Kristi Marie Best, loving dog mom to Shelby, passed away on September 21, 2021, at the age of 45.  Her love for animals, especially dogs, was her biggest passion and inspiration in life.  She is survived by her husband and best friend, Robert Krastine.  Loving daughter of Barbara Houcek-Best and Jack Best and his wife, Katie.  Cherished sister of Julie Thibos (Mark), Tracy Vittorini (Anthony), Brian Best (Gina) and Sara White.  She was a wonderful aunt to Taylor and Dylan Thibos, Caden and AJ Vittorini and Brandt and Brody Best.  There are so many memories that she left with her niece and nephews.  Not surprisingly, most are around exotic animals and various pets.  They were able to experience tortoises, bearded dragons, snakes and baby kittens, just to name a few, and she even sent them porcupine quills for show and tell.  She always said that if it were not for her, they would never experience these animals.  Kristi was preceded in death by her grandparents, Edward and Antoinette Houcek and Russell and June Best.

Kristi's dream job of becoming a veterinary technician began at the age of 18.  She went above and beyond for the animals she cared for; their families were lucky to have their pet under her exceptional care.  The endless thank you notes and acknowledgements she received over the years, are a testament to her dedication.  We have never known anyone who loved their job as much as Kristi.  From a young age, Kristi was always finding and rescuing strays.  No strays were left behind once Kristi laid her eyes on them.  If Kristi could have, she would have opened her own dog rescue and had dogs everywhere.

A memorial visitation will take place on Wednesday, October 6th from 2PM-8PM with a service at 7PM at Adolf Funeral Home, 7000 S Madison St, Willowbrook, IL.  Internment at final resting place at a future date.

Kristi volunteered extensively with and fostered for several rescues and organizations over the years.  However, Peace for Pits was near and dear to her heart.  In lieu of flowers, Kristi's wish would be that any donations in her name be made to Peace for Pits, P.O. Box 5430, Villa Park, IL 60181 or https://peaceforpits.org  To view service live click  https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86589164019?pwd=TnFMeUFIclJrVTY5OENJSmhmRm9kdz09

Lillian Kuikman (nee Hilton) of Evergreen Park, passed away on September 20, 2021 in Burr Ridge, IL . Beloved wife of the late William C. Kuikman. Devoted mother of Diane Tande (Tom Bayus), Lori (Jim) Savage, Donna Pechousek.  Fond stepmother of Billy (Susan) Kuikman and Bob (Mary Ellen) Kuikman.Dear grandmother of Sheila (Tom) Nicholson, Kenneth Tande, Kimberly Savage, Ben (Carly) Kuikman, Matt (Megan) Kuikman. Great-grandmother of nine. Loving cousin and friend to many. A visitation will be held Monday, September 27, 2021, from 10 AM to the time of service at 11:30 AM at Adolf Funeral Home, 7000 S. Madison St. Willowbrook, IL 60527. Interment will be held at Chapel Hill Gardens South Cemetery, Worth, IL

Michael Thomas Beaudin, Jr. of Hinsdale passed away on Sunday, September 19 in Chicago, IL.  Michael was born on January 8, 1997 in Winfield, IL to Liz and Mike Beaudin. Michael grew up in Hinsdale and attended Fenwick High School (‘15) in Oak Park, IL where he was the Student Body President, Debate Team Captain, TEAMS member, National Honor Society, and Illinois State Scholar. He graduated from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (‘19) earning a BS in Computer Engineering while participating as an officer in Sigma Alpha Epsilon social fraternity and Phi Gamma Nu Business Fraternity as well as a Project Manager for Illinois Business Consulting and a member of Engineers without Borders.  After college, Michael went to work as a consultant for Microsoft Corporation and volunteered as a Junior Board Member for Project Exploration. Growing up, Michael was an avid soccer player.  He was a multi-year soccer team Captain at Fenwick, also an MVP.  He enjoyed playing tennis and golf.  He was a lifelong Blackhawks fan, and enjoyed attending many Cubs games. Michael is the loving son of Elizabeth (nee Callan) and Michael T. Beaudin, Sr.  Beloved brother of Mary and John “Jack” Beaudin, and future brother-in-law to Michael Spaeth.  Dear grandson of Robert (the late Mary) Callan, Sr., and Margaret and Lawrence Beaudin, Jr.  Fond nephew to 14 aunts and uncles and cousin to 19. A visitation will be held Friday, September 24, 2021 from 4 pm-8 pm at Adolf Funeral Home, 7000 S. Madison St. Willowbrook, IL 60527. Family and friends will meet Saturday, September 25, 2021 for a 12 pm Mass of Christian Burial at Saint Isaac Jogues Catholic Church, 4th and Clay St., Hinsdale, IL 60521. Interment will be private. Memorials may be made to Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, www.JDRF.org/.

