Greetings fellow Oak Lawnians!
I am saddened to announce the passing of a beloved family member, my mother-in-law, Maryanna F. Petzel.
She passed away peacefully in her sleep at her home on Sept. 2, just a month before her 95th birthday.
In the weeks leading up to her death, family members remained on constant vigil and were able to share many wonderful final moments with her and to say their respective goodbyes. Eventually, the Rev. Michael Flynn, associate pastor of St. Gerald Parish, was summoned to her home in Oak Lawn to administer last rites.
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Maryanna Petzel and her husband, Bill Petzel, were long-standing members of St. Gerald Parish and the community. They had been married for 71 years when he passed in 2012.
Born in 1921, Maryanna Beranek was one of seven children born to her parents — three of whom are still living — Joseph Beranek, Clare Markle and Thomas Beranek. Little did she know when she grew up, she, too, would become a parent of seven children.
She was raised at 55th and Throop streets in Chicago and attended Lourdes High School.
She met her husband at the Pershing Ballroom in Chicago in 1939 during World War II. Recently, she retold the story of the night they met. He had asked her to dance and, once he asked, she said “that was it. He was good looking, he had a nice smile and he had a nice way about him — and he was a good dancer.”
She often shared with the family that she “knew Bill was the right one, she just felt it.”
They were married on Aug. 30, 1941. She enjoyed sharing the story of their wedding day.
She remembered it was a very hot day and people were fainting from the heat. In fact, her soon-to-be husband almost fainted. She would often laugh while retelling that story.
Throughout their long and happy life together, whenever either retold the story of the first time they met, they each said, “It was love at first sight.”
After their first anniversary, Bill Petzel joined the Navy and served a tour of duty of 38 months. When he came home, they started their family in Oak Lawn. They had their first child in 1943.
They would eventually raise seven children, three boys and four girls — William Petzel, Joseph Petzel, Kathleen Gornik, Thomas Petzel, Mary Sue McInerney, Deborah Weston and Sharon Peterson.
She said that being a mother “is very joyful. It’s a wonderful feeling — there’s nothing else like it.”
Her advice for raising children was simple: “Don’t hit them, listen to them. Don’t believe everything you hear and never go to bed angry with your children. Always make sure you tell them you love them.”
In time, she and her husband would become the proud grandparents of 21 and great-grandparents to 11.
Maryanna Petzel, like her husband, had a special relationship with each of their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. In fact, several of their children, grandchildren and other family members live in Oak Lawn.
But it was Maryanna Petzel and her husband’s home that was always the hub for family activities. Even after Bill Petzel passed, the couple’s home continued to be the family gathering spot every day.
In 2006, the couple renewed their 65th anniversary vows at St. Gerald Church in Oak Lawn. It was a proud and happy moment for them and their family.
I once asked them if there was ever a time during their (then-67 years together) relationship when things were too tough to get through, they both responded, “No, not really.”
Maryanna Petzel always enjoyed a good joke — actually, she just enjoyed a good laugh. It was not uncommon for her to break out and sing a song anytime of the day.
“My Blue Heaven” was the couple’s song. In their younger days and, after Bill Petzel retired, they enjoyed dancing, swimming at their then-local YMCA, going to casinos, touring the country together in their recreational vehicle and attending school functions for their grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
The couple were devoted to each other, and their life together was a true love story. Her family takes comfort in knowing that she has been reunited with the one love of her life, Bill Petzel. Having Maryanna Petzel as my mother-in-law has been a privilege and an honor.
Here are this week’s featured celebrity announcements: Happy third birthday to Ellie Makuch from her parents and brothers, Jack and Luke. Happy birthday to Dylan Suchy and Nelson Quintana, who are both turning 13. Happy 14th birthday to Matthew Berger. Happy 15th birthday to Aislee Klups from her family. Happy 18th birthday to Declan Brown and Lisa Truesdale. Happy 20th birthday to Tom DeMoss from his parents, Diane and Jim, and Andie. Happy birthday to Kody Frega and Jeffrey Bauer from their parents. Birthday wishes also go out to Jeffrey parents, Beverly and Jeffrey Bauer. Happy 28th birthday to Bill Kalant from his parents, Kathy and Tony. Stephanie Laidlaw’s parents wish her a happy 29th birthday. Happy 29th birthday to Laura Baikie and Mike Walwent. Happy birthday to Dawn Carlsen from her grandchildren, Jonathan, Grace, Jilliann, Steven and Erica. Birthday wishes go out to Heather Gilligan from her husband, Tim, their children and family. Happy birthday to Vicki Brooks from Frank, Tim, Kristen, Eddie, Teddy and Meaner. Happy birthday to Donna Burns. Happy 96th birthday to Russell Markle from Clare and their family.
Wedding anniversary wishes go out to the following couples: Sean and Alena Aurnada on their fourth anniversary; Dana and Beth Escamilla’s ninth anniversary; Michael and Marcie Sanfrantello’s 12th anniversary; Christopher and Bonnie Reich’s 14th anniversary; Michael and Patricia Fitzgerald’s 16th anniversary; Kurt and Yvonne Wilamowsky’s 17th anniversary; Charlie and Debbie Gonsowsky’s 24th anniversary, and Tom and Chris on their 25th anniversary. Golden anniversary wishes go out to William and Josephine Maliscewski on their 50th anniversary.
Keep your fellow Oak Lawnians informed about birthdays, special events or special “stuff” going on with your family or within the community.
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Contact me on my cell 708-899-9544 or e-mail me at [email protected].
Until next time …