MERLE BARTA
Merle Barta was an incredibly dear and loving man who is mourned by his surviving family: sister Joanne Ruble; nieces Cheryl Holewinski and Christine (James) Fischer; plus grandnephews and grandnieces Melissa Holewinski, Carlton Fischer, Braden Fischer, Benjamin Holewinski, Samuel Fischer, Claire Holewinski, Taite Ying Fischer; and great-grandnieces Kylie Holewinski and Melodie Lopez.
He was born in Melrose Park, Illinois on Oct. 16, 1941 to John and Clara (nee Brettman) Barta. After graduating from Willowbrook High School, he worked in the food service industry before moving with his parents to Arkansas. Upon his dad’s death in 1977, he returned with his mom to Lombard to be closer to his sister and nieces. He was a valued employee at the Original Pancake House in Villa Park for over 40 years.
God blessed him with a big heart; love, joy, and peace flowed from Merle with every smile, every belly laugh, and every hug he poured out on his sister, nieces, grandnephews, and grandnieces. He was the epitome of kindness. Family, friends, and colleagues saw someone who was so much more than he appeared. Strangers immediately became friends of a gentle man who truly cared about everyone.
We will miss the creativity of his art and the gifts he gave us all. We will miss his jolly sense of humor. We will miss his sneaky skill at family games.
When we celebrated his 80th birthday, dozens of people saw a man full of life.
We are grateful for the selfless care and attention lavished on Merle by his team at Community Care and the staff at Parkview Gardens, Racine, Wisconsin, in his final years. Their dedication helped him enjoy a superior quality of life. We also appreciate the staff of ProMedica Hospice for their outstanding and compassionate support during his final days.
Merle is no longer physically with us, but we know that the separation is temporary because through faith in Jesus as his Savior we will be reunited with him in Heaven.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Merle’s name to the ProMedica Hospice Memorial Fund.
Services were held at Trinity Lutheran Church in Villa Park, IL on Saturday, Nov. 5, 2022. Interment at Chapel Hill Gardens West. Arrangements through Steuerle Chapel. 630-832-4161. www.steuerlefh.com.
JOSEPH SALAMONE
Joseph Salamone, age 81, of Lombard. Beloved husband of Laura, née Popko; loving father of Sam Salamone, Juliette (Steve) Stotler, and Jennifer Salamone (Matthew Riha); devoted grandfather of Thomas, Daniel (Lisa), Jon, and Michael, Steven and Travis, and Ryan, Riley, and Karsyn; great-grandfather of Vivian and Lily; fond brother of Mario (Janet) Salamone; uncle of Vickie (Joe), Bill, and Beth (Phil); cousin and friend of many. Proud owner and operator of Jo-Von Movers for over 25 years.
Visitation and service were Friday, November 4th. Interment private.
In lieu of flowers, memorials to the Alzheimer’s Association, American Diabetes Association, or to the wishes of the family are appreciated.
For info: www.knollcrest.net or 630-932-1500.
DONALD J. WHITLOCK
Donald “Don” J. Whitlock, Sr., age 92, of Lombard, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family.
Don was the beloved husband of the late Phyllis C. Whitlock; loving father of Patti (Ed) Kring and Laurie (Jack) Kammerer; dear grandfather of Kevin (Rebecca) Kring and Katherine Kring, Chris (Kristen) Kammerer, John (Christina) Kammerer and Brian (Tara) Kammerer, and Jennifer (Steven) Reynolds; great-grandfather of Megan and Josh Kammerer and Henry Kring; fond brother of Chuck Whitlock, Bill Whitlock and Jim (Linda) Whitlock; caring uncle of many nieces and nephews. Don was preceded in death by his loving parents, Jim and Helen Whitlock.
Don and his brothers owned and operated Whitlock Enterprise (W.E. Auto Parts), serving the DuPage County area for over 50 years.
Don was a proud Air Force Veteran. He was an avid Chicago sports fan, hunter, fisherman and car enthusiast.
A Visitation will be held on Friday, November 11, from 4-7 p.m. at Brust Funeral Home, 135 S. Main St., Lombard. Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, November 12, with Prayers at 10 a.m. at the funeral home, processing to 10:30 a.m. Mass at Christ the King Church, 1501 S. Main St., Lombard. Entombment will follow at Assumption Cemetery, Wheaton.
Info: www.brustfuneralhome.com or 888-629-0094.
