The Memorial Chapel Funeral Home & Cremation Services

12/14/2025

Rafael Arturo Herrera was born on March 9, 1949, in Ahuachapán, El Salvador, the son of Cristina Herrera. The Lord called him to His glory on Friday, December 12, 2025. Rafael, also lovingly known as “Tío Turo,” was preceded in death by his mother, Cristina Herrera, and his brother, Rigoberto Herrera.

Rafael married Elsa Herrera in 1982, and that same year they migrated to the United States in search of a better life, as El Salvador was experiencing a civil war. In 1984, he went to reunite with Claudia, Milta, and Marcial, bringing his children together so they could be reunited as one family. They later settled in Santa Ana, California, where they lived for many years.

Rafael and Elsa were devoted Christians and instilled their faith in their children. Rafael especially loved singing Christian rancheras at church during special services. As the years passed, Milta and Marcial were blessed with children, and Rafael proudly embraced the role of grandfather.

From a young age, Rafael faced health challenges, yet he never lost his sense of humor nor his strong faith in God. On the contrary, he always found refuge and strength in God’s Word. In his final days, Rafael was at peace with God and was surrounded by his children, grandchildren, and loving family. He passed away peacefully and calmly, leaving behind a legacy of faith, love, and resilience.

His visitation will be held on Tuesday, December 16, 2025 from 5:00 - 9:00 pm at The Memorial Chapel of Waukegan, 1521 Washington Street, Waukegan, IL 60085.

His final viewing will be on Wednesday, December 17, 2025 at 9:00 am, with a prayer service at 11:00 am at the funeral home as well. His burial will follow at Ascension Cemetery, 1920 Buckley Road, Libertyville, IL 60048. For more information, please call 847-623-3730.

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Rafael Arturo Herrera nació el 9 de marzo de 1949 en Ahuachapán, El Salvador, hijo de Cristina Herrera. El Señor lo llamó a Su gloria el viernes 12 de diciembre de 2025. Rafael, también conocido cariñosamente como “Tío Turo,” fue precedido en muerte por su madre, Cristina Herrera, y su hermano, Rigoberto Herrera.

Rafael se casó con Elsa Herrera en 1982, y ese mismo año emigraron a los Estados Unidos en busca de una mejor vida, debido a la guerra civil que atravesaba El Salvador. En 1984, fue por Claudia, Milta y Marcial, reuniendo a sus hijos para que nuevamente estuvieran juntos como familia. Posteriormente se establecieron en Santa Ana, California, donde vivieron por muchos años.

Rafael y Elsa fueron personas de fe cristiana y siempre inculcaron esos valores en sus hijos. A Rafael le gustaba mucho cantar rancheras cristianas en la iglesia durante servicios especiales. Con el paso de los años, Milta y Marcial formaron sus familias, y Rafael asumió con gran orgullo el título de abuelo.

Desde pequeño, Rafael enfrentó problemas de salud, pero nunca perdió su buen sentido del humor ni su fe en Dios. Al contrario, siempre encontró refugio y fortaleza en la Palabra de Dios. En sus últimos días, Rafael estuvo en paz con Dios y, al momento de partir, estuvo rodeado de sus hijos, nietos y familiares que lo amaban profundamente. Falleció en paz y tranquilidad, dejando un legado de fe, amor y fortaleza.

Su velorio sera el dia martes 16 de diciembre 2025 de 5:00 - 9:00 pm en la funeraria The Memorial Chapel of Waukegan, 1521 Washington Street, Waukegan, IL 60085.

Su última visita será el miércoles 17 de diciembre 2025 a las 9:00 am en la funeraria tambien, con un servicio de oración a las 11:00 am. Su sepelio será en Panteón Ascension, 1920 Buckley Road, Libertyville, IL 60048. Para más información favor de llamar al 847-623-3730.

Rafael Arturo was born on June 1st, 1949 and passed away on December 12th, 2025 at the age of 76

12/13/2025

Whether it is morning, day, or even night, we pray to Our Lady of Guadalupe.