Robert A. Bilshausen, a U.S. Army Purple Heart Vietnam veteran and 45-year resident of Oak Brook, IL, passed away peacefully in September 2021. He was 82. Born in Chicago to German and Lithuanian parents, he attended Lane Tech High School and studied computer science at the Illinois Institute of Technology prior to working for United Airlines and Argonne National Laboratory. Bob was an avid aviator and wonderful shindig host, with unparalleled experiences that he shared to the delight of family and friends. Survivors include his wife of 58 years, Beverly; daughter Yvonne Bilshausen; son Ehren (Lindsay) Bilshausen; grandchildren Rhys, Simone, Lauren, and Joseph; sisters Vicki and Diane; and a beautiful German Shepherd Dog. Private internment in Robert’s honor will be held at the Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery, Elwood, IL. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to The American Legion THB Post 187 – 310 W Butterfield Rd., Elmhurst, IL 60126 or the USO (https://uso.org).  For funeral info 630-325-2300 or adolfservices.com

James Willis McCraven III. 72 years of age, at rest September 11, 2021.  U S Army and U S Navy veteran.  Loving husband of Bernadette.  Dear father of Jamie (Ronald) Howe.  Brother of Stormy Howland and the late Kathleen Gap.  Devoted grandfather of Madeleine and Jackson Howe.  Visitation is Thursday, September 16, 2021 from 2:00 pm until 8:00 pm at Adolf Funeral Home, Ltd., 2921 S. Harlem Ave., Berwyn.  Religious service at 7:00 pm.  Final resting place at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery at a future date.  Info at 708-484-4111 or www.adolfservices.com.

Barbara J. Raz, 75 yrs. of age, at rest September 8, 2021.  Loving wife of Gerald.  Dear mother of Joshua (Karla) Highland, Micah (Tracy) Highland and Jessica Highland.   Grandmother of Trevor, Kailey, Audrey, Dahlia, Henry, Sloane and Vivian.  Sister of Janet Erickson, Diane (Sal) Campanile, and the late Edward Erickson and the late Robert Erickson.  Sister-in-law of Penny Erickson. Memorial visitation is Saturday, September 25, 2021 from 3:00 pm until 8:00 pm at Adolf Funeral Home, Ltd., 2921 S. Harlem Ave., Berwyn.  Service at 7:00 pm.  Info at 708-484-4111 or www.adolfservices.com.

Jeanette Meril (nee Chaloupka) 94, left this earth on September 7, 2021.  Born November 8, 1926, she was the beloved daughter of Emma and Frank and pre-deceased by her husband, Joseph; twin brother, Arthur; and sisters Louise and Joyce.  She is survived by her daughter Karen and grandchildren Melissa (Josh) and Dan (Lisa).

Jean was always smiling, perpetually approaching life with great joy and a positive attitude despite the challenges she faced.  She was a proud member of the Women of the Moose (Berwyn Chapter 325), serving in a number of leadership positions.  She cherished the friendships of her Moose Family and participating in weekly Bingo (taking great pride in her mastery of calling the games).  Her years at Central Baptist Village brought new connections and experiences thanks to the incredible care given by the kind and compassionate staff.  The epitome of a people person, Jean’s wisdom and spirit will live on in the countless people whose lives she touched.

In lieu of flowers, donations are preferred to Moose Charities, 155 S. International Drive, Mooseheart, IL  60539 or moosecharities.org.

