Obituaries: Azukas, Gutierrez

Posted on December 18, 2017

Kenneth Azukas

Kenneth J. Azukas, 89 of Normal, passed away at 2:43 p.m., Sunday, December 17, 2017 at Advocate-BroMenn Medical Center following a brief illness.

Visitation will be today, December 19, from 4-6 p.m. at Carmody-Flynn Funeral Home. His Funeral Mass will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday, December 20, at Epiphany Catholic Church in Normal with Monsignor Eric Powell officiating.  Immediately following the interment at Holy Cross Cemetery in Normal, the family will host a celebration of Ken’s life at Jim’s Steakhouse in Bloomington, his favorite restaurant.

Ken was a loving husband, father, father in-law and grandfather. He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Bernadine Lalley Azukas, who he married on May 10, 1958 in Oak Park, IL. Also surviving are three daughters, Janice Poppen, Susan (James) Dischert, both of Bloomington and Nancy (James) Wolfe of St. Louis, MO, and 7 grandchildren: Jacob Poppen, Kenna, Tyler and Ben Dischert and James, Adam and William Wolfe.

Ken was preceded in death by his parents Joseph and Peggy Green Azukas.

Ken was proud of his military service during the Korean Conflict, serving from 1950 to 1952. He took great pride being a veteran. After spending 40 years as an Internal Auditor at Country Financial, he retired in 1987.

Ken loved his family, especially visits to and from his grandkids and grand dogs. He enjoyed fishing, traveling, casino trips and taking pictures to capture so many memories over the years. He especially loved the beaches of Florida and the many cruises he took.

Memorials can be made in Ken’s name to Epiphany Catholic Church.

To express condolences online, please visit www.carmodyflynn.com.

Ruben Gutierrez

Ruben Gutierrez, 72, Fairbury, died at 1:01 p.m. Saturday, December 16, 2017 at his residence, Fairbury.

A graveside service will be held at 1 p.m, Thursday, December 21, 2017 at Avoca Twp. Cemetery, rural Fairbury. Fr. Scott Archer will officiate. Duffy-Pils Memorial Home, Fairbury is assisting with arrangements.

Mr. Gutierrez was born February 2, 1945 in Linares, Mexico the son of Jasnito and Maria Cantu Gutierrez. They precede him in death.

Surviving is one brother, Ricardo (Arlene) Gutierrez, Fairbury.

The family suggests memorials be given to the charity of their choice.

A guest registry is available at www.duffypilsmemorialhome.com.

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