“Our Lady of Guadalupe,
wrap us in your loving mantle.
Protect our families, guide our hearts,
and lead us closer to your Son.
Pray for us. Amen.”

Happy Our Lady of Guadalupe Day.

12/11/2025

12/11/2025

Baltazar Rodriguez León, de 56 años, falleció el 7 de diciembre del 2025. Baltazar nació el 3 de enero de 1969, en Moroleón, Guanajuato, Mexico. Hijo de Artemio Rodriguez y Nicolasa León.

Su familia les invita a su santo funeral. El velorio será el día viernes 19 de diciembre de 2025 de 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm en la funeraria The Memorial Chapel of Waukegan, 1521 Washington Street, Waukegan, IL 60085. Su Santa misa será el sábado 20 de diciembre del 2025 a las 12:00 pm del mediodía, en la Iglesia Sagrada Familia, 450 Keller Avenue, Waukegan, IL 60085. Nuestro más sentido pésame.

Si gusta hacer alguna donación para sus gastos funebres favor de hacer lo a traces de:
https://thememorialchapelofwaukegan.com/obituaries/baltazar-rodriguez-leon/guestpayment

Para más información, favor de llamar al 847-623-3730.

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Baltazar Rodriguez Leon, 56 years old, passed away on December 7, 2025. He was born on January 3, 1969, in Moroleon, Guanajuato, Mexico. The son of Artemio Rodriguez and Nicolasa León.

His visitation will be held on Friday, December 19, 2025 from 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm at The Memorial Chapel of Waukegan, 1521 Washington Street, Waukegan, IL 60085. His funeral mass will be held on Saturday, December 20, 2025 at 12:00 noon at Holy Family Church, 450 Keller Avenue, Waukegan, IL 60085. Our deepest condolences to his entire family.

If you’d like to make a donation towards his funeral expenses, please do so via this link: https://thememorialchapelofwaukegan.com/obituaries/baltazar-rodriguez-leon/guestpayment

For more information, please call, 847-623-3730.

Baltazar was born on January 3rd, 1969 and passed away on December 7th, 2025 at the age of 56

12/05/2025

Hellllllo DECEMBER!!!
We are so glad you have finally arrived. What are you most looking forward to this holiday season?
Baking?
Decorating?
Spending time with family and friends?
Parties?
Whatever it is you are looking forward to, we hope that the holiday spirit finds you and brings you peace and joy this season.

12/04/2025

Antioco Flores Nava, de 61 años, anteriormente de Gurnee, Illinois, falleció el martes 2 de diciembre de 2025 en Chicago, Illinois, rodeado de sus seres queridos, después de una valiente batalla contra un Trastorno Linfoproliferativo Post-Trasplante (PTLD), tras su trasplante de pulmón que le salvó la vida en junio de 2025 debido a fibrosis pulmonar.

Antioco nació el 6 de marzo de 1964 en Totolmajac, Estado de México, hijo de Antioco Flores y Socorro Nava, y creció junto a siete hermanos. Antioco dejó su hogar en 1981 y se mudó a la cercana ciudad de Toluca, Estado de México, y dos años después se mudó a Coatzacoalcos, Estado de Veracruz. En 1984, llegó a Pescadero, California hasta 1986, cuando se mudó a Mundelein, Illinois. En 1988, viajó de regreso a Totolmajac y conoció al amor de su vida, Yolanda Nava, con quien se casó en 1990, y después de lo cual ella se reunió con él en Mundelein, donde comenzaron su familia. Más tarde se mudaron a Park City y Gurnee, Illinois, donde residió por el resto de sus años.

Antioco deja en vida a su esposa Yolanda y a sus hijos: Celeste (Thomas Maillard) y Alfredo. También le sobreviven sus hermanos Edgardo, Jesús (Carmen Trujillo) y Armando (Fabiola Melchor), sus hermanas Hidilberta (Vicente Flores) y Juana, numerosos sobrinos y sobrinas, y muchos ahijados muy queridos. Le precedieron en la muerte su hija Guadalupe, sus padres Antioco y Socorro, su hermano José Guadalupe y su hermana Rosa.

