Lorene Adele Kuklinski

Lorene "Lori" Adele Kuklinski (née Oster) was born on Monday, February 23, 1942, at Iroquois Memorial Hospital in Watseka, Illinois, to Carl W. Oster and Vera E. Oster (née Strough). Lorene passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by her family, on April 25.

From a young age, Lorene had a deep love of music. She played the cornet in the school band, sang in the choir, and brought her spirited energy to the cheerleading squad. She graduated proudly from Gilman High School-Class of 1960.

Lorene met the love of her life, Vincent A. Kuklinski, Sr., and the two were married on April 10, 1965. They shared a devoted and loving marriage until his passing on July 5, 1993. Their life together was marked by deep commitment, family, and enduring love.

Lorene grew up in Danforth, Illinois, and later made her home in Homewood, Illinois, where she lived for the remainder of her life, aside from a brief period in Farmersville, Ohio, with her husband and family. She is remembered as full of life, passionate, selfless, and always present for those she loved.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Vincent; her parents, Carl and Vera; and her brother, Loren.

Lorene is survived by her five children: Susan Zimmer (Skip) of St. Charles, Missouri; Katherine Clayton (Brent) of Rushville, Illinois; William "Troy" Kuklinski (Judie) of Gurnee, Illinois; Vincent "Allen" Kuklinski, Jr. of Lockport, Illinois; and Stacie Santangelo (Anthony) of Oak Lawn, Illinois.

She was the cherished grandmother of Megan Reilly, Mia Reilly, William Grigsby, Kamden Kuklinski, Gabbie Kuklinski, Sophie Kuklinski, and Gracie Ward. She was also the proud great‑grandmother of six, great‑great‑grandmother of one, and is survived by her nephews Todd Oster and William Oster, along with many cousins, extended family, and friends.

Lorene worked as a medical receptionist for South Suburban Gastroenterology for over 20 years; and earlier served as the catering director at Calumet Country Club. She retired in 2018 at the age of 75. She was a devoted member of Salem Lutheran Church in Homewood, Illinois, for more than 60 years and had a deep love and passion for the Lord. She enjoyed traveling, spending time with her family, and was well known for her affection for her beloved cats.

Lorene's services will be held on Wednesday, April 29th at Tews‑Ryan Funeral Home in Homewood, Illinois. Visitation will be from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM, with a chapel service immediately following. She will be laid to rest at St. Paul's Lutheran Cemetery in Flossmoor. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Association, the American Heart Association, or PAWS. For further information, please contact tews-ryanfh.com or call 708-798-5300.

"She taught us how to love, how to laugh, and how to live with an open heart. Her legacy is written in all of us."