageous battle with cancer.

Walter was born on February 13, 1946, in Chicago, Illinois. He was a dedicated entrepreneur who led Anderson Casting, Inc. in Chicago. After retiring, he spent his time traveling the world with his loving wife Linda, fishing, and enjoying his happy places in Sarasota and Longboat Key, Florida. Walter was an extremely generous man who gave freely of his time to St. Zachary Church, St. Martha Church, his family, and his friends.

He is survived by his loving wife, Linda; children Walter Magiera III (Nancy), Daniel Magiera (Sandra), Edward Arquilla (Christa), and Lisa Dodge; grandchildren Breanna, Madelyne, Evan, Adrianna, Anthony, Isabelle, Gianna, Jacob, and Matthew; and great-grandchildren Brody, JP, Eduardo, and Olivia. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Lori Arquilla-Anderson.

Visitation will be held Tuesday, November 25, 2025 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, November 26, 2025 beginning with visitation from 10:30 am until the time of Mass at 11:30 am at St. Zachary Parish, 567 W. Algonquin Rd., Des Plaines. Interment to follow in All Saints Cemetery, Des Plaines, Illinois.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Hope Lodge Tampa (12810 USF Magnolia Drive, Tampa, FL 33612) or the American Cancer Society. Funeral care provided by G.L. Hills Funeral Home. For information, please call 847-699-9003 or visit www.glhillsfuneralhome.com.

11/19/2025

Ronald C. Larsen, age 81, a resident of Mount Prospect since 1974 passed away November 17, 2025. He was born May 24, 1944 to the late Thor and Willma (nee Groh) Larsen. Ronald was the beloved husband of the late Heather (nee Honquest); loving father of Elizabeth (Joseph) DeGroot and Julie (Robert) Kellum; proud grandfather of Abigail, William, Jonathan and the late Katherine.

Private services will be held. Final resting place will be in Mount Emblem Cemetery, Elmhurst, 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.

11/19/2025

Eugen Lorentz, born on June 25, 1931, in Germany, passed away on November 15, 2025. He is survived by his beloved wife of 60 years, Hannelore, and their two sons, Thomas and Dieter Lorentz. Eugen was a cherished grandfather to Matthew, Mark, Scott, Samantha, and Christopher Lorentz, and a great-grandfather to Max Lorentz.

In 1958, Eugen immigrated to the USA, where he dedicated forty years of his life working as a tool and die maker at Harig. After retirement, he pursued many hobbies, including gardening, fishing, and tinkering in his basement, where he enjoyed fabricating and repairing things. Eugen and Hannelore also spent many joyful years traveling with the Senior Center.

Visitation will be held Thursday, November 20, 2025 from 4:00 pm until 8:00 pm at G.L. Hills Funeral Home, 745 Graceland Avenue, Des Plaines, Illinois. Funeral service will be held Friday, November 21, 2025 at 10:30 am at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 855 Lee St., Des Plaines, Illinois. Interment to follow in Ridgewood Cemetery, Des Plaines, Illinois. For information, please call the funeral home at 847-699-9003 or visit www.glhillsfuneralhome.com.

11/18/2025

“Remember what it was that you loved most about those you have lost,” said Bear, “and be that. Keep those memories alive.”

©Tara Shannon, 2021

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745 Graceland Avenue
Des Plaines, IL
60016

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+18476999003

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http://www.glhillsfuneralhome.com/

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