Antioco fue un feligrés devoto y voluntario de la Iglesia Católica, y difundió apasionadamente el Evangelio. Participó en varios retiros, pero el que marcó su vida fue la Escuela de la Cruz. En ese retiro encontró a Jesús en el Santísimo Sacramento, y de ahí nació su amor por la Eucaristía y la Adoración Nocturna. Fundó la Sociedad de Adoración Nocturna en Waukegan, fue ministro extraordinario de la Eucaristía, perteneció a los Sembradores—Comunidad Guadalupe, y fue sacristán en la Parroquia Santísima Trinidad; Iglesia Católica Sagrada Familia en Waukegan, Illinois.

Antioco fue un amado esposo, padre, hermano, padrino, católico, voluntario, compañero de trabajo y amigo. Después de convertirse en ciudadano naturalizado en 1999, Antioco fue firme en la importancia de votar y motivar a otros a votar. Le encantaba viajar con su familia, recibía y asaba para familiares, amigos y sacerdotes católicos en su hogar, compartía chistes e historias, era fanático de Toluca y todos los equipos deportivos de Chicago, jugaba PokémonGo y disfrutaba de un buen tequila. Pero lo más importante: amaba profundamente a su familia y amigos.

La visitación se llevará a cabo el viernes 5 de diciembre de 2025 a partir de las 8:30 a.m. en la Iglesia Católica Inmaculada Concepción, 508 Grand Ave, Waukegan, IL 60085. La misa fúnebre comenzará al mediodía (12:00 p.m.) y será oficiada por el Obispo Timothy O’Malley. El entierro será después en Ascension Catholic Cemetery, 1920 Buckley Rd, Libertyville, IL 60048.

La familia agradece las donaciones de flores y anima a todos a convertirse en donantes de órganos.

Si gusta ordenar un areglo floral, favor de hacerlo a través de Flowers For You, 847-360-7111 https://www.1220flowers.com/

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Antioco Flores Nava, age 61, formerly of Gurnee, Illinois passed away Tuesday, December 2, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois surrounded by loved ones following a courageous battle with Post-Transplant Lymphoproliferative Disorder (PTLD), following his life-saving lung transplant in June 2025 related to pulmonary fibrosis.

Antioco was born March 6, 1964 in Totolmajac, Estado de México to Antioco Flores and Socorro Nava and grew up with seven siblings. Antioco left home in 1981 and moved to nearby Toluca, Estado de México and two years later moved to Coatzacoalcos, Estado de Veracruz. In 1984, he came to Pescadero, California until 1986, when he moved to Mundelein, Illinois. In 1988, he travelled back to Totolmajac and met the love of his life Yolanda Nava, who he married in 1990, and after which she joined him in Mundelein, where they started their family. They later moved to Park City and Gurnee, Illinois where he resided for his remaining years.

Antioco is survived by his wife Yolanda and their children: Celeste (Thomas Maillard), and Alfredo. He is also survived by his brothers Edgardo, Jesus (Carmen Trujillo) and Armando (Fabiola Melchor), his sisters Hidilberta (Vicente Flores) and Juana, numerous nieces and nephews, and many beloved godchildren. He is preceded in death by his daughter Guadalupe, parents Antioco and Socorro, brother Jose Guadalupe, and sister Rosa.

Antioco was a devoted parishioner and volunteer with the Catholic Church, and he passionately spread the Gospel. He participated in several retreats, but the one that marked his life was the Escuela de la Cruz. In that retreat he encountered Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament, and from there was born his love for the Eucharist and Nocturnal Adoration. He founded the Nocturnal Adoration Society in Waukegan, volunteered as a Eucharistic Minister, belonged to the Sembradores—Comunidad Guadalupe, and was the sacristan for Most Blessed Trinity Parish; Holy Family Catholic Church in Waukegan, Illinois.

Antioco was a beloved husband, father, brother, godfather, Catholic, volunteer, coworker, and friend. After becoming a naturalized citizen in 1999, Antioco was adamant about the importance of voting and getting others to vote. He loved travelling with his family, hosting and grilling for family, friends, and Catholic priests at the family home, sharing jokes and stories, rooting for Toluca and all the Chicago sports teams, playing PokemonGo, and enjoying good tequila. Most importantly, he loved his family and friends.

