In person or online arrangements from the comfort of your home. 224-800-0598
Maureen A. Ely
Maureen A. Ely (nee McCarthy), age 77, affectionately known as “Renie” and “Mo” of Arlington Heights, IL, passed away peacefully on September 29, 2026. She was the 5th of 7 children born in October 1948 to the late Martin & Mary (Le Clair) McCarthy in Chicago, IL. Sister to the late James (Rita) McCarthy, the late Marilyn (John) Suerth, Margaret (Ripoli) Dimuzio, Kathleen Mackowiak, Robert (Georgina) McCarthy, and Patricia Chirello.
A graduate of Alvernia High School, she went on to study fashion and interior design at Northwestern University and Northern Illinois, where she played volleyball and was a member of Delta Gamma sorority. Her constant hunger for learning sent her back to school in midlife, earning a baccalaureate in Science for Business Management at National Louis University.
She married and later divorced her neighborhood crush, the late Richard Petersen. Active members of The Model “A” Restorers Club, Illinois Region, proprietors of the Tiffany Inn Saloon, Chicago, and served as his first mate at the New Buffalo Yacht Club. Together they began their legacy, and Maureen’s greatest source of joy, with whom they are survived by: Daughters Tiffany (James) Bucolt, Meghan Stockdale (Tony) Meneghetti, and 3 grandchildren, Victoria (Brady), Olivia, and Bodhi.
Maureen’s greatest career achievements were her work in both travel and the exhibit and design industry. Previously, she worked in “the car biz” at Seltzer Pontiac, where she met her soulmate and 2nd husband, the late Paul Hellman (1998). Together they traveled the world extensively, shared quiet nights, “punny” moments, and created a welcoming, loving home. Through Paul, her family grew, and she is survived by his 2 children, Brad (Kelley) Hellman, Brooke (Richard) Hoffman, 2 grandchildren, Tiffany (Mike) Cavanaugh & Kody, and 3 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by granddaughter Katie Hellman.
Maureen later met one of the best friends of her lifetime and fell hopelessly in love with the man who healed her heart. She married the late Wayne Ely in 2013, who is survived by his daughter Robin (Michael) Suson, the late Dana (Michael) Differding, and 6 grandchildren Ryan, Kylie, Mackenzie, Sydney, Eli and Kassidy. Together they spent days on the golf course, road-tripping US landmarks, snow birding in Sun City, Arizona, and genuinely embracing the adventure and gift of life.
Maureen captivated a crowd when she entered a room with her twinkling blues, style, grace, confidence, and magnetic personality. She never met a stranger, loved a good blonde joke, and had a generous heart. She was often seen doing her puzzles, dancing like no one was watching, or at the Sunday show. She will be remembered for her brilliance, wit, mad organizational skills, and, of course, as a favorite aunt to her many nieces and nephews, and for fiercely loving her family. She “Loved you all bunches,” and her earthly presence will be missed beyond words.
In-Person Visitation & Funeral Mass
(Note: option to join livestream Mass)
Saturday October 17th
Visitation: 10 am - 11 am CST
Mass: 11 am CST
Our Lady of the Wayside Catholic Church
Livestream link: Https://youtube.com/live/drcfaJyv7IA?feature=share
Inurnment to immediately follow:
Randhill Park Cemetery (within Shalom Memorial Gardens)
Alexander S. Kush
In loving memory of Alexander S. Kush
September 23, 1930 – August 24, 2026
Alexander S. Kush, age 95, of Arlington Heights, Illinois, passed away peacefully on August 24, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. Alexander was born on September 23, 1930, in Chicago, Illinois, the son of Stanley Kush and
Apolonia (Klaczek) Kush, with his brothers Frank and Edmund Kush. He was preceded in death by his family.
Alexander attended DePaul University, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in Business/Accounting. During his time at DePaul, he was proud to serve as President of his
fraternity, Phi Sigma Phi. An experience that reflected the leadership, confidence, determination, and life long friendships he carried with him throughout his life.
