INFORMATION FROM PHIL HASKETT (RET)
Posted: Wed Sep 06, 2023 9:22 amBish.png
WILLIAM CHARLES BISCH, beloved husband of Kathleen Bisch (nee Callahan); loving father of Colleen (Iurii) Koza, Melissa, Patrick (Julie), Sarah (Dan) Gruzwalski and Kevin (Mary); adored grandfather of Cadence, Parker, Cillian, Carter, Elliott, Rayah and Billie; dear son of Germana and the late Robert Bisch; dear brother of Laura (Rich) Rybka, Janet Annen and Michael (Dorothy) Bisch; dear son-in-law of Eugene, retired CFD and the late Catherine Callahan; dear brother-in-law of Michael retired CFD (Lisa, retired CPD) Callahan, Timothy (late Lynn) Callahan, Mary (late Robert) Denson, Patrick (Christine) Callahan and Jerry (Suzanne) Callahan; fond uncle of many nieces and nephews; cousin and friend to many. Visitation Friday, September 8, 2023, 2:00 - 8:00 PM at Zarzycki Manor Chapel Ltd, 8999 South Archer Ave., Willow Springs, IL. Closing Prayers Saturday, September 9, 2023, 8:45 AM, to St Patrick Catholic Church 200 East Illinois Street, Lemont, IL for 10:00 AM Mass of Christian Burial. Interment Good Shepherd Cemetery,16201 104th Avenue, Orland Park, IL. Obituary | William Charles Bisch | Wolniak Funeral Home Obituary information for William Charles Bisch (zarzyckimanorchapels.com).
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Diane M. Cox, nee Wielgos, 82, Beloved wife of the late Thomas L., (Ret. CPD) for 55 years; Loving and caring mother of Karen (Tom, Ret. CFD) O'Connell, Kathleen (Jim, Local 73) Brazel, JoAnn (Bryan, Local 10) Reilly, Thomas Jr., IBEW Local 134 (Trisha) Cox, and Kevin (Chrissy) Cox; Proud grandmother of Sean, CFD (fiancee Jacqueline Murray), Audrey (fiance Austin Dieringer), Daniel, Anne, Hannah, Brenna, and Quinn; Preceded in death by her siblings Lorraine (the late Thaddeus) Kawalek, Stanley (Loretta) Wielgos, Teddy (the late Marilyn) Wielgos, Chester Wielgos and Raymond (Joan) Wielgos; Dearest sister-in-law , aunt and friend of many. Visitation Thursday 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Funeral Friday, 9:30 a.m. from Curley Funeral Home, 6116 W. 111th St., Chicago Ridge, IL 60415 to St. John Fisher Church, 103rd Street & Fairfield Avenue, Chicago. Mass 10:30 a.m. Interment Holy Sepulchre Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to Christmas Without Cancer (www.christmaswithoutcancer.org) will be appreciated. For Funeral Info.: (708) 422-2700 or www.curleyfuneralhome.com.
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James B. Kelly “Soup” retired C PD, passed away peacefully at the age of 80 on September 3, 2023. Jim was a lifelong resident of Chicago’s Southside, and grew up in the Canaryville neighborhood. Beloved husband of the late Charlene Kelly (Green); loving son of the late James E. and Mary Kelly (Clelland); loving brother of the late Dolores (late Jack, MD.) McGrath, late Margaret (late James) Moster, late Joan (late Robert) Sheldon, late Donna Kelly, late Marilyn (late James) McArdle, late Judy (late Joseph, MD.) Scallon, Sally (late Dennis, CPD) Deneen, Maureen (late Neil) Danaher, John (Ceil) Kelly; fond brother-in-law of Ellen (late Doug) Green. Loving Uncle to many nieces and nephews. Jim was a proud member of the FOP, The Flags Club and Madonna K of C. He was a devout Catholic and prayed for anyone in need. He was a gentle man with a huge heart and a giving personality. Jim will be deeply missed by all who knew him. In lieu of flowers, donations to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, St. Gabriel Church, or Catholic Charity of your choice would be appreciated. Services at St. Gabriel Church, 4500 South Lowe Avenue, Chicago, il 60609 on Friday, September 8, 2023 from 10 a.m. until time of Funeral Mass at 12 Noon. Burial will be private for his family. Please visit JAMES KELLY book of memories. To express your thoughts or memories in the online guest book, visit http://WWW.CHAPELC.COM or FACEBOOK.COM/FUNERALMC. For information 773 268-0703 or 773 581-9000. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of James B ""Soup"" Kelly, please visit our Heartfelt Sympathies Store.
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Oliver S. Love, 51, died unexpectedly on August 30, 2023, at his home in Naperville, IL. He was born in Houston, TX, on May 26, 1972. Beloved father of Sofia, 19, and Sam, 16, both of Naperville, Oliver is also survived by his father, John (Colleen) Love of Evanston; his older sister, Molly (Joel) Suchomel, of Indian Rocks Beach, Fl; and by two younger brothers, Matthew (Sarah) and Jonathan (Allison), both of Glenview, IL. He is also survived by his long-time loving partner, Kelly Johnson, of Naperville. Other survivors include 10 nieces and nephews. Oliver is preceded in death by his mother, Virginia L. Love (nee Linden). Oliver grew up in Schaumburg, IL, and attended Hoffman Estates High School, where he lettered in cross country track. He attended Illinois State University, receiving his bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, and then worked as a patrolman for 12 Years with the Police Department of Bloomington, IL. In 2009, he joined Vertical Web Media, a Chicago-based media company specializing in e-commerce technology, and spent the last 14 years selling advertising for the company’s media products and exhibits for its conferences. An avid Chicago White Sox and Bears fan, Oliver regularly attended their games with his family members and many friends who treasured his infectious smile and laughter. He was passionate about caring for his children and spending time with his entire family. He enjoyed traveling, going on many outdoors adventures, and caring for his beloved cats, including Nala, the last to survive him. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the American Heart Association. For more information, please call 630-355-0213. Visitation will be held on Friday, September 8, 2023, from 4 PM to 8 PM at Friedrich Jones Funeral Home, 44 S. Mill St., Naperville, IL 60540. A Memorial Service will be held at the funeral home beginning at 10 AM on Saturday, September 9, 2023, and followed by the burial at Naperville Cemetery.
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Donald Peter Schmidt was born July 3rd, 1934 to Joseph and Agnes (nee Weber) Schmidt. He died peacefully on September 2nd, 2023 surrounded by his loved ones. Don had a larger than life personality and was known as "Captain Don" throughout the neighborhood. Don and his beloved wife, Mary Lou (nee Molendi) raised five loving children, Cynthia (Ali), William (Patrice), Joseph (Laura), Lisa (Clifford), and Anthony (Laura). Don joined the US Marine Corp Reserves, was a proud Merchant Mariner, highly respected Tugboat Captain and a Chief Engineer sailing the Great Lakes. Don retired as a Marine Pilot operating the CFD Fireboats. Don is survived by five children, ten grandchildren, fifteen great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Mary Lou, his parents Joseph and Agnes and his siblings Robert, Kenneth, and James. Visitation is Friday, September 8th, 2023 at Smith-Corcoran Funeral Home, 6150 Cicero, Chicago, from 4-8pm. Mass is Saturday, September 9th, 2023, at Queen of All Saints Basilica 10am. Interment to follow at Maryhill Cemetery.
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Robert J. Skwarek, 67, retired firefighter for the City of Chicago for more than 32 years, died suddenly on Saturday, September 2, 2023. Beloved son of Frances and John “Lefty” Skwarek (both deceased); cherished brother of Carol, Teresa, and Donna; dearest brother-in-law of his eager co-pilot Serge Fourmaux. Now reunited with his treasured twin brother, the late, great Phil. Bob was a remarkable soul, generous with his time, talents, and kindness, endearing him to many, especially his extended family at the Wooddale Beach Association in Lake Geneva, his Burlington flying buddies, and the Bebak clan in the Northwoods of Wisconsin. Bob led a remarkable life and lived it to the fullest. Hard-working and humble, he touched the lives of many as a firefighter, engineer, certified EMT, and air/sea rescue diver for the Chicago Fire Department; an aviator and certified flight instructor; and an athlete and outdoorsman. Bob excelled at sports: baseball, hockey, tennis, open water swimming, scuba diving, and most recently pickleball. He loved the outdoors, feeding his hummingbirds daily, fishing for the cycle with Phil, casting while canoeing down the Flambeau River, eager to relay the day’s adventures. A good friend and neighbor, Bob always lent a helping hand to anyone in need and was generous with his labors. A handyman extraordinaire, he could find a solution to just about any problem and made friends in every place he landed. His subtle sense of humor kept you laughing and thinking. Caring, compassionate, and much loved, Bob left the world a better place and left his family and friends much too soon. We will miss you terribly, Bob, and trust that your last flight into the heavens, with your new set of wings, will bring you eternal joy. Aloha! Due to COVID-19, services will be private. Interment at Resurrection Cemetery, Justice, IL. Arrangements by Wolniak Funeral Home, 773-767-4500 or www.wolniakfuneralhome.com,
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Kevin P. Ward, 58, a Lieutenant and Chicago Fire Department member for 27 years died August 28th 2023 in the line of duty as the result of injuries sustained fighting a house fire on August 11th 2023. He died peacefully with his family around him. Kevin was born in Oxford, England, the son of John F. Ward and Valerie J. (Carney) Ward. He was preceded in death by his mother and is survived by his father, stepmother Beth Ward, sister Karen (Wren) Aislinn, and nephew and niece Keegan and Piper Aislinn. He married Corrinne Walenda in 2004 and though now divorced, remained close friends. Kevin grew up in Ann Arbor, Michigan earning a bachelor’s degree in economics from the University of Michigan in 1986. After a decade of adventures which included working as an options trader at the Chicago Mercantile Exchange, a ski resort employee and hotel chef in Colorado, and as a commercial fishing deckhand on a boat out of Alaska he proudly joined the Chicago Fire Department in 1996. Many of Kevin’s favorite activities, over the years, involved action with an element of risk mitigated by thoughtful attention to technique—sailing, skiing, wind surfing and scuba diving. Firefighting had a similar appeal for him, as well as providing a stable career, comradeship and an opportunity for service to the community. Over the last few years his sporting interest has focused on underwater hockey where rigorous training has allowed him to compete with players much younger than himself. Kevin has designed and blown art glass, in a studio/workshop whose apparatus he constructed himself, with many of his friends enjoying examples of his work that he has gifted to them. He also acquired a broad set of design/engineering skills including machining and welding. As an example, this included rebuilding the engine of a Porsche car that fulfilled a life-long dream. Kevin planned to retire with his German Shepherd “Skye” in Colorado where he owned a cabin. He would have used his excavator to prepare the foundation for his new workshop. Rising above this idyllic cabin is a rocky outcrop, from the top of which one can look out to Denver and the Great Plains to the east and see peaks of the continental divide to the west. Funeral Services for Kevin will be held Wednesday, September 13, 2023 with a visitation from 9am until time of service at 11am at the Fourth Presbyterian Church, North Michigan Avenue at Delaware Place, Chicago. Interment private. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Ignite the Spirit Fund, 6400 N. Northwest Highway, Unit 402, Chicago, Illinois 60631 or at Ignitethespirit.org. Funeral services provided by, Dignity Memorial, Chapel Hill Gardens West Funeral Home.
AND…
Greetings Brother Knights!
Our September meeting is at hand at the Beautiful Camp Sullivan, 14630 S. Oak Park, Oak Forest.
This will be a outdoor meeting: AKA - "Beer, Brats & War Stories" ... we will have a quick meeting and adjourn to sit around the campfire ....so bring an appetite and maybe a folding chair and of course a war store and we'll do the rest ... this is the ideal time to bring a potential new member.
LOCATION: 14630 S. Oak Park Ave., Oak Forest IL.
Date: September 6, 2023, 6:30pm (first Wednesday of the month)
(Second war-store is acceptable). See you at Camp Sullivan.