His visitation will be held on Friday December 5, 2025 beginning at 8:30am at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 508 Grand Ave, Waukegan, IL 60085. His funeral mass will begin at 12:00pm noon with Bishop Timothy O’Malley officiating. His burial will follow at Ascension Catholic Cemetery, 1920 Buckley Rd, Libertyville, IL 60048.

The family welcomes donations of flowers and encourages everyone to become an organ donor.

If you’d like to place a floral arrangement order, please do so via Flowers For You, 847-360-7111 https://www.1220flowers.com/

Antioco was born on March 3rd, 1964 and passed away on December 2nd, 2025 at the age of 61

11/30/2025

With heavy hearts, we share the passing of our beloved Cecilio “Tony” Vega. Tony was born and raised in Waukegan, Illinois. Known for his huge heart, generosity, and creative spirit, Tony will always be remembered for the many ways he touched the lives of others.

A talented brick paver for many years, Tony helped design and work on major projects such as the Southwest Territory at Six Flags Great America, Wrigleyville, and Buffalo Joe’s restaurant in Chicago. His work even extended to the homes of notable individuals, including Mike Ditka (former coach of the Chicago Bears), Mr. T, and former Chicago Bulls player B.J. Armstrong.

Though his life was far too short, Tony’s memory lives on through the people who loved him deeply: his parents, Carmen D. Caballero and Cecilio C. Vega; his former spouse, Marisol L. Pineda; his daughter, Jasmin M. Vega; his siblings, Carmen (Lisy) Gonzalez and Louis R. Vega; and his niece and nephews, Louis Petrick-Vega, Louis A. Vega (God Son), Edwin Gonzalez Jr., and Elisette J. Gonzalez (God Daughter).

Visitation will be held on December 11, 2025 from 4:00 pm - 8:00 pm at The Memorial Chapel of Waukegan, 1521 Washington Street, Waukegan, IL 60085. A final visitation will be held on December 12, 2025 beginning at 10:00 am with a prayer service at 12 noon at the funeral home as well.

Burial will follow to Warren Cemetery, 1475 N Cemetery Road, Gurnee, IL 60031. Donations towards his family can be made to: https://gofund.me/0990f8544

Arrangements are entrusted to The Memorial Chapel of Waukegan, for more information please call, 847-623-3730.

Cecilio “Tony” was born on May 4th, 1967 and passed away on November 21st, 2025 at the age of 58

11/27/2025

Atanagilda “Hilda” Fress Pantojas de 95 años, falleció el 26 de noviembre de 2025 en casa. Atanagilda nació el 27 de junio de 1930 en Jayuya, Puerto Rico.

Fue una madre amorosa, quien siempre estuvo al pendiente de todos. Ahora ella se encuentra en esa paz eterna, al lado de sus padres. Le sobreviven sus hijos, nietos y bisnietos; y muchas amistades.

Su velorio sera el martes, 2 de diciembre 2025, de 3:00 pm - 7:00 pm en la funeraria The Memorial Chapel of Waukegan, 1521 Washington Street, Waukegan, IL 60085. Como su deseo fue la cremación, favor de no traer flores. Donaciones hacia la familia serían bienvenidas. Para más información favor de llamar al, 847-623-3730.

Hilda was born on June 27th, 1930 and passed away on November 26th, 2025 at the age of 95

11/27/2025

We are wishing you and your loved ones a joy filled day! There is so much to be thankful for this year! Enjoy your holiday weekend!
Happy Thanksgiving!!
Love,
The Memorial Chapel Staff

11/21/2025

Joyce Khan, age 35, was unexpectedly called to be home with the Lord this past Tuesday. The only daughter of Saleem and Josephine Sultan, and the loving wife of Sharoon Khan, she passed away during surgery.