Alexander was a successful businessman and entrepreneur who built a career he could be proud of. He owned and operated his own Mail Order Direct Marketing company, A. Kush & Associates Limited, and served as Owner and President of company with operations in Palatine, Illinois and Toronto, Canada. He approached his work with determination and a
strong sense of responsibility, creating a legacy through both his professional accomplishments and the relationships he built along the way. But beyond his professional accomplishments, Alexander’s greatest legacy was his family.
He was a man of strong convictions who believed in standing by what he felt was right. He could be firm, straightforward, and determined, but beneath that strength was a deep love for the people who mattered most to him. His family knew his strength, his wisdom, his personality, and the way he cared in his own unique way. He created a “Village” filled with Grandparents, Uncles, Aunts, Nephews, Nieces, and Cousins who kept the family close.
Alexander is survived by his children, Elizabeth Kush, Christopher Kush (Kevin Schultze),
and Matthew Kush, who will carry with them the memories, lessons, and moments that
made their father uniquely their own.
He is also survived by his grandchildren, Courtney Golliher, Zachary Pielin, Mackenzie
Pielin, Jeremy Kush, and Jason Kush; his God child Ronnie Andrade. His grandchildren will remember their grandfather and the place he held in their family, carrying his memory forward for generations to come.
Alexander’s life was also deeply connected to his late wife and life partner, Donara (Andrade) Kush Schmidt. Their years together were an important part of his life and his story, and her memory remains a cherished part of the family. Close to his heart, Alexander
kept meaningful and lifelong connections including; Andree La Pierre, Tom Pielin, Ted Schrage, Jim Schreiber, Geri Trush, Jim Greico and the Vertuno family.
At 95 years old, Alexander leaves behind more than a lifetime of accomplishments. He leaves
behind stories, memories, family traditions, lessons learned, and the lasting impression of a
life lived on his own terms. He loved to travel and took his children on many vacations and
experiences while growing up. Though he will be deeply missed, his memory will continue
through his children, grandchildren, and all those whose lives he touched. Alexander was a
wonderful, caring, loving Father and Grandfather.
A private ceremony will be held at a later date. Cremation rites have been accorded.
Inurnment will take place at St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Cemetery in Palatine, Illinois.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Alexander’s name to the American
Heart Association. Services have been entrusted to Arlington Funeral Services, LLC.
Daniel E. Ratzke
In loving memory of Daniel E. Ratzke
March 25, 1960 – July 4, 2026
It is with profound sadness and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Daniel E. Ratzke, who departed this life on July 4, 2026, at the age of 66.
Daniel was above all a devoted husband, loving father, proud grandfather and great-grandfather, a trusted uncle and a loyal friend. His greatest joy in life was his family, and he dedicated every day to providing for, protecting, and loving those closest to him.
Twenty-one years ago, Daniel met the love of his life, Betty-Rae, the woman he often described as the most beautiful person, both inside and out. Together, they built a life with unconditional love, laughter, and unforgettable adventures. They shared 17 wonderful years of marriage before his passing. Daniel often said that his only regret was not meeting Betty-Rae sooner. Whether traveling across the country, relaxing on a tropical beach, or simply walking hand in hand together, there was nowhere else he would rather have been. Their love was one that many aspire to find, and the memories they created together will forever remain in Betty-Rae’s heart.
Daniel was a proud father of three children. He was preceded in death by his beloved daughter, Dawn M. Morales, whose passing left a permanent hole in his heart. He is survived by his sons, Daniel E Ratzke Jr. and his wife Sherri and Christopher W. Ratzke and his fiancée Ayzia Westerveld.
He was also a wonderful and supportive uncle to his 3 nephews Dave Ratzke, Cole Spurlock and Luke Spurlock.
