Karl Frederick Walter, age 89, of Plainfield, Illinois, passed away peacefully on May 17, 2026, following a brief battle with cancer. Born in Chicago on June 21, 1936, Karl lived a charmed life defined by devotion to family, service to country and community, and an unwavering optimism and boundless energy that touched everyone who knew him. Karl was the beloved husband of 65 years to Margaret Julie (née Joyce); loving father of Kimberly Stuhler (Joseph), Kathleen, Michael, and Daniel (Yasuka); proud grandfather of Derek, Max, Ryan, Connor and Emma; and cherished great-grandfather of Cambria and Olivia. He is also survived by his sister Fran Schroeder. Karl joins his parents, Carl & Ann, and his sister Elfrieda Gray in their edelweiss-adorned afterlife. A proud veteran, Karl honorably served in the United States Navy on active duty and later in the United States Navy and Coast Guard Reserves. During his distinguished thirty year military career, he served as a Coast Guard Special Agent and retired as a Chief Warrant Officer, the highest non-commissioned officer rank. His service took him around the world, including assignments in Yokosuka and Sasebo, Japan, and he took great pride in having circumnavigated the globe aboard the USS Prairie. Last year, he also proudly participated in the prestigious “Honor Flight” to Washington D.C. for senior war veterans. Karl dedicated more than thirty years to law enforcement with the Chicago and Romeoville Police Departments, serving as a Chicago Police Department Detective and earning the respect and admiration of colleagues and community members alike. He was a graduate of St. Joseph’s College in Indiana and remained deeply involved in St. Christina Parish and St. Andrew’s Food Pantry throughout his life. Karl was a loving and devoted husband and father, a doting grandfather, a loyal friend, a helpful neighbor, and a dedicated coach. Known for his endless energy and quick pace through life, Karl was a talented handyman, an amateur boat-builder, an avid walker and recreational sportsman, a world traveler, and an eternal optimist. His witticisms were legendary and his story-telling epic. Karl’s warmth, generosity, humor, and steadfastness will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing and loving him. Visitation will be held at Anderson Memorial Home, 21131 W Renwick Rd, Plainfield IL, 60544 on Sunday, June 7th from 3-7pm. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Andrew the Apostle Church, 505 Kingston Dr, Romeoville IL at 10am, June 8th followed by interment at Abraham Lincoln Memorial Cemetery at noon. In lieu of flowers, you may donate to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital (stjude.org) or Lightways Hospice Care (lightways.org) in his honor. www.Anderson-Goodale.com (815-577-5250)
AND…
John Arnold Kampwirth Jr.
OBITUARY
John (Jack) Kampwirth Jr., Born April 19, 1971, 55, passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday, May 13, 2026. Third generation Chicago Firefighter, preceded in death by his father and fishing partner (2011) and grandfather (1985), both Jack.
Beloved husband of Tammie (Hoiseck); Cherished, wonderful son of Mary M., nee Davi, and the late Jack Kampwirth; Loving father to Sean, Erin, Natallia, Samantha, and Hayley; Dear brother of Lisa (Chris) Beissmann; Beloved grandfather of Rylie Kampwirth, Carter, Mia, Jillian, Emmett, and Camila; Loving uncle to Brianna and Dylan Beissmann; Fond nephew and cousin to many; Dear friend to many over the years. Jack will be greatly missed and will live through his family and our memories.
Memorial Visitation-
Wednesday, June 3, 2026-
Blake & Lamb, 4-8 pm,
4727 W. 103 Street, Oak Lawn, IL 60453
Thursday, June 4, 2026
Memorial Mass, 11:30-12:30
St. Christina Church,
3342 W. 111 Street,
Chicago, IL 60655
AND…
William Olszewski, age, 96, passed away surrounded by love on Friday, May 29, 2026 at Lightways Hospice and Serious Illness Care. He was born in Chicago, IL on August 26, 1929 to the late Matthew and Catherine (nee Gorka) Olszewski. He proudly served as a Corporal in the United States Army for 3 years, where his life was marked by unwavering resilience, steadfast dedication, and exceptional courage. William found great joy in life’s simple pleasures and the moments shared with those he loved most. A devoted Chicago Cubs fan through every season, he rarely missed the chance to cheer on his favorite team. He also enjoyed polka dancing, where his lively spirit and love of music shined brightly. William could often be found working on puzzles with patience and determination or trying his luck at the casino, always enjoying the excitement and camaraderie that came with it. His warm personality, sense of humor, and appreciation for life’s joys will be fondly remembered by all who knew him. He is survived by his children, Janice Spann, Joyce (Joe) Taylor, William Olszewski, Jr., Wayne (Linda) Olszewski, Warren Olszewski, Robin (Joe) Dumas, Judy Rolston, Charles (Denise) Waide, and Jennifer (Rob) Tidwell; grandchildren, Danny, Megan, Samantha, Ashley (Mario), Warren Jr. (Kristy), Courtney (Ricky), Stephanie, Rebecca, Sarah, Ryan, and Robbie; great-grandchildren, Aedin, Charlotte, Kaitlyn, Ava, Colton, Grayson, Scarlett, and Sawyer. William is preceded in death by his parents and 13 siblings. As it was William’s request, cremation rites have been accorded and services will be held privately by family. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in William’s name to Lightways Hospice and Serious Illness Care. For more information, please call 815-741-5500 or visit his Memorial Tribute at http://www.fredcdames.com, where you can share a favorite memory or leave an online condolence
AND…
J u s t A R e m i n d e r
Southside Retired Detectives Reunion
Area One, Area Two, Olde Area Three
115 Bourbon Street
3359 West 115th Street , Merrionette Park IL
Tuesday, 4 August 2026
1130-1630 hours
$35.00 includes buffet lunch and refreshments
(Pay at the Door)
RSVP by Tuesday, 28 July 2026 to
Frank Glynn (620) 773-401-8890 frankglynn03@gmail.com
Joan Richardson(630, 610, 606) 773-386-3460 southsidedetectives@gmail.com
Janet McCarthy (630, 610, 606) 773-233-1395 southsidedetectives@gmail.com
IT’S THAT TIME AGAIN! As of this writing, the South Side Retired Detectives’ Reunion for 2026 is alive and well. This year’s date is Tuesday, 04 August 2026. We hope to see all of you on that day. Bourbon Street has been very accommodating in helping to plan this event and, as such, we are asking that if you plan to attend, please RSVP by Tuesday, 28 July 2026.
Please feel free to pass this information along to your retired CPD co-workers who may not be on our mailing list, especially for those who have retired in the past few years. We’d like to keep our list as up-to-date as possible. If they would like to be added to the mailing list, have them contact one of the above. Hope to see each and every one of you on Tuesday, 4 August 2026.