She is survived by them as well as by her brothers Shaleem (married to Kanwal) and Ashbel (engaged to Mishma). Joyce grew up in Sahiwal, Pakistan; received her higher education in Lahore; and moved in December 2019 to the U.S., where she began working at Northwestern Hospital in Grayslake, Illinois. Having practiced medicine in northern Pakistan for two years, she was pursuing an additional master’s in nursing here. She was deeply involved in Redeemer Life Church in Vernon Hills and also served in the community. She had a deep love for Jesus Christ, which she shared with everyone she met through her smile, her words, and her actions.

She married Sharoon Khan in March 2022 and lived happily in Waukegan. On November 18th, 2025, while having her lymph nodes removed, she suffered excessive blood loss and was tragically unable to pull through.

She loved serving others, shopping, eating out, laughing, and playing games, and even enjoyed horror movies. Though our hearts are broken and our grief is immeasurable, we know that she is rejoicing with her Heavenly Father and her Lord Jesus. Our hope, comfort, and peace come from that.

She touched many hearts and will be very deeply missed.

Her visitation will be held on Saturday, November 22, 2025 at 10:30 am at Libertyville Covenant Church, 250 N St Marys Rd, Libertyville, Illinois 60048. Funeral service will begin at 11:00 am at the church as well. Interment will follow to Avon Cemetery, in Grayslake, Illinois. Arrangements are entrusted to The Memorial Chapel of Waukegan. For more information, please call, 847-623-3730.

Joyce was born on September 11th, 1990 and passed away on November 18th, 2025 at the age of 35

11/20/2025

Con profunda tristeza anunciamos el sensible fallecimiento de nuestra madre, Maria Cruz Martinez, quien falleció el 13 de noviembre del 2025. Hija de Herminio Sanchez y Maria Cruz Nieto; nació el 14 de Octubre de 1936 en El Tepozan, San Luis Potosí, México. Fue feliz al lado de su esposo Meliton Martinez y juntos crearon una gran familia. Nuestra madre fue y seguirá siendo nuestra fuerza, la mejor madre, amorosa, quien siempre estuvo al pendiente de nosotros. Le gustaba tejer y siempre estaba dispuesta a escucharte. Le encantaba cocinar, siempre con una sonrisa radiante al vernos feliz.

Le sobreviven sus hijos, nietos, bisnietos, familia aquí al igual que en México. Su familia les extiende una cordial invitación a los que gusten acompañarnos. Su velorio será el día Miércoles, 19 de noviembre 2025 de 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm en la funeraria, The Memorial Chapel of Waukegan, 1521 Washington Street, Waukegan, IL 60085. Su santa misa, será el jueves, 20 de noviembre 2025 a las 11:00 am en la Iglesia Reina de Paz, 910 14th Street, North Chicago, IL 60064. Su santo sepelio será en el Panteón Catolico Ascension, 1920 Buckley Road, Libertyville, IL 60048. Nuestro más sentido pésame y fuerza para la familia. Para más información, favor de llamar al, 847-623-3730.

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It is with great sadness, we announce the passing of our beloved mother, Maria Cruz Martinez, who entered eternal rest on November 13, 2025. The daughter of Herminio Sanchez and Maria Cruz Nieto; she was born on October 14, 1936 in El Tepozan, San Luis Potosí, Mexico. She was happiest alongside her husband Meiliton Martinez and together they formed a big family. Our mother was and will continue to be our light, our guide, the most loving and caring mother. She loved to crochet and always lent an ear. She loved to cook, and always had a radiant smile.

She is survived by her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, extended family here and in Mexico. Her family wishes to invite you to her funeral services. Her visitation will be held on Wednesday, November 19, 2025 from 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm at The Memorial Chapel of Waukegan, 1521 Washington Street, Waukegan, IL 60085. Her funeral mass will be held on Thursday, November 20, 2025 at 11:00 am at Queen of Peace Catholic Church, 910 14th Street, North Chicago, IL 60064. Interment will be held at Ascension Catholic Cemetery, 1920 Buckley Road, Libertyville, IL 60048. We wish to extend our condolences to her entire family. For more information, please call, 847-623-3730.

Maria passed away on November 13th, 2025

11/18/2025

What old habits do you need to change? Let this time be the right time to make the changes needed to be the best version of yourself :)