Elmer I. Kondla, 90, Machinist
Brookfield resident Elmer C. Kondla, 90, died at his home on July 30, 2005.
He was born in Chicago on July 30, 1915 to Ignashas and Lillian Kondla and served in the U.S. Army during World War II. He married Blanche (nee Houska), who preceded her husband in death, and he worked as a machinist prior to his retirement.
Mr. Kondla is survived by his son, Thomas A. Kondla of Brookfield, and his granddaughter, Tracy. He was also preceded in death by his parents; his daughter, Patricia Kondla; and his sister, Violet (the late Charles) Materna.
A funeral service, officiated by the Rev. Roland Bizer, was held Aug. 1 at Hitzeman Funeral Home, Brookfield, with interment in Woodlawn Cemetery, Forest Park, on Aug. 2.
Memorial contributions were appreciated to the First Congregational Church of Brookfield, 9146 Lincoln Ave., Brookfield, Ill. 60513.
Robert J. Sponder, 78, Founded Catholic book company
Robert J. Sponder, 78, a longtime Riverside resident who was a very active member of St. Mary Parish, died July 31, 2005 at his home.
Mr. Sponder, a Korean War veteran, was a graduate of Quigley Preparatory School, DePaul University and the Chicago Archdiocese Lay Ministry Formation Program. He retired as vice president of Lawyers Title Insurance Corp. (now Land America Inc.), and founded Catholic Bookrack Services.
He was an active minister at St. Mary’s for over 30 years, serving as a master catechist, reader of scripture, communion minister, coordinator of altar servers and as the first parish recipient of the Chicago Archdiocese Christifideles Award.
Mr. Sponder is survived by his children, Diane Sponder, Mary Ellen (Norbert) Tyrus, Susan Sponder, Carol (David) Luisi, Thomas (Nanette) Sponder, the Rev. John Sponder, Jean (Jeffrey) Bates, James (Carmen Garcia) Sponder and David Sponder; his sister, Dorothy Humbert; and eight grandchildren.
Visitation will be Friday, Aug. 5 from 3 to 9 p.m. at Ivins Funeral Home, 80 E. Burlington St. in Riverside. A funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, Aug. 6 at 10 a.m. at St. Mary Church, 126 Herrick Road, Riverside, followed by interment in Queen of Heaven Cemetery, Hillside.
Memorial contributions are appreciated to the St. Mary Building Fund, 126 Herrick Road, Riverside, Ill. 60546.
George C. Komarek, 85, Tool and die maker
George C. Komarek, a resident of Brookfield, died July 29, 2005 at LaGrange Memorial Hospital at the age of 85.
Mr. Komarek was born in Chicago on July 29, 1920 to Charles R. and Agnes M. (nee Krivanek) Komarek. He was employed as a tool and die maker prior to his retirement, and was married to Elizabeth Komarek, who survives her husband.
He is also survived by his daughters, Sharon (Ralph) Gendron and Gail (Richard) Womack; his stepson, Gene (Kathleen) LaFave of Antioch; his stepdaughter, Marianne (Gary) Jacobs, nine grandchildren and six great grandchildren. He was also preceded in death by his son, Gerald Komarek.
A funeral Mass will be held today, Aug. 3 at 10 a.m. at St. Louise de Marillac Church, 30th Street and Harrison Avenue in LaGrange Park, followed by interment in Queen of Heaven Cemetery, Hillside.
Hitzeman Funeral Home, Brookfield, handled arrangements.
Charles James memorial service Saturday
A memorial service for former Brookfield village trustee and longtime Brookfield-North Riverside water commissioner Charles James will be held Aug. 6 at 11 a.m. at the Oakridge Abbey, 4031 W. Roosevelt Road in Hillside.
Mr. James, who died May 19, 2005 at the age of 94, was active in Brookfield village government for four decades, serving as a village trustee from 1961-78. He served as water commissioner from 1988 to 2002, when he and his wife, Alice (nee Jiral), moved to Dixon.
