INFORMATION

[cdillon]

Subject: death notices and information July 17, 2026




Kim O'Malley 49025963

Kim O’Malley (nee Linkenheld) age 65, passed away peacefully surrounded by Love. Loving Mother of Justin (Kristina), Shannon (Tom CFD) Grant, and Brendan (Ashley). Devoted Nana of Oliver and Jack O’Malley, Teddy, Georgie and Lucy Grant. Cherished Sister of Debbie Miller, Sharon Denison and Bob (Tracey) Linkenheld. Adored companion of Jaime O’Malley. Daughter of the late Robert and Arlene Linkenheld. Visitation Wednesday, July 22nd at St. Barnabas Church, 10134 S. Longwood Dr., Chicago from 9:30 am until time of Mass 11:30 am. Interment private. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Mission MSA, P.O. Box 735039, Chicago, IL 60673 or www.missionmsa.org and Cure PSP, 325 Hudson St., 4th Fl., New York, NY 10013 or https://www.psp.org/. Arrangements entrusted to Donnellan Funeral Home. For info 773-238-0075 or sign guestbook at http://www.donnellanfuneralhome.com.

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1/24/1925 - 7/16/2026
Helena Wills nee Koszut. Age 101. Longtime resident of Chicago’s Mt. Greenwood/St Christina Parish Neighborhood, formerly of Chicago’s West Pullman and Historic Pullman Neighborhood. Graduate of St Salomea Catholic Grammar School and Mercy High School Class of 1943. Worked at Sherwin Williams and later as a Graphic Designer for Blue Streak and Cadore-Miller Printing. Wife for 62 years of the late Clarence Wills, Ret CFD. Mother of Elizabeth (Clark, Ret CFD) Staten, Robert (Deb), Gary (Diane) and Bill (Kathy) Wills. Grandmother of Elizabeth and Lauren Staten, Louis, Leah (Melissa Bleak), Rebecca, Jim Wills and Emily (Christopher) Rickert. Great grandmother of Brody Wills and Miles Rickert. Daughter of the late Eleanor and Victor Koszut. Sister of the late Matthew Koszut. Aunt of many nieces and nephews. Visitation will be on Monday, July 20, 2026, from 3 pm until 7 pm at Donnellan Funeral Home, 10525 S. Western Ave., Chicago. Funeral Tuesday 9:00 am from the funeral home to St Christina Church, 3342 W. 111th Street, Chicago, for Mass 9:30 am. Interment Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, Alsip. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Helena’s name to EMQW Widow and Children’s Fund, 20 South Clark Street, Ste 300, Chicago, IL, 60603 or http://www.widowsandchildren.org would be appreciated by the Wills family. Info 773-238-0075 and www.donnellanfuneralhome.com.

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Thomas R. Tom Merkel 49025256
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Thomas R. “Tom” Merkel, age 58, of Chicago.



Incredible and loving father to Jack and Max Merkel; beloved son of Noreen Brown Merkel; devoted brother of Beth (Daniel) Stromborg and Patrick, Robert, and Phillip Merkel; dear uncle of Robbie, Matthew, and Alex Merkel and Owen Stromborg; loyal friend of many; and a man whose kindness left an unforgettable mark on everyone who knew him.



Tom was the proud owner of a successful sign business, where his creativity, craftsmanship, and dedication were evident in every project he did. Yet it was his generous heart and willingness to help others that truly defined his life. He believed in giving back, quietly helping anyone who needed a hand without ever asking for recognition.



His generosity extended far beyond his business. Tom devoted countless hours to helping children in his community and was a passionate supporter of the Chicago Police Foundation. His compassion, generosity, and selflessness touched countless lives.



Tom found joy in life's simple pleasures. He was a lifelong fan of the Grateful Dead, whose music became the soundtrack to so many cherished memories. He also faithfully cheered on his beloved Chicago sports teams through every season, celebrating every victory.



To his family, Tom was so much more than a brother. He was a source of strength, wisdom, laughter, and unconditional love. He had an incredible gift for making everyone feel welcome, valued, and cared for. His warmth, generosity, and gentle spirit will be remembered by all who were fortunate enough to know him.



Although our hearts are broken by his passing, we are forever grateful for the gift of having Tom in our lives. His love, kindness, generosity, and unwavering commitment to helping others will continue to live on in the hearts of his sons, his family, his many friends, and the countless people whose lives he touched.



Rest in peace, Tom. Your life was a blessing, your memory a treasure, and your love will remain with us forever.



Memorial Gathering, Tuesday, July 21, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., at HABEN Funeral Home & Crematory, 8057 Niles Center Rd., Skokie.



Funeral info: 847.673.6111 or habenfuneral.com to leave a condolence message.
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Robert Fitzhugh retired CPD passed away. Information attached.
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