Dennis P. Fitzgerald, Grand Knight.
WILLIAM CHARLES BISCH, beloved husband of Kathleen Bisch (nee Callahan); loving father of Colleen (Iurii) Koza, Melissa, Patrick (Julie), Sarah (Dan) Gruzwalski and Kevin (Mary); adored grandfather of Cadence, Parker, Cillian, Carter, Elliott, Rayah and Billie; dear son of Germana and the late Robert Bisch; dear brother of Laura (Rich) Rybka, Janet Annen and Michael (Dorothy) Bisch; dear son-in-law of Eugene, retired CFD and the late Catherine Callahan; dear brother-in-law of Michael retired CFD (Lisa, retired CPD) Callahan, Timothy (late Lynn) Callahan, Mary (late Robert) Denson, Patrick (Christine) Callahan and Jerry (Suzanne) Callahan; fond uncle of many nieces and nephews; cousin and friend to many. Visitation Friday, September 8, 2023, 2:00 - 8:00 PM at Zarzycki Manor Chapel Ltd, 8999 South Archer Ave., Willow Springs, IL. Closing Prayers Saturday, September 9, 2023, 8:45 AM, to St Patrick Catholic Church 200 East Illinois Street, Lemont, IL for 10:00 AM Mass of Christian Burial. Interment Good Shepherd Cemetery,16201 104th Avenue, Orland Park, IL. Obituary | William Charles Bisch | Wolniak Funeral Home Obituary information for William Charles Bisch (zarzyckimanorchapels.com).
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Diane M. Cox, nee Wielgos, 82, Beloved wife of the late Thomas L., (Ret. CPD) for 55 years; Loving and caring mother of Karen (Tom, Ret. CFD) O'Connell, Kathleen (Jim, Local 73) Brazel, JoAnn (Bryan, Local 10) Reilly, Thomas Jr., IBEW Local 134 (Trisha) Cox, and Kevin (Chrissy) Cox; Proud grandmother of Sean, CFD (fiancee Jacqueline Murray), Audrey (fiance Austin Dieringer), Daniel, Anne, Hannah, Brenna, and Quinn; Preceded in death by her siblings Lorraine (the late Thaddeus) Kawalek, Stanley (Loretta) Wielgos, Teddy (the late Marilyn) Wielgos, Chester Wielgos and Raymond (Joan) Wielgos; Dearest sister-in-law , aunt and friend of many. Visitation Thursday 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Funeral Friday, 9:30 a.m. from Curley Funeral Home, 6116 W. 111th St., Chicago Ridge, IL 60415 to St. John Fisher Church, 103rd Street & Fairfield Avenue, Chicago. Mass 10:30 a.m. Interment Holy Sepulchre Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to Christmas Without Cancer (www.christmaswithoutcancer.org) will be appreciated. For Funeral Info.: (708) 422-2700 or www.curleyfuneralhome.com.
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James B. Kelly “Soup” retired C PD, passed away peacefully at the age of 80 on September 3, 2023. Jim was a lifelong resident of Chicago’s Southside, and grew up in the Canaryville neighborhood. Beloved husband of the late Charlene Kelly (Green); loving son of the late James E. and Mary Kelly (Clelland); loving brother of the late Dolores (late Jack, MD.) McGrath, late Margaret (late James) Moster, late Joan (late Robert) Sheldon, late Donna Kelly, late Marilyn (late James) McArdle, late Judy (late Joseph, MD.) Scallon, Sally (late Dennis, CPD) Deneen, Maureen (late Neil) Danaher, John (Ceil) Kelly; fond brother-in-law of Ellen (late Doug) Green. Loving Uncle to many nieces and nephews. Jim was a proud member of the FOP, The Flags Club and Madonna K of C. He was a devout Catholic and prayed for anyone in need. He was a gentle man with a huge heart and a giving personality. Jim will be deeply missed by all who knew him. In lieu of flowers, donations to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, St. Gabriel Church, or Catholic Charity of your choice would be appreciated. Services at St. Gabriel Church, 4500 South Lowe Avenue, Chicago, il 60609 on Friday, September 8, 2023 from 10 a.m. until time of Funeral Mass at 12 Noon. Burial will be private for his family. Please visit JAMES KELLY book of memories. To express your thoughts or memories in the online guest book, visit http://WWW.CHAPELC.COM or FACEBOOK.COM/FUNERALMC. For information 773 268-0703 or 773 581-9000. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of James B ""Soup"" Kelly, please visit our Heartfelt Sympathies Store.
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Oliver S. Love, 51, died unexpectedly on August 30, 2023, at his home in Naperville, IL. He was born in Houston, TX, on May 26, 1972. Beloved father of Sofia, 19, and Sam, 16, both of Naperville, Oliver is also survived by his father, John (Colleen) Love of Evanston; his older sister, Molly (Joel) Suchomel, of Indian Rocks Beach, Fl; and by two younger brothers, Matthew (Sarah) and Jonathan (Allison), both of Glenview, IL. He is also survived by his long-time loving partner, Kelly Johnson, of Naperville. Other survivors include 10 nieces and nephews. Oliver is preceded in death by his mother, Virginia L. Love (nee Linden). Oliver grew up in Schaumburg, IL, and attended Hoffman Estates High School, where he lettered in cross country track. He attended Illinois State University, receiving his bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, and then worked as a patrolman for 12 Years with the Police Department of Bloomington, IL. In 2009, he joined Vertical Web Media, a Chicago-based media company specializing in e-commerce technology, and spent the last 14 years selling advertising for the company’s media products and exhibits for its conferences. An avid Chicago White Sox and Bears fan, Oliver regularly attended their games with his family members and many friends who treasured his infectious smile and laughter. He was passionate about caring for his children and spending time with his entire family. He enjoyed traveling, going on many outdoors adventures, and caring for his beloved cats, including Nala, the last to survive him. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the American Heart Association. For more information, please call 630-355-0213. Visitation will be held on Friday, September 8, 2023, from 4 PM to 8 PM at Friedrich Jones Funeral Home, 44 S. Mill St., Naperville, IL 60540. A Memorial Service will be held at the funeral home beginning at 10 AM on Saturday, September 9, 2023, and followed by the burial at Naperville Cemetery.
Schmidt.png
Donald Peter Schmidt was born July 3rd, 1934 to Joseph and Agnes (nee Weber) Schmidt. He died peacefully on September 2nd, 2023 surrounded by his loved ones. Don had a larger than life personality and was known as "Captain Don" throughout the neighborhood. Don and his beloved wife, Mary Lou (nee Molendi) raised five loving children, Cynthia (Ali), William (Patrice), Joseph (Laura), Lisa (Clifford), and Anthony (Laura). Don joined the US Marine Corp Reserves, was a proud Merchant Mariner, highly respected Tugboat Captain and a Chief Engineer sailing the Great Lakes. Don retired as a Marine Pilot operating the CFD Fireboats. Don is survived by five children, ten grandchildren, fifteen great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Mary Lou, his parents Joseph and Agnes and his siblings Robert, Kenneth, and James. Visitation is Friday, September 8th, 2023 at Smith-Corcoran Funeral Home, 6150 Cicero, Chicago, from 4-8pm. Mass is Saturday, September 9th, 2023, at Queen of All Saints Basilica 10am. Interment to follow at Maryhill Cemetery.
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Robert J. Skwarek, 67, retired firefighter for the City of Chicago for more than 32 years, died suddenly on Saturday, September 2, 2023. Beloved son of Frances and John “Lefty” Skwarek (both deceased); cherished brother of Carol, Teresa, and Donna; dearest brother-in-law of his eager co-pilot Serge Fourmaux. Now reunited with his treasured twin brother, the late, great Phil. Bob was a remarkable soul, generous with his time, talents, and kindness, endearing him to many, especially his extended family at the Wooddale Beach Association in Lake Geneva, his Burlington flying buddies, and the Bebak clan in the Northwoods of Wisconsin. Bob led a remarkable life and lived it to the fullest. Hard-working and humble, he touched the lives of many as a firefighter, engineer, certified EMT, and air/sea rescue diver for the Chicago Fire Department; an aviator and certified flight instructor; and an athlete and outdoorsman. Bob excelled at sports: baseball, hockey, tennis, open water swimming, scuba diving, and most recently pickleball. He loved the outdoors, feeding his hummingbirds daily, fishing for the cycle with Phil, casting while canoeing down the Flambeau River, eager to relay the day’s adventures. A good friend and neighbor, Bob always lent a helping hand to anyone in need and was generous with his labors. A handyman extraordinaire, he could find a solution to just about any problem and made friends in every place he landed. His subtle sense of humor kept you laughing and thinking. Caring, compassionate, and much loved, Bob left the world a better place and left his family and friends much too soon. We will miss you terribly, Bob, and trust that your last flight into the heavens, with your new set of wings, will bring you eternal joy. Aloha! Due to COVID-19, services will be private. Interment at Resurrection Cemetery, Justice, IL. Arrangements by Wolniak Funeral Home, 773-767-4500 or www.wolniakfuneralhome.com,
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Kevin P. Ward, 58, a Lieutenant and Chicago Fire Department member for 27 years died August 28th 2023 in the line of duty as the result of injuries sustained fighting a house fire on August 11th 2023. He died peacefully with his family around him. Kevin was born in Oxford, England, the son of John F. Ward and Valerie J. (Carney) Ward. He was preceded in death by his mother and is survived by his father, stepmother Beth Ward, sister Karen (Wren) Aislinn, and nephew and niece Keegan and Piper Aislinn. He married Corrinne Walenda in 2004 and though now divorced, remained close friends. Kevin grew up in Ann Arbor, Michigan earning a bachelor’s degree in economics from the University of Michigan in 1986. After a decade of adventures which included working as an options trader at the Chicago Mercantile Exchange, a ski resort employee and hotel chef in Colorado, and as a commercial fishing deckhand on a boat out of Alaska he proudly joined the Chicago Fire Department in 1996. Many of Kevin’s favorite activities, over the years, involved action with an element of risk mitigated by thoughtful attention to technique—sailing, skiing, wind surfing and scuba diving. Firefighting had a similar appeal for him, as well as providing a stable career, comradeship and an opportunity for service to the community. Over the last few years his sporting interest has focused on underwater hockey where rigorous training has allowed him to compete with players much younger than himself. Kevin has designed and blown art glass, in a studio/workshop whose apparatus he constructed himself, with many of his friends enjoying examples of his work that he has gifted to them. He also acquired a broad set of design/engineering skills including machining and welding. As an example, this included rebuilding the engine of a Porsche car that fulfilled a life-long dream. Kevin planned to retire with his German Shepherd “Skye” in Colorado where he owned a cabin. He would have used his excavator to prepare the foundation for his new workshop. Rising above this idyllic cabin is a rocky outcrop, from the top of which one can look out to Denver and the Great Plains to the east and see peaks of the continental divide to the west. Funeral Services for Kevin will be held Wednesday, September 13, 2023 with a visitation from 9am until time of service at 11am at the Fourth Presbyterian Church, North Michigan Avenue at Delaware Place, Chicago. Interment private. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Ignite the Spirit Fund, 6400 N. Northwest Highway, Unit 402, Chicago, Illinois 60631 or at Ignitethespirit.org. Funeral services provided by, Dignity Memorial, Chapel Hill Gardens West Funeral Home.
AND…
Greetings Brother Knights!
Our September meeting is at hand at the Beautiful Camp Sullivan, 14630 S. Oak Park, Oak Forest.
This will be a outdoor meeting: AKA - "Beer, Brats & War Stories" ... we will have a quick meeting and adjourn to sit around the campfire ....so bring an appetite and maybe a folding chair and of course a war store and we'll do the rest ... this is the ideal time to bring a potential new member.
LOCATION: 14630 S. Oak Park Ave., Oak Forest IL.
Date: September 6, 2023, 6:30pm (first Wednesday of the month)
(Second war-store is acceptable). See you at Camp Sullivan.
Dennis P. Fitzgerald, Grand Knight.