Michael Joseph Widrlechner, of Westmont, passed away on Thursday, September 2nd at Good Samaritan Hospital.   He was born in Chicago, Illinois on May 16, 1954, to the late Charles V. Widrlechner and Rosanne (Riley) Widrlechner.   Beloved husband of Judith (Lehner) Widrlechner.  Loving Father of Terrence C.( Maureen McLaughlin, future daughter-in-law, and her daughter Mackenzie Nicpon) Widrlechner, and Patrick J. (Lisa) Widrlechner.  Grand Dogs Brody and Addison.  Michael grew up in Clarendon Hills, IL. Attended Hinsdale Central High School and was a graduate of Roosevelt University where he received his Bachelor’s Degree and Paralegal Certification.  He met Judy while employed at Jewel Foods.  They recently celebrated 44 years together.  Michaels career path took him from Marketing Director for two Chicago Food Brokers, to a Manager-Trainer for Pier 1 Imports, then on to American International University as an Admissions Adviser, then to Nielsen TV Ratings as a Marketing Representative Trainer for the Chicago Region, ending his career as a Laser Technician for Fortec Medical, “Dr. Laser” as his nephews and nieces called him, traveled to Hospitals in multiple states.  He took pride and teaching and assisting people.   In between career opportunities, Michael substitute taught for Westmont Community District 201, Westmont High School and Supervised the Lifeguards, and Volunteered as a Paralegal Intern at the Illinois Department of Corrections.  Michael was a volunteer for 20 years with Civil Air Patrol, Air Force Auxiliary where he held the rank of 1st Lieutenant.   He was an active member of the Westmont Alumni Police Academy and in the Catholic Church teaching CCD in the God Parent Program at Notre Dame in Clarendon Hills and as an Usher at Holy Trinity Catholic Church.   Michael was an avid fly fisherman that loved sports, and biking but family life was what he loved most, attending sporting events and other activities of his sons.   He treasured the Family Adventures together, hiking, river rafting, boating, snorkeling, scuba, and free diving.  Michael’s life was dedicated to teaching and helping people.  He believed that each day was an opportunity to learn. A visitation will be held on Friday, September 10 from 4-7 PM at Adolf Funeral Home, 7000 S. Madison St. Willowbrook, IL. masks required, bow ties optional.  Family and friends will meet on Saturday, September 11 at 9:30 AM for a funeral mass at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, 25 E. Richmond St. Westmont, IL. In lieu of flowers, memorials are appreciated to Honolulu Police Relief Association (hprahawaii.org) 1537 Young Street  #200, Honolulu, Hawaii  96286 or the U.S. Coast Guard Foundation coastguardfoundation.org/guardian2021 394 Taugwonk Road, Stonington, CT 06378-1807. 

Gary M. Wolff, age 69, at rest August 28, 2021. Devoted brother of David (Joan) Wolff, Ray Wolff, Jeannette (Thomas) Lafond and Carol Houghton, and brother-in-law of Robert Thompson. Beloved Uncle of Marnie, Russell (Julie), Nicholas, Marissa, Brandy and Jeff. Great-uncle of Alyssa. Gary possessed a very gentle and humble spirit. He was very devoted to his family and friends alike, always expressing his kindness and warm heart. He enjoyed many years of riding his Harley Davidson motorcycle and attending Toys for Tots on an annual basis. He also enjoyed clay target shooting with his brothers and going to the gun ranges.  He followed in his father's footsteps with many mechanical abilities and doing crossword puzzles.  Before his retirement, he worked as a diesel mechanic, and eventually became a truck driver. In his final months, he enjoyed helping out his nephew Russ & his Dad (Bob) with Russ' woodworking hobby. Gary was preceded in death by his parents Bernice and Chester Wolff and his sisters Diane Sugar (Justin Sugar) and Christine Thompson.

Visitation on Tuesday September 7^th from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm (Prayer Service 7:00 pm) at Adolf Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Ltd. 7000 S. Madison St; Willowbrook.

Family and friends will gather Wednesday September 8th at 10:30 am for a graveside prayer service at Resurrection Cemetery 200 W. Romeo Road, Romeoville. Information: 630-325-2300 or adolfservices.com

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Evelyn E. Popela (nee Dietz) 101 years of life, peacefully passed away August 24, 2021 in her home.  She was born February 28, 1920. Evelyn was the beloved wife and best friend of her one and only love, the late James Popela, Jr.  Evelyn was a familiar neighborhood merchant as the owner of Two Sisters serving the community for 43 years of business.  Not only was she active in her community  but she also contributed to the book by Douglas Deuchler, “Images of America, Berwyn”.  Evelyn is survived by her brother and many nieces and nephews with one great niece named after her.  Evelyn found joy hosting many family gatherings to include bus trips around the US, grand marshalling the Houby Parade, and the Saturday After Thanksgiving bash celebrated at Old Prague where the entire family and friends would gather for some of the best Czech food in Berwyn.  Evelyn is predeceased by her brother Ken, and her sisters Galdys, Ann, and Peggy.