His greatest title, however, was “Papa”. He leaves behind 9 cherished grandchildren: America, Sierra, Leland, Connor, Alexis, Helena, Raelyn, Delylah, and Romeo, along with 2 beloved great-grandchildren: Alaya and Jr. His grandchildren knew that they could never walk into Papa’s house without hearing one of his jokes or being asked if they were hungry. Dan was a feeder at heart, believing that no one should ever leave his home hungry. More importantly, they knew that they were loved beyond measure. He helped raise each of them in one way or another, teaching then everything from cooking family meals to life’s most valuable lessons. Without hesitation, he would have given his life to protect any one of his children or grandchildren.
Daniel spent his career working as a millwright, a man who could fix nearly anything with a wrench in his hand. He would work tirelessly, often holding multiple jobs, sacrificing hours to provide his children with every opportunity possible. His work ethic was unmatched, and he lived by the belief that hard work was the foundation of a good life.
Outside of work, Dan enjoyed riding his motorcycle, working in his garage, playing X-Box with his friends, traveling, just sitting around watching a good movie and spending time with family.
Daniel was welcomed into Heaven by those who went before him: his loving mother, Mary Lou Ratzke, his sister, Gail Ratzke, his beautiful daughter, Dawn M Morales, and his cherished mother-in-law, Elizabeth A. Olejcak.
Though our hearts are broken, Daniel’s legacy will live on through every lesson he taught, every laugh he shared, and every meal he prepared, and every life that he touched. He instilled values that will continue to guide his family for generations to come.
Daniel will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. His stories, his humor, his generosity, and his unwavering devotion to his family will never be forgotten.
May he rest in eternal peace, reunited with those who have gone before him, and may the countless memories he created continue to bring comfort, laughter, and love to all whose lives he touched.
Sharon L. Arne-Cremer
Sharon L. Arne-Cremer of Rockford passed away May 25, 2026. Born May 17, 1941, daughter of Irvin N. Arne and Edna D. (Olson) Arne. Sharon graduated from Rochelle Township High School, Rochelle, IL. She attended St. Anthony School Of Nursing, Rockford, IL. Sharon worked for many years in administrative, legal, medical and restaurant fields before retiring from her last position at UPS, Rockford, IL. She was a single parent for several years, raising her four children. She thanks God for being at her side and was extremely proud of the success of her children. Sharon had many great interests. She was an avid snow skier and skied at many top ski resorts in the United States and the Swiss Alps in Switzerland. She was a member of the Rockford Ski Club. Sharon loved winter sports and enjoyed racing snowmobiles. She loved music and playing the saxophone from a young age with the high school marching band as well as playing in orchestras and supper club jazz bands. Her favorite song was “In the Mood”. Predeceased by her parents Irvin and Edna, Arne, sister-in-law, Jaci Arne and son-in-law, Kent Kunz.
Survivors include daughters, Cheryl Kunz, Rockford, IL; Connie Linenfelser, Rockford, IL; sons Jeffri (Jennifer) Cremer, Rockford, IL and Shawn (Emily) Cremer, Arlington Heights, IL; sister Carol (Charles) Decker, Sedona, AZ; and Darrel Arne, Albuquerque, NM. Nine Grandchildren: Joseph Linenfelser, Rebeka (Andrew) Kohlhorst, Kelsey (Ryan) McNabb, Anthony Linenfelser, Amanda Quade, Kyle Cremer, Brandon Cremer, Noah Cremer and Brody Cremer. Twelve Great Grandchildren: Landon Kohlhorst, Santino Balice, Jacob Quade, Jr., Wyatt Kohlhorst, Grady Kohlhorst, Quinn McNabb, Anya Linenfelser, Nikolai Linenfelser, Sawyer McNabb, Scarlett Cremer, Luca Linenfelser and Sailor Cremer. Niece Katharine (David) Decker-Gonzales and nephews Ryan (Joung Ju) Arne and Steve (Kelly) Arne.
A private graveside service was held in Steward, IL.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Noah's Ark Animal Sanctuary & Clinic of Rockford at https://www.noahsarkanimals.org/donate or Huntington's Disease Society of America at https://give.hdsa.org/campaign/740